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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Blind and vision impaired children ages 8-14 (3rd through 8th grade) are invited to register for an exciting new mentoring program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia presents the GUIDE Program!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>GUIDE stands for grow, unify, inspire, deliver, and engage. We will address and embrace these themes throughout the program, as we engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and games during our virtual sessions together, one Saturday per month throughout this school year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The goals of the GUIDE Program are:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Build confidence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Create new friendships.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Develop positive attitudes about blindness and vision impairment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Who We Serve<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The GUIDE Program is open to all blind and vision impaired students, between the ages of 8 and 14 or in third-eighth grade, who live in the Virginia Commonwealth and who have a desire to participate. These students are the mentees of the program and will be mentored by one or more blind or vision impaired high school or college aged students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mentees between third-fifth grades will meet from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST. Mentees in sixth-eighth grades will meet from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM EST.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Program Coordinator: Ally Kelso<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm Ally and I live in Burke, Virginia. I'm a senior in high school, who enjoys singing, performing in theater productions, watching YouTube, and spending time with family and friends. I serve as the VP of Recruitment on my school choir’s student board and I also participate in Girl Scouts. After high school, I plan to combine my passions for music and helping others by pursuing a degree in music therapy. I started losing my vision at age 3 and, though it has not been easy, I've never let blindness or my genetic condition, EEC syndrome, stop me from reaching my dreams.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ally's Why Behind the GUIDE Program<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I started the GUIDE Program because I want blind and vision impaired youth to realize that, through acceptance and hard work, their visual impairment can become a minor inconvenience. I want both the mentors and mentees to know that, with the right tools, training, and attitude, they are capable of doing anything they desire. These youth, regardless of their age, need to know that they are important, strong, talented individuals who have a community of other blind and vision impaired people here to support them. If you're a student, I hope that you will join this program to realize that blindness does not define you or anybody else!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our program will have its first session in October and its last session in May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First monthly GUIDE program dates will be:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Saturday October 22<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Saturday, November 19th<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• Saturday, December 17 list end<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The registration deadline is midnight this Sunday, October 16, however for late registration reach out to us at <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:guide@nfbv.org">guide@nfbv.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parents, although we are just in high school, college, or the early stages of adulthood, the GUIDE Program team and the mentors are dedicated and eager to connect with you, work with you, and put on a successful program for all participants. Furthermore, all members of our team have completed rigorous safety training and have been vetted for suitability to work with children. If you have any additional questions, comments, requests, or concerns regarding the program, please email:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:guide@nfbv.org">guide@nfbv.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The program is being overseen by adult leaders Rebecca Peek, a licensed teacher of students with visual impairment and Louise Walch, GUIDE Coordinator. Both may be reached at the above email: <a href="mailto:guide@nfbv.org">guide@nfbv.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Register at:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ghAMPUdzvzyowHT5sc2eCpV1haUgKbE7fVNtkzGQgRQ/edit?ts=6331e3b8">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ghAMPUdzvzyowHT5sc2eCpV1haUgKbE7fVNtkzGQgRQ/edit?ts=6331e3b8</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Follow us on TikTok, or Instagram @guide_program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join our Facebook group:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>https:/<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/1365408907284113/?ref=share">www.facebook.com/groups/1365408907284113/?ref=share</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Louise Walch<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Program Coordinator<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:guide@nfbv.org">guide@nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>