If you want human interest stories, blogs about what it’s like to live with vision loss, profiles on volunteers, clients, and staff, as well as other inspiring features, you’ve found the right place.
Video: We’re On a Mission
Our mission is to empower people with vision loss to achieve their goals and aspirations. Watch this video to see us in action — working together to accomplish that mission and change the way the world sees blindness.
Through Our Eyes: Finding A Brighter Way
Please note: Some thematic elements in this story may be triggering for certain readers. “It took me becoming blind, to see how bright my future is.” – Dillon Tarn. A young man stood on a dirt mound in the middle of a baseball diamond in Abilene, Kansas. He was facing home plate; a cap sat…
Delivering Growth Through Custom Bottles
Client Overview: A global health services organization committed to improving health, well-being and peace of mind. As part of their pharmaceutical operations, the global organization runs automated mail-order pharmacies that process and ship millions of prescriptions annually. To meet the demands of their federal contract work and long-term growth strategy, it needed a supplier that…
Through Our Eyes: Emily Haapala
“Adversity helps shape who you are.” – Emily Haapala It is a frigid morning in Kansas City, Missouri, and the ground outside the office window is blanketed in snow with a deep grey sky that promises more to come. Inside the warm office, a 28-year-old woman sits at her desk preparing for clients. The young…
Through Our Eyes: Dressed for Success
Were you to walk into my closet, you would find a variety of clothing in several different styles. You would find professional wear as well as casual. You would find dress shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, sports team apparel and what some might classify as an overabundance of jackets and coats. Located directly above my clothes is a…
Through Our Eyes: Thomas Nguyen
“Being blind has given me power.” – Thomas Nguyen The plastics manufacturing department of Alphapointe (commonly referred to simply as plastics by those who work there) is a huge brightly lit room, filled with machinery, shipping pallets, and workers weaving efficiently between equipment. It just so happens that many of the members of the team…
Through Our Eyes: Snow Blind
Buster Olney, the host of the “Baseball Tonight” podcast, was having an interesting discussion with two of his fellow analysts regarding the future of Mets first basemen Pete Alonzo. The voices of the podcast came through clearly on my noise cancelling headphones and, perhaps you imagine me listening in a comfortable chair, warm and isolated…
Through Our Eyes: Climbing the Mountain
“I may not be able to see the mountain, but I think I might like to climb up it.” Randy Becker. In the year 1982, at roughly 6:00 in the morning, in the KCMW studio located on the Central Missouri State University campus, (KCMW being an affiliate of NPR and APR radio, which is no…
Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 2
In part 2, Cameron takes us through the game where he provided commentary for an NBA playoff game.
Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 1
Cameron Black has been blind since birth. But that hasn’t stopped him from doing whatever he has wanted in life. Like throwing out the first pitch at major league baseball games, throwing ceremonial first passes at NFL games, or doing the play-by-play at an NBA playoff game.
Through Our Eyes: You Are Not A Failure
“Just because your eyes fail, does not mean you are a failure.” Bozenna Olson. Some couples meet at a young age, maybe high school sweethearts. Some might meet later in life through friends, at social gatherings, or these days maybe on a dating app. The parents of Bozenna Olson met in what could be described…
Through Our Eyes: Devin Williams
“I want to be known for who I am, and not what I am.” Devin Williams The quote above was just one of many that stuck out to me during my conversation with Devin Williams. So, in accordance with Devin’s wishes, let me tell you a little bit about who he is, and we will…
Through Our Eyes
-Story by Cameron Black “Do, or do not, there is no try.” Master Yoda “Do not adapt your life to suit your blindness, adapt your blindness to suit your life.” Cameron Black Have you ever been out in the world, perhaps on a bus on your way to work, maybe behind the wheel of your…
Mission Moment: Polly Swafford
For Polly Swafford, living with macular degeneration, a disease that limits central vision, was not only challenging, but also isolating and sometimes, scary. Polly, an educator as well as an editor and publisher of a literary magazine, is passionate about using the written word to engage, inform and enlighten others. Now, Polly was cut off…
Volunteer Spotlight: Mickey Beach
Tell us about you…… My name is Mickey Beach. I was born in south Kansas City and am an alumnus of Center High School. My wife Martha and I moved back to the Kansas City area in the fall of 2020 to be closer to children and grandchildren. We are both retired teachers, having each…
Volunteer Spotlight: Heath Chancey
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Heath Chancey on the choice to donate time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Heath Tell us about you… I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Kansas City in 2001. I have worked for IMA Financial Group for three…
It’s All About T.G.I. with F.F.!
