Visually Impaired Advocates

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS!







On this momentous occasion of July 4th, as our nation commemorates its independence, we extend our warmest greetings to all members of the Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) community and our cherished friends and family. Today, we celebrate not only the birth of a nation founded on principles of freedom and equality but also the enduring spirit of resilience and determination that defines us as Americans. It is a time to reflect on our shared values of inclusivity and justice, values that VIA embodies in its tireless advocacy for the visually impaired. Your commitment to promoting accessibility, awareness, and empowerment is truly inspiring. Through your advocacy efforts, you are not only breaking down barriers but also creating opportunities for a brighter future where every individual, regardless of visual ability, can thrive and contribute fully to society. As we gather to mark this day with joy and gratitude, let us also reaffirm our pledge to uphold the rights and dignity of every American. Together, we can continue to build a nation where diversity is celebrated, barriers are removed, and equality is embraced. May this July 4th be filled with joy, camaraderie, and hope for a future where the aspirations of all Americans, including those within the VIA community, are realized. Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!







Dear Members,



As we come together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans and their families. Your sacrifices and courage inspire us every day.

This Memorial Day let's remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. May their legacy continue to guide us towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Memorial Day.



Warm regards,

Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA)

🌸 Celebrating Mother’s Day with VIA 🌸







Dear VIA Community,



As we honor the extraordinary women in our lives on this special day, we at Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) extend our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures within our community. Today, we celebrate the boundless love, strength, and resilience that mothers embody, regardless of the challenges they may face.

From the moment we are born, mothers play an essential role in shaping our lives, nurturing us with unwavering devotion and guiding us through both joyful moments and tough times. Their unconditional love knows no bounds, and their unwavering support empowers us to pursue our dreams and overcome obstacles.

At VIA, we recognize and applaud the countless contributions of visually impaired mothers around the world. Despite the unique challenges they may encounter, these remarkable women demonstrate remarkable courage and determination as they navigate the responsibilities of parenthood. They serve as shining examples of resilience, proving that vision loss does not diminish one's ability to love, nurture, and inspire.

Today, we celebrate the mothers within our VIA family, whose love and dedication enrich our lives each and every day. Whether through advocacy, support, or simply being there to lend a listening ear, these incredible women make an indelible impact on our community and beyond.

As we commemorate Mother's Day, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the mothers who have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Their love knows no bounds, and their sacrifices often go unnoticed. Let us cherish and honor them not only today but every day, for they are the guiding lights that illuminate our path.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures within the VIA community and beyond, we extend our warmest wishes for a Happy Mother's Day. May your day be filled with love, joy, and cherished moments shared with those you hold dear.

With heartfelt appreciation!

VIA Visits to Galveston Railroad Museum!!!







On a crisp Tuesday morning, April 9, 2024, the members of Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) embarked on a remarkable journey through time at the Galveston Railroad Museum, nestled in the heart of Galveston, Texas. This excursion wasn't just about visiting a museum; it was a testament to the power of accessibility and inclusivity in experiencing history.



For those with visual impairments, the world often unfolds through senses beyond sight. At VIA, the mission is to empower individuals with visual impairments to actively engage with their surroundings, breaking barriers to access information and culture. The visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum exemplified this ethos, offering an enriching experience for all participants.



As the members arrived at the museum, anticipation mingled with excitement. Guided by trained museum staff well-versed in accommodating diverse needs, the VIA members embarked on a tactile journey through the museum's exhibits. Every artifact, every display became an opportunity for discovery, as they traced the evolution of railroading in America through their fingertips.



One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to explore vintage locomotives and railcars. With expert guidance, VIA members ran their hands along the sleek metal surfaces, feeling the intricate details of each machine that once roared to life on the tracks. From the robust steam engines of yesteryear to the streamlined designs of modern trains, every locomotive told a story, bridging the past with the present.



But the experience wasn't confined to tactile exploration alone. Through innovative audio descriptions and immersive storytelling, VIA members delved into the rich history of railroads in Galveston and beyond. From the pioneering days of rail travel to the pivotal role of trains in shaping communities and commerce, each narrative unfolded like a tapestry of sights, sounds, and emotions.



