[IL-Talk] FW: [MN-at-Large] BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services

[Yousufuddin Syed]

Bob, you're right, it's a shocker. This is hard to register. I went to
the BLIND, Inc in 2001 for six months, and those six months has
changed my life. I wish I could do something to prevent this.
Syed

On 12/19/23, Robert Gardner via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> This was a shocker to me. I'm stunned something like this could happen.
>
>
>
> From: MN-At-Large <mn-at-large-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of David
> Andrews via MN-At-Large
> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 8:01 PM
> To: mn-at-large at nfbnet.org
> Cc: dandrews920 at comcast.net
> Subject: [MN-at-Large] BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services
>
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> It is with a heavy heart that I forward an announcement from BLIND, Inc.
> below my signature.
>
>
>
> From its founding in 1986, the Minnesota affiliate has been a special
> partner of BLIND, Inc., and we remain committed to one another's success.
> Early next year, members of the NFB of Minnesota will meet to discuss this
> news, decide on a path forward for our building, and develop new solutions
> for adjustment-to-blindness training in Minnesota. In the immediate term, I
> ask that you join me in steadfast support of the staff and students who are
> most directly affected in the ways that you individually feel called.
>
>
>
> Knowing that many of you will want to contribute your time, talents,
> networks, and finances during this transition, I encourage you to connect
> with Ryan Strunk-who chairs the BLIND, Inc. board - via email at
> BoardChair at BLINDInc.org <mailto:BoardChair at BLINDInc.org> .
>
>
>
> Corbb
>
>
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> Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
>
> www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org>  | (612) 872-9363
>
>
>
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> Announcement: BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services
>
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> The Board of Directors of Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions, Inc.
> (BLIND, Inc.) regrets to announce that we will temporarily suspend all of
> our programs and services as of January 1, 2024.
>
>
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> We take this action with heavy hearts. After extensive deliberation over
> our
> current financial and organizational obligations, we believe suspending
> operations at this time in order to make future plans is the best and most
> responsible available course of action. This decision comes after a review
> of compounded circumstances that have developed over a period of years,
> leaving our organization with inadequate resources to advance our mission
> at
> this time. One factor of this evaluation is that our current building, the
> Pillsbury Mansion, which is on the national historic registry, needs
> millions of dollars in renovations that must be done in a manner that
> preserves its historic character. Unfortunately, we have determined that we
> are not in a position to undertake the necessary building renovations while
> still providing quality adjustment-to-blindness training.
>
>
>
> We recognize that this decision will be painful to our students, our
> dedicated staff, and to all of our supporters in the community. We
> acknowledge that it comes at a particularly difficult time, with the
> holiday
> season and new year upon us. We were not able to find a viable way to alter
> the timing of this decision. Our leadership is working with the National
> Federation of the Blind, Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Colorado
> Center
> for the Blind to help during this transition.
>
>
>
> We deeply appreciate all of the work everyone affiliated with BLIND, Inc.
> has done over the past three decades to help blind people build the skills
> and confidence to live the lives they want. Our high-quality training has
> impacted thousands of people, not only the many students that have walked
> with us, but also the blind community who connect with the positive
> philosophy and high expectations demonstrated from our alumni and friends.
> With the continued support of our board, partners, and community, our goal
> in the coming months is to re-imagine what adjustment to blindness training
> can be, and to reopen our doors with fresh approaches and insights and on a
> sound financial footing.
>
>
>
> BLIND, Inc, established in 1986, is a training center and community of
> blind
> and low-vision people, proudly affiliated with the National Federation of
> the Blind. We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage
> and challenge each student. When you believe in yourself and experience a
> thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from
> pursuing your dreams. Our mission and values will continue to guide us to
> dream without limits, be bold, and work with love. Thank you for your
> support.
>
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