<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.gmaildefault
{mso-style-name:gmail_default;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Good Afternoon NFB Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>During our recent State convention, we did not get time to hear all of the reports that we had planned. Therefore, I have asked those individuals who were going to present, to send in there reports, so that I could share them with you here. The below report has been submitted by our At-Large Chapter President, Debbie Malone. This chapter has done some great things during the past year! Keep up the good work AT-Large chapter!!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p>At-Large Chapter u<span class=gmaildefault><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>pdate</span></span> – National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p>March 2025<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Over the past year, the At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts has been actively engaged in outreach, fundraising, and spreading hope and empowerment to those affected by blindness.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>We held several successful fundraisers, which not only supported our chapter financially but also strengthened our presence in the community. Our participation in craft fairs was especially impactful. At these events, we set up tables where we sold meat sticks and t-shirts, while also distributing valuable information about blindness and the resources available through the NFB.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Beyond the fundraising, the craft fairs gave us the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the public. We were able to dispel misconceptions about blindness and offer words of encouragement to many individuals. One particularly moving encounter stands out.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>A woman in her early 60s approached our table at the Topsfield Fair. She had recently been declared legally blind and was feeling devastated. She shared her uncertainty and fear about how her life would change. However, after speaking with us and witnessing our independence and confidence firsthand, her outlook began to shift. Through our stories, support, and lived example, we were able to give her something far more valuable than information—we gave her hope.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>We helped her see that blindness does not mean the end of independence or freedom. We shared with her the philosophy that defines the NFB: with the right tools, training, and support, blind people can live the lives they want. She left the event with a renewed sense of possibility, no longer feeling defeated, but instead encouraged by the knowledge that she could still pursue her goals and live fully.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>This is the heart of what we do. It is not just about raising funds or distributing pamphlets—it is about changing lives. It is about letting people know that blindness does not define or limit them. Most importantly, it is about offering hope—the kind of hope that transforms fear into empowerment.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>We look forward to continuing this vital work in the months ahead, knowing that every interaction has the potential to make a lasting impact.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p>Debbie Malone<o:p></o:p></p><p>President, At-Large Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p>National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br clear=all><br><br><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>