On Friday, Dec. 9, Alphapointe Youth joined the youth from Center of Hope Ministries to participate in a Community Service Project to give back to other youth in appreciation for all they have received this year. The youth celebrated T.G.I. with F.F.: being Thankful, Grateful, Impactful with Family & Friends! The goal was to have…
Volunteer Spotlight: Patricia Lyons Cox
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Patricia Lyons Cox on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Patricia Tell us about you… I call Kansas City my home and find great comfort being with family and friends. Kansas City has a long…
Mission Moment: It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Use Apps on a Phone
Jo Anne Cash is a senior living with neurotrophic keratitis and severe glaucoma. Her vision is near blindness. After a low vision evaluation from an optometrist and an occupational therapist at Alphapointe who both specialize in vision rehabilitation, goals were established to prepare for in-home training provided by an occupational therapy assistant. Jo Anne’s main…
A Blind Theatre Stage Manager? Alphapointe Team Member Defies Misconceptions
Dr. Jerome Kagan, one of the most influential psychologists in recorded history, established the concept that reaching a concrete conclusion is one of the most essential behavioral activities for humans because it affects virtually every element of a person’s psyche. Rebekah Grieb knows exactly what Dr. Kagan was talking about because she’s lived without a…
Volunteer Spotlight: Jy Maze
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Jy Maze on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Jy’s father, who was blind, actually worked for Alphapointe for a number of years, which created a bond between Jy and the organization. Additionally, Jy joined Alphapointe’s Foundation…
Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop Independence
Judy has age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Macular degeneration affects one’s central vision and causes “blind spots” that make it difficult to read, recognize faces and engage in many other activities. Judy began receiving training through Alphapointe’s Senior Adult Services Program earlier this summer. An individualized program was…
“The Day Life Changed” – Afghanistan Family Flees Home Country & Finds New Life in U.S.
This is a letter written by Shirmohammad. He is a father of five children, each of whom has low vision as a result of having albinism. Along with his family, Shirmohammad fled Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban captured control of the country. This is his family’s story. Today, our children are safe. They…
Volunteer Spotlight: Rick Walczak
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Rick Walczak on why he chooses to donate his time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Rick Tell us about you… I retired seven years ago as a manager in the U.S. Defense Department where I helped people negotiate contracts. I stay…
Students Learn Life Lessons & Skills Through S.T.E.P.
Despite its location in the middle of the heartland, there are a fair number of people in the Kansas City area who know very little about farming. Alex McBurney, Isaac McBurney and Nathan Wilcox are not among those people. At least not anymore – though if one were to travel back in time to the…
Alphapointe Youth Programs Participant Excels During First Work Experience
When you get right down to it, most people have only a handful of truly pivotal moments in their lives. And, of those incredibly formative occasions, arguably the most commonly shared among people from all walks of life is a person’s first job. The initial interview, the nervousness, the anxiety, the anxiousness – most people…
Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin and Kim Schwede
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteers Kevin and Kim Schwede on why they choose to donate their time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Kevin & Kim Kevin Schwede Tell us about you… I am recently retired and look forward to golfing, kayaking, spending more time at the…
Volunteer Spotlight: Sara Sweet
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Sara Sweet on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Sara Tell us about you… I am a born and raised KC native so my roots to this wonderful city are strong. I am a sales…
Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Mumma
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Jessica Mumma on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Jessica Tell us about you……… I was born and raised in Kansas City, most importantly in the “Northland” or “North of the River.” I am a…
Volunteer Spotlight: Angela Woody
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Angela Woody on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Angela Tell us about you… If you meet me you will find that I am a bit of a goof ball. I like to have fun…
Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain Independence
Margaret was having difficulty reading, dialing phone numbers and navigating her home safely. In addition, she was unable to see her kitchen appliance settings and could not determine when to stop pouring liquids or identify food on her plate. Margaret came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic with a can-do attitude and was open to making…
Volunteer Spotlight: Shelby Rayburn
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Shelby Rayburn on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Shelby Tell us about you… I’m a KU psychology graduate working with the burn unit at KU Medical Center in hydrotherapy! I live downtown with my…
Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki McKeone
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Vicki McKeone on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Vicki Tell us about you… I’m a longtime resident of the Kansas City area. When I’m not nerding out on insurance claims at IMA, I enjoy…
Mission Moment: Overcoming Challenges with Optic Neuropathy
Pat is a senior living with a recent diagnosis of optic neuropathy, a condition which damages the optic nerve affecting all aspects of vision. Pat came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she was referred to an occupational therapist to assess her needs. She received follow-up in her home to improve her independence with desired…
Mission Moment: Dominican Native Has Big Plans for the Future After Securing Position at Alphapointe
Meet Dominican Republic native Omar Rodriquez Taveras. Taveras was poked in his left eye when he was seven years old. Following several surgeries, both his left eye and right eye became severely infected. By the age of 12, he was completely blind. Undeterred, Taveras attended a special school for youth with low vision in the…
