A Bridge Between Generations: NJ Human Services Opens Mentorship Program for Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals

July 15, 2024

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has opened for a second year a mentorship program to bring together younger and older residents who are visually impaired, blind, and deafblind. This Fellowship Program is designed to address their needs through peer mentoring opportunities.

            “The Fellowship Program is designed to foster community and mutual mentorship by building meaningful connections between individuals 18-21 years of age and individuals 55 years of age and older who are visually impaired,” said Commissioner Adelman. “We are proud to once again make this program available to New Jerseyans with a visual impairment and look forward to partnering with Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey on this initiative.”

             The Department awarded $34,077 to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ) to operate this program in partnership with the Department’s Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI). The program will be paid for through federal funding. Services are expected to start this July and will run through December 31^st.

            Through the Fellowship Program, adults who are 55+ and younger individuals, between the ages of 18-21 years, will be provided with the opportunity to meet and share knowledge and life experiences through a series of educational and skill-based activities.

            Services include hosting virtual meetings through Zoom twice a month and hosting in-person meetings twice a year. The meetings will serve up to 24 participants consisting of both large and small group activities, as well as facilitated discussions related to living life with a visual impairment.  The participants will include up to 12 young adults and up to 12 older adults.

            “Through these virtual and in-person meetings, individuals from two different age groups will have shared space to discuss the emotional aspects of vision loss, participate in self-advocacy training, learn how to build healthy relationships, and much more,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “We look forward to the continuation of this program and seeing the bonds created.”

             “Connecting with those from a different generation holds the power to enrich personal growth, deepen your understanding of yourself, and provide invaluable insights that contribute to your well-being,” said Executive Director of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Dr. Bernice Davis. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have for our blind and visually impaired residents.”

            The program is expected to serve between 18 to 24 Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired consumers over the course of a year. CBVI’s counselors will identify and refer appropriate consumers, aged 18 through 21 years and aged 55 years and older, into the program.

             Participants will also complete program evaluations, which include a pre-participation survey to be completed within 90 days of the program start and a post-participation survey to be completed 90 days after program completion.

            The program first launched in 2023, with 21 CBVI consumers served.

            The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to enable consumers to achieve full inclusion and integration in society through success in employment, independent living, and social self-sufficiency. Learn more about CBVI’s programs and services here.