Moreover, the museum staff went above and beyond to ensure that VIA members could fully participate in interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Braille labels and tactile maps provided additional context, enabling everyone to navigate the museum with confidence and independence. Through these thoughtful accommodations, barriers dissolved, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among VIA members.



Beyond the educational aspect, the visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum served as a catalyst for meaningful connections and shared experiences. As VIA members exchanged stories and reflections, a sense of camaraderie blossomed, reaffirming the importance of community in overcoming challenges and celebrating triumphs.



In the end, the excursion wasn't just a tour of a museum; it was a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Through their visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum, the members of VIA proved that with determination and accessibility, the wonders of history are within reach for all.



As they bid farewell to the museum, hearts and minds enriched by the journey, the VIA members carried with them not only memories but also a renewed sense of empowerment to continue advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of life. For in the tapestry of history, every voice, every touch, contributes to the vibrant mosaic of human experience.

See photo captions!!!...

2024 Unity in Love Celebration!







On Saturday, April 6, 2024, the Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) joined forces with the Disabilities Ministry of New Faith Church to host the Unity in Love Gospel event at New Faith Church, located at 4315 West Fuqua, Houston, TX 77045.



Under the theme of "The Loving Light," this year's celebration brought together individuals from all walks of life to rejoice in the spirit of unity and love. The event featured inspiring performances by Praise and Worship Leader, Jason Jones, Minister A. J. Andrews, and Rev. Michael Garrett, with Sis. Talana Townsend serving as the anchor.



It was truly a remarkable experience filled with the presence of the Lord. Below, you'll find some captured moments from the celebration.

VIA Support Group's 15th Anniversary Celebration!







Guess what? VIA Support Group, dedicated to the blind and visually impaired, just hit the remarkable milestone of 15 years!

To mark this occasion, our vibrant community gathered to honor our journey, cherish memories of the past, pay tribute to those who have left us, and envision our future endeavors.

The festivities unfolded on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, located at 1475 W. Gray, Houston, TX 77019.

Here are the photographs taken at the event!

Happy Easter Celebrations from VIA!!!







Dear VIA Members and Family,



As we approach Easter, a time of renewal and hope, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. While Easter may be celebrated in many ways, its message of joy, faith, and new beginnings resonates deeply with all of us.

In this season of reflection and gratitude, let us remember the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in our celebrations. As advocates for the visually impaired community, let us continue to strive for a world where everyone can fully participate and experience the joys of Easter and every other occasion.

May this Easter bring you moments of peace, love, and happiness. Let us cherish the blessings of togetherness and the beauty of diversity.



Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter!

True Vision Baptist Church Annual Women’s Day Celebrations!







To further commemorate the celebration of women globally, the host organization, True Vision Baptist Church Women Ministry in conjunction with the Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) Women’s group celebrated their Annual Women’s Day with praise and worship at the True Vision Baptist Church Houston, 5700 Maple Hill Drive, Houston, TX 77088 on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

The International Women's Day is a globally celebrated occasion that honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year on March 8th, communities around the world come together to recognize the progress made towards gender equality and to advocate for further advancements. From rallies and marches to educational events and art exhibitions, the day serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about issues affecting women and girls, promote women's rights, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. It is a moment to reflect on the strides made towards gender equality while acknowledging the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Below are the photos taken to mark the celebrations!...

Happy MLK Day Celebrations!