Mission Moment: Securing Dream Position Through Alphapointe Job Placement Services
By Mark D’Altorio The unemployment rate for people with vision loss is 70 percent and Alphapointe aims to address the situation by offering career counseling, job search assistance, resume/cover letter writing and skills for networking, job interviewing and position placement. Erik Ramos was an Alphapointe employee for more than 10 years and held a variety…
Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop Carla
Carla Rhines is a senior living with age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. Carla was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she received an evaluation by the low vision optometrist and occupational therapist. She then received follow…
Mission Moment: Regaining Independence Despite Diabetic Macular Edema
Bessie Kelly is a 65-year-old woman living with diabetic macular edema. Needing assistance, she was referred to Alphapointe to receive Occupational Therapy services. Alphapointe started with an in-home evaluation and has continued with follow up training visits to help Bessie increase her independence with daily activities. Initially, Bessie’s main challenges included difficulty reading small print,…
Volunteer Spotlight: Terri Wright
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Terri Wright on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Terri Tell us about you… I grew up in Independence, Missouri and attended pre-school at Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City. I received…
Volunteer Spotlight: Mike Williams
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mike Williams on why he chooses to donate his time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Mike As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mike Williams on why he chooses to donate his time and energy…
Volunteer Spotlight: Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with Beth Kelloff & Kristin Wing of the Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City on why they choose to donate their time and energy to Alphapointe. Since 1921, Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City has served our neighbors with many and varied…
Mission Moment: From Sudden Vision Loss to College Freshman
What if your entire world changed in a matter of a few days? Everything you knew how to do would need to be done differently. Now, imagine if you were in high school when it happened. Willie Solano can relate because that’s exactly how his life unfolded. As a sophomore at Shawnee Mission (Kan.) West…
Volunteer Spotlight: Mandy Myers
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mandy Myers on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Mandy Tell us about you… My name is Mandy Myers. I am a junior at Western Kentucky University. I am majoring in Chinese and Psychology. I…
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Gray
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Chris Gray (pictured in the middle with her two daughters) on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Chris Tell us about you… I am Chris Gray. I am married and my husband, David, and I…
Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Wallace
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Pat Wallace on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Pat Tell us about you… I came to Alphapointe in October of 2018. My husband passed in January and then my mother passed in April. The…
Volunteer Spotlight: Collette Wright
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Collette Wright on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Collette Tell us about you… I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Biochemistry and Mathematics and I have been volunteering at Alphapointe since 2016. Why do you…
Mission Moment: Bob Miller Celebrates 35 Years at Alphapointe
The No. 1 song on the pop music charts in 1986 was Dionne Warwick’s classic “That’s What Friends Are For.” It’s quite fitting that the song coincides with the year that Bob Miller started his career at Alphapointe. This week marks Miller’s 35-year anniversary of working at Alphapointe. And, in those 35 years, his co-workers…
Volunteer Spotlight: Danny Davies
As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), we wanted to take the opportunity to thank a long-time Alphapointe volunteer: Danny Davies. Danny’s tremendous philanthropic commitment to Alphapointe dates back nearly a decade. As the President and CEO of Lenexa (Kan.)-based C&C Group, Danny helped to transform Alphapointe’s annual golf tournament into the C&C…
Mission Moment: Meet the Next Changemaker
Do you pay attention to email signatures? Even if you normally skim right past them or don’t even scroll that far, chances are good that you’d still remember the end of every email from Isaac McBurney. While most people include their name, title and perhaps a favorite quote, McBurney’s emails always end with this brief,…
Mission Moment: Meet the Real Superman
Most people are familiar with the origin story of Superman. He was born on the planet Krypton and his parents built a spaceship for their son after learning of Krypton’s imminent destruction. The spacecraft landed on Earth in the rural United States. Superman was raised as Clark Kent and he committed himself to using his…
Mission Moment: Years-Long Wait Pays Off
Chandra Johnson wore glasses ever since she was little, so she was used to needing a little help to see. But, in 2006, she developed an issue with her prescription. All of a sudden, she was struggling to see things in the same way that she always had. A visit to her doctor led to…
Mission Moment: Patrick Comas is Back!
Patrick Comas arrived at Alphapointe in July 2020 to participate in our Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) program. The purpose of CRS aligns with Alphapointe’s mission to empower people with vision loss to achieve their goals and aspirations. CRS programs are catered to the individual needs of each participant and include many services such as training…
Mission Moment: Senior Perseveres Despite Macular Degeneration
Like many with age-related vision loss, Josie Azarro simply wanted to do many of things she had always done during her life. A senior living with Macular Degeneration, Josie was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic in the fall of 2020. At that point, Josie received an occupational therapy evaluation and follow up training in…
Mission Moment: Hard Work Pays Off for Dreams & Aspirations
If you’re seeking an inspiration, look no further than Brooke Cottrell. Back in the spring of 2016 she was about to graduate from William Chrisman High School. She asked herself many of the essential questions recent high school graduates ask. Should she go to college? Or start a career? Where should she live? Prior to…