Volunteers spark the winter wellness program at DSL

VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS SPARK THE WINTER WELLNESS PROGRAM

AT DIAMOND SPRING LODGE

NJ Foundation for the Blind (NJFFB), also known as Diamond Spring Lodge, has found creative ways to grow its program despite the shrinking economy.  NJFFB is fortunate to have a corps of willing volunteers within its own student alumni and their family members to help conduct and assist in its programs.  Most NJFFB vision rehabilitation graduates were once sighted and have talents to share in areas such as health care, technology, office skills, cooking, dancing, and art.

“Our graduates and other volunteers are happy to give back and help others cope with the challenges of becoming blind,” says David Feinhals, NJFFB Executive Director.  “They all have a great attitude and sense of humor, and that spreads to newer students who may be struggling.”

Volunteers Suzanne and Kerry have much in common.  Both are Registered Nurses and both are severely vision impaired.  With their similar backgrounds in healthcare and close relationship with NJFFB, they volunteered to teach a class in nutrition.  Suzanne leads the class in making simple, healthful recipes in the training kitchen and explains why colorful foods are the best for combating free radicals and the aging process.  Kerry has experience in diabetes education, and  provides specific tips to those with diabetes and other health issues, including how to avoid bad food choices and interpret food labels. Nutrition is part of the Health & Wellness curriculum which also includes Art and Pottery, Yoga, T’ai Chi Chih, Line Dancing, Horticulture, Music Instruction, and Healing through Drumming.

Line Dancing is the newest class in the NJFFB Wellness program.  It was chosen by the students as the most popular of several new class options. Dancing provides healthful physical activity, reduces muscle tension and provides social benefits.  In other words, it’s fun!

Creative thinking also enabled NJFFB to expand its Health & Wellness Program for the Vision Impaired by finding low-cost, community-based sites.  Several Lions Clubs and the NJ Lions District 16E Charitable Foundation have generously helped out with scholarship funds.  It is now conducted on a weekly basis in Bergen, Morris, and Essex Counties with future expansion planned.  According to Mr. Feinhals, the day will come when a vision-impaired adult in any region of New Jersey will be able to access the program.

NJ Foundation for the Blind is a state-approved sight project of the NJ Lions Multiple District 16.  It is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization established in 1943.  It is primarily funded by individual contributions, corporate and foundation giving, and the generosity of Lions Club throughout New Jersey.