On this joyous occasion of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we extend our warmest greetings to the incredible members of Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) and their families. Today is not just a day off, but a day to reflect, honor, and celebrate the profound impact of Dr. King's legacy on our collective journey toward justice, equality, and inclusion. As we commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his tireless efforts to create a world where everyone is judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. Dr. King's dream of equality resonates strongly with the mission of VIA, which tirelessly advocates for the rights and inclusion of the visually impaired. Your dedication to fostering inclusivity is a beacon of inspiration. In a world that can often be challenging for those with visual impairments, the VIA community stands tall as advocates for change, working towards a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society. Today, let us celebrate not only Dr. King's dream but also the dreams and aspirations of every member of VIA. Your resilience, courage, and commitment to making the world more accessible are the driving forces behind positive change. It is through your advocacy that barriers are broken, perceptions are shifted, and a more inclusive world becomes a reality. As we gather with our families and loved ones on this special day, let us take a moment to appreciate the strength and unity within the VIA community. Your collective efforts are shaping a world where differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. May this MLK Day be a source of inspiration and empowerment for each member of VIA and their families. May it be a day filled with gratitude for the progress made, hope for the future, and a renewed commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and inclusion. In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., let us continue to march forward together, hand in hand, towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Happy MLK Day to the incredible VIA community – your advocacy is a testament to the enduring power of Dr. King's dream.
With warm regards!

Warm New Year Wishes from Visually Impaired Advocates!!!







As we joyfully bid farewell to the old and embrace the new, we extend our heartfelt wishes to each member of our cherished community and your families. May the coming year, 2024, be filled with endless opportunities, love, and boundless happiness. In the spirit of unity and strength that defines our advocacy, we look forward to a year of increased awareness, understanding, and inclusivity. Together, let us continue to break barriers and pave the way for a world where every individual, regardless of visual abilities, is embraced and empowered. May the journey ahead be adorned with triumphs, both big and small, and may the collective efforts of our advocacy bring about positive change for all visually impaired individuals. In the tapestry of the new year, may each day weave stories of resilience, progress, and unwavering hope. As we embark on this new chapter, let us celebrate the unique perspectives and strengths that each member brings to our community. Your courage and determination inspire us all, and we are honored to stand beside you in the pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate world. Wishing you and your families a Happy New Year filled with laughter, love, and the fulfillment of dreams. May the year 2024 be a canvas of opportunities, and may you paint it with the vibrant colors of joy and success. With warm regards…

Happy New Year!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM VIA!!!...


Dear VIA members, on this special occasion of Christmas, I hope you are surrounded by joy, love, and warmth. May the holiday season bring you all the happiness and blessings that you deserve. As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember the importance of unity, kindness, and compassion towards each other. May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with love and joy and bring peace to your lives. VIA is grateful for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission, and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May the upcoming year bring you good health, success, and prosperity. Warmest regards!!!

🎄🎶🧧 It’s that time of the year again!!! Season greetings: Via Holiday Cheer!!!



VIA was at The LoneStar Senior Living Facility on Wednesday, December 19, 2023, where they spread holiday cheer two one hundred residence through caroling and gifts! We gave out throw blankets, beanie hats, and travel sized items! Items include toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, and Kleenex facial tissue for men and women and also not leaving out Monetary donations.
VIA continues to spread love throughout this holiday season!!!

🎄❤️VIA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION









The Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA) continues to spread, love, joy, and peace during this holiday season as they celebrate the end of year 2023 with their members. The celebrations took place at the Logan‘s Roadhouse 12950 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040, on Saturday, December 16, 2023. As part of the fun and entertainment, members listened to and sang along with melodious Christmas carols and genre of old school mixes. To wrap up the day, members were treated to delicious meals that includes entrée with sides, hot rolls, and beverages. Here are the beautiful pics taken at the event!!! ❤️🎄

