Blind Service Chicago

06/18/2025

Shoutout and a big Thank you to GM Paul Dariotis and his staff at Billy Goat Tavern at Navy Pier. Our group from Blind Service Chicago had a long day at the pier, and the culminating dinner at Billy Goat was amazing! Of course, we all enjoyed the Cheezborgers! They sure went the extra mile for us!

05/09/2025

Blind Service Chicago is excited to collaborate with Pilates instructor Erica Mott of Movement Med of Chicago and BSC client and Pilates instructor Brooke Keaton, to offer an eight week class designed specifically for those who are blind or low vision. The Pilates class will take place at the BSC facility, and a $20 registration and equipment fee would be required which covers the full eight weeks. Let us know if you’re interested in this program by taking a one minute survey. Link is below. For more information or to do the survey by phone please call Marty at the BSC office. 312-236-0808.

https://forms.office.com/r/Ub49bwKx1L

04/30/2025

Blind Service Chicago Goes to Washington!

From April 17 to 20, Blind Service Chicago proudly debuted Civic Insights: Leadership Without Barriers, a pioneering program designed to empower blind and low-vision youth through hands-on civic engagement. Eight Chicagoland high school students spent four enriching days in Washington, D.C., where they toured the Supreme Court, met with staff in Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office, explored the National Mall, and visited several Smithsonian museums. Civic Insights culminated in an inspiring panel discussion with three visionary leaders from the blind community, who offered guidance and encouragement to the next generation of advocates. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers whose support made this inaugural trip possible, and we look forward to making Civic Insights an annual cornerstone for cultivating leadership in our community.

12/31/2024

Today is the final day of the year—and your chance to help us finish strong!

As we close our 100th anniversary year, we’re reflecting on the remarkable achievements we’ve accomplished together and the exciting future ahead. In 2025, we’re launching life-changing new programs:

✅ Civic Insights: Empowering high school students with leadership skills on a trip to Washington, D.C.
✅ Chicago V.I.B.E.S.: Creative workshops that inspire and connect blind and low vision youth.
✅ Orientation & Mobility Training: Teaching essential skills for independent living.
✅ Expanded Community Programs: Book clubs, art outings, music classes, and more.

Your support fuels this progress. Make your year-end gift by midnight to help us continue empowering and uplifting our community in the year ahead.

Donate online: https://blindserviceassociation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1339299

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to building the next century of service—together!

12/20/2024

This year, we celebrated an incredible milestone: 100 years of Blind Service Chicago! Thanks to your support, 2024 was filled with meaningful progress—doubling the size of our Vision Expo, launching a new,fully accessible website, expanding our scholarship program, enhancing our Pathways youth summer camp and so much more.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to launch new programs that empower and connect Chicago’s blind and low vision community:
🔹 Civic Insights: A leadership program for high school students, featuring a life-changing trip to Washington, D.C.
🔹 Chicago V.I.B.E.S.: Monthly workshops that foster independence, creativity, and connection for young students.
🔹 Orientation & Mobility Training: A 40-day program helping clients navigate the world with confidence.
🔹 Expanded Community Programs: Book clubs, poetry readings, theater outings, music classes, and more!

We can’t do it without you. Your year-end gift will help make these initiatives a reality. Donate today at this link by clicking the link below.

https://blindserviceassociation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1339299

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re building the next century of service!

12/03/2024

On Saturday, November 30th, Blind Service Chicago kicked off the holiday season with our annual Client Holiday Party. It was a delight to celebrate with wonderful food and even better company. A big thank you to La Villa Restaurant for providing the delicious meal that everyone enjoyed!

Each year in November and December donors may name their contributions in honor of or in memory of a loved one or friend. These names are read at our annual Client Holiday Party. The tradition continued this past Saturday.

Consider making a donation by clicking the link below.

https://www.blindservicechicago.org/donations/

11/08/2024

Join us for an evening celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to Chicago's blind and low vision community.

Date: Sunday December 8th
Location: The Wintrust Building Located at 231 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

We are honored to welcome Judge David S. Tatel as our keynote speaker for this momentous occasion.

Join us for an evening filled with food, drinks, and community as we celebrate 100 years of service and look forward to the next century of impact.

Tickets for Blind Service Chicago's 100th Year Celebration are $25. Please RSVP by November 25th to reserve your spot for this event.

https://blindserviceassociation-bloom.kindful.com/e/blind-service-chicagos-100th-anniversary-celebration

10/08/2024

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Blind Service Chicago NextGen Board's Fall Day 5K! 🍂🏃‍♀️ It was a beautiful day filled with energy, community, and purpose. Your presence made a real impact, and we're grateful to have shared this experience with so many passionate individuals. 💙

If you weren't able to make it or would like to continue supporting our mission, you can still contribute by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-blind-service-chicagos-fall-day-5k?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook.

09/25/2024

Don't forget to join us for our Open House!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Enter at 16 N. Wabash Suite 1050

Light Appetizers, Wine Bar, Chocolate, and More!

Door Prizes include three Zafferano Olivia Cordless Lamps and Dinner for Two at The Dearborn

09/24/2024

Reminder to Join us!
The youth-led NextGen Board of Blind Service Chicago is hosting Fall Day 5K Walk to raise awareness for the Blind and low vision community on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 10:00 am. The route begins at Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park, 2021 N Stockton, and continues south on Chicago’s lakefront to Oak Street and back. All funds raised go towards BSC youth and scholarship programs.
To support this 5K and future youth programs donate here

The youth-led Blind Service Chicago NextGen Board is hosting a 5K walk to raise funds for the blind and low vision community on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 10:00 am. Join us we navigate the streets of our community from the Lincoln Park Zoo to the Drake Hotel, and back.

09/16/2024

Join us!
The youth-led NextGen Board of Blind Service Chicago is hosting Fall Day 5K Walk to raise awareness for the Blind and low vision community on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 10:00 am. The route begins at Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park, 2021 N Stockton, and continues south on Chicago’s lakefront to Oak Street and back. All funds raised go towards BSC youth and scholarship programs.

To support this 5K and future youth programs donate here
https://rb.gy/ike8ab