This holiday season and throughout the year, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) gives thanks to its impactful volunteers for their continued service. CLB’s robust volunteer program provides extensive and extended support to CLB clients. For example, volunteers serve in multiple capacities such as the annual Camp Lighthouse, teen groups, special events, office support, and reading and visiting to adult clients.
Yvonne Bloss is one of CLB’s committed volunteers; she is extremely enthusiastic, flexible, and passionate about CLB’s mission. Yvonne’s journey with CLB began when her aunt lost her sight as a result of glaucoma, more than 30 years ago, and upon her aunt’s diagnosis, the family did not know what to do or where to turn for assistance. Fortunately, they found CLB and were very impressed with the training and support they received, which enabled her aunt to live both safely and independently with very limited vision. Yvonne witnessed the importance of CLB’s work, and after her aunt passed away, she decided to become a CLB volunteer. As a volunteer, Yvonne has become so inspired by the clients, and her volunteerism includes CLB’s youth and family services’ events such as Camp Lighthouse, the Foundations of Adjustments to Blindness sessions, and reading and visiting clients in their homes. Yvonne even teaches a monthly chair aerobics class to the adult support group, Circle of Friends, and truly enjoys the smiles and positive moods from the participants!
Yvonne’s goal with volunteerism is to learn ways that she can make her clients’ lives less stressful and more comfortable. Yvonne sums it up best, “Volunteering is the best ‘job’ that I have ever had.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind please visit our volunteering page.