VIA THANKSGIVING DAY PRAYER!*







*PSALM 9:1. I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.*



Dear Lord, we praise You for Your amazing day in the world. This is the day that You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of our trials, we know that You are reason enough to have thankfulness in our hearts and lives today. Thank You first of all for saving us from the power of sin and the future of hell. Thank You for the gift of Your Constant Presence with us. The Holy Spirit is such a beautiful blessing in our lives. Help us to truly be joyful about this abundant gift in our lives *that is the seal of our salvation* and the peace of having Your Constant Presence. Thank You for the gift of life today. Life is such a precious miracle. Thank You for the blessings of loved ones. Whether this be family, friends, church community, or co-workers. We are grateful. Thank You for Your Word. It is perfect, true, and trustworthy. Thank You for the gift of having access to the Bible in our languages. Thank You for Your Glory revealed in nature. We praise You for Your creativity with the seasons, the 💐 flowers, the 🌳 trees, the animals, and the vegetation. All of creation is worshiping You each day. Thank You for the song of the bird, the coolness of the breeze, and the vibrant sunrises and sunsets each day. You are so glorious and majestic. Thank You for things we forget to be thankful for daily. Thank You for clean water, shelter, a warm place to sleep, for food to eat, for clean clothing on our bodies, for showers, and for basic hygiene products. There are so many blessings to be grateful for God. We specially Thank You for the gift of the Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ that was shed on our behalf. Help us not only acknowledge these to You, but to bless others with the attitude of gratitude as well. In Jesus Name we pray with thanksgiving… Amen!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2023 Houston Community White Cane Safety Day (HCWCSD)







The City of Houston celebrated this special White Cane Safety Day on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC).

Our theme this year is Achieving Equality, Celebrating Freedom, and Embracing Independence.

White Cane Safety Day events bring in hundreds of participants annually consisting of families, students, adults with disabilities, businesses, city officials, among others.

White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, and to acknowledge that the white cane as an important symbol of blindness and independence.

This event is sponsored by Houston Area Visually Impaired Network (HAVIN), and several of our member organizations, as well as the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Mayor’s Office for Special Events.

This year, the involved blindness organizations, along with The Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events worked together to make this year a success. Some of the program highlights were:

The neighborhood March. The other Program included: Mayoral proclamation, Inspirational speakers, 25+ exhibitors, Technology demonstrations, Complimentary lunch, Door prizes. There were Spanish translation and ASL available for all who needed interpretative services. It was also transmitted live on Zoom platform.

Here are pictures of the events!

VIA ANNUAL WHITE CANE DAY CHURCH SERVICE!!!







The True Vision Baptist Church and the White Cane Saints invites you to the annual White Cane Day Church Service where we will give praise and Thank God for the white cane!

The address is 5700 Maple Hill Dr. Houston, TX 77088.

Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.



Please R.S.V.P. to Gayle Metoyer by Friday, October 6, 2023.



See YOU There!...

😎VIA Bus Trip to Kemah!!!





It was an awesome outing for the Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA), when the members Embark on a trip to Kemah, Texas on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The event tagged “Kemah boardwalk”, had the members enjoy a fun thrilling time and unending moments. Some of the activities enjoyed by members included rides, dining, shopping, and so much more!

Afterall… We all out there to have a little summer Fun!😎

REGISTRATION FOR HOUSTON COMMUNITY WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY CELEBRATION









Hello everyone,

Mark your calendars and save the date for this year’s Houston Community White Cane Safety Day celebration.

Our theme this year is, Achieving Equality, Celebrating Freedom, and Embracing independence.

When: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9 AM – 1 PM

Where: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

Last year’s HCWCSD Celebration was a huge success. The HCWCSD Planning Committee has been working hard to ensure another fun-filled event in 2023.

Early registration begins on August 14, 2023, and ends on September 29, 2023. Those who register early are guaranteed a box lunch and are eligible for door prizes.

To register early, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/HCWCSD-Attend

Those needing assistance with registering should contact Stacie Gallegos by phone call or text at 832-779-7477, or by emailing [email protected].

Interested in volunteering? Please fill out the same attendee registration and indicate this on the form where appropriate. Volunteers will be accepted until September 15, 2023.

October is Disability Awareness Month, and in honor of this, numerous events take place nationwide, including in Houston, TX. One of those events is the Houston Community White Cane Safety Day (HCWCSD) Celebration.



White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, and to acknowledge that the white cane as an important symbol of blindness and independence. Houston will celebrate this special day on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC).

White Cane Safety Day events bring in hundreds of participants annually consisting of families, students, adults with disabilities, businesses, city officials, among others.

