Jon Steinberg brings a unique perspective to Wayfinder’s Impact Council. He is the only member who has vision loss, graduated from a Wayfinder program, and works for Wayfinder. Around the age of 14, Jon started having trouble seeing in the dark. But in his 20s, he lived the typical life of a sighted person. He…
Climbing a high ropes course in the dark … maneuvering up a slanted rock wall … riding a skateboard … navigating a tight corner on his bicycle. Nothing stops 11-year- old Lucas, not even the lack of vision in his left eye. “Lucas is a fearless adventurer,” says Annelie, manager of Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield. But…
Here are 4 things parents of blind or visually impaired children and teens should look for in a summer camp: 1. Adaptive camping activities: Look for traditional camping activities such as archery, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, rock-climbing wall, ropes challenge course, arts and crafts and more. At Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield, these activities are adapted…
Dynamic, connected, committed—Lindsey Fudge is all these and more. Wayfinder is fortunate to have her as a member of the Community Council. Lindsey was already aware of Wayfinder’s presence in Sacramento when she met a member of Wayfinder’s fundraising team at a leadership event in 2019. “I was so impressed by what Wayfinder was doing…
“I had no idea I could be as independent as I am right now,” says Justice after six weeks in Wayfinder’s Davidson Program for Independence. “Being able to get to a store six blocks away by myself … I thought that would never happen.” Justice, age 19, has cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment, meaning…
“Love. That’s all Alan wanted,” says Marie, who decided to adopt Alan when he was bedridden in a total-care medical facility. Then, medical professionals told Marie that Alan, age 6, had profound disabilities and cerebral palsy. He would never be able to talk or walk. He harmed himself by hitting his head. What Marie saw…
As 19-year-old Kelsey walks across her college campus, she greets friends and classmates. People know her as a dedicated student and a kind person. What they don’t know is that sheer determination got her here … or how much she endured in the child welfare system. Kelsey’s strong inner motivation and the valuable mental health…
“The longer we are with Wayfinder, the more independence and freedom that Axton has,” says Arlisha, mother of Axton, a 4-year-old who receives Wayfinder’s Child Development Services. The program assists young children with visual or multiple disabilities in achieving developmental milestones. Axton is a happy, funny, affectionate boy. He was born with an exceedingly rare…
On Wayfinder’s 70th anniversary, what are some of your thoughts about the organization’s future? The next 70 years for Wayfinder depend on what we do now. Prior generations created a financially healthy organization known for innovation and effectiveness at addressing some of our community’s greatest problems. That strong foundation enables Wayfinder to achieve life-changing outcomes…
What are your thoughts about your new role as president and CEO? Wayfinder has had only three leaders before me in our 70-year history, which speaks to the stability of the organization. I know I am building on the successes of my predecessors. I was so flattered to receive this note from Angela Brown, a…