This year, the following blindness organizations, along with The Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE)ֽ, are working together in planning the HCWCSD celebration:

· Houston Council of the Blind

· Houston Area Visually Impaired Network

· iBUG Today

· National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter

· Visually Impaired Advocates

Highlights of this celebration include:

· Neighborhood march

· Mayoral proclamation

· Inspirational speakers

· 25+ exhibitors

· Technology demonstrations

· Complimentary lunch

· Door prizes

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Location: The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC), 1475 West Gray, Houston, TX

77019.

March Time: 9 AM

Program Time: 10 AM - 11:15 AM

There is no cost to attend.

If you have any questions,

Please contact the HCWCSD Co-Chairs,

Stacie Gallegos (832) 779-7477

Peggy Garrett (832) 242-4941

You can also send an email to [email protected]

We hope to see you on October 14th!

2023 Houston Community White Cane Safety Day Attendee And Volunteer Registration 2023 Houston Community White Cane Safety Day Achieving Equality, Celebrating Freedom, and Embracing Independence When: Saturday, October 14, 2023 Location: Metropolitan Multiservice Center 1475 W. Gray St. Houston, TX 77019 Welcome to the attendee and volunteer registration form for the 2023 Houston...

🎉 VIA’s 15th anniversary celebration!!! 🎉







VIA is now fifteen (15) years old! The Visually Impaired Advocate (VIA) recently celebrated a milestone! The celebration took place at the famous restaurant, the pappas barbecue, 10810 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77093 on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

The event was characterized by a series of activities ranging from members mingling, rejoicing with one another, and having each member took turns to share their stories of how they got to know VIA for the very first time. The members wine and dine to their choice of delicious meals alongside musical entertainment to commemorate the day.

FATHERS DAY PRAYER!







*2 SAMUEL 7:14-15. I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to me. When he does wrong, I will discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles o this mortal life. But I will never remove my gracious love from him.*

Our Heavenly Father, we specially thank You for the gift of life to see this beautiful fathers day Sunday. Many celebrated it last year but are no more. To You be the honor and glory. Thank You for adopting us into Your family and making us Your children. Father, You entrusted Your Son Jesus, the child of Mary, to the care of Joseph an earthly father. Bless all fathers as they care for their families. Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience. Support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them, as we look to You for love and salvation through Jesus our Rock and Defender. We pray for the fatherless and those who struggle in their families. Be their Father when earthly fathers fail. Show them love and guidance, and help them to know a father's love through Your love, providence and care. Use Christian friends and other families to encourage and guide, nurture and instruct. Bless them with Your Peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!

From VIA… HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

VIA MOTHERS DAY PRAYER!







*ISAIAH 49:15. Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?



Dear Father, we approach Your throne on behalf of the mothers whom You have entrusted with the care of Your most precious little ones. We thank You for creating each mom with a unique combination of gifts and talents. We thank You for the sacrifice of self each mom gives for her children. For the late nights spent rocking a colicky infant. For the hands calloused from washing, wiping, scrubbing, mixing, backing, stirring, hugging, patting, disciplining, holding, writing, erasing, painting, and pouring. We thank You for the gift of time mom gives for their children. We pray You give each mom strength. Help them to see in every mundane task the eternal cosmic significance that You place on motherhood. Help them to understand that the most radical, world changing events may be happening anonymously in their homes. We especially pray for single mothers, who must lean solely on You for the fathering of their children. We thank You that Your big arms surround children who may never know their earthly fathers. We also pray for mothers who never had the honor of bearing children but whose nurturing extends to many poor and needy. Who cross the threshold of their lives. We ask You to be the daily bread of mothers. We ask You to be their living water. We ask You to be their source spiritual and physical strength. Lord, give each mother a worship reverence of You, the Creator and Sustainer of life. Most of all, Lord, on this day in which we honor mothers, may we love and cherish the special women who have born us, who have nurtured us and who have prayed for our well-being. May our hearts overflow with gratitude to You, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother's womb. In Jesus name we pray with thanksgiving. Amen!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!