Our nationally accredited Residential Training Program teaches these significantly disabled adults the skills they’ll need to live independently and support themselves so they don’t need to rely on others for their care. As they begin, our students learn in our residential training center. As they progress, however, our students learn to use public transportation. They use that public transportation as they learn to shop, do their banking and personal business, find jobs (our ultimate goal!) and to enjoy recreational opportunities in the community. Once they’ve mastered the basic skills of living with blindness, we offer our advanced students opportunities to live in off- campus apartments where they apply the skills they’ve learned and develop the confidence they’ll need to live in their own homes or apartments.
I’m excited about our recent purchase of a duplex in Ormond Beach which will improve our ability to offer real-life independent living skills training to our advanced students. These training units will replace rental apartments we have been using for this purpose, reducing training costs and improving accessibility for our students with physical challenges. At a convenient location, our duplex is close to public transportation and shopping centers. Experiential training in a real apartment setting helps students develop the confidence they need to live on their own.
I’m asking you for your support in making this duplex livable for our students. Along with a new roof, water heater and appliances, we will need to make the two units handicap accessible. I ask that you review the enclosed Sponsorship Opportunities and make as generous a contribution as you possibly can. By supporting us through any of these three giving opportunities, you will be insuring that the wonderful work of the Conklin Center for the Blind will continue.
Sincerely,
Robert Kelly, Executive Director
DUPLEX SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
VISIONARY SPONSOR – $10,000
(Good for 10 years with a first right of refusal to renew. The gift can be made over a two year period.)
Your contribution will go towards the larger renovations of the structure of the duplex.
- Company or Individual Name on gold plate mounted by front door for 10 years
- Media recognition in all sponsor listings
PACESETTER SPONSOR – $5,000
(Good for 5 years with a first right of refusal to renew. The gift can be made over a one year period.)
Your contribution will go towards the renovations of one room – kitchen, dining area, living room or bedroom.
- Company or Individual Name on plaque in desired room
- Media recognition in all sponsor listings
LUMINARY SPONSOR – $2,500
(Good for 3 years with a first right of refusal to renew.)
Your contribution will go towards cosmetic renovations throughout the duplex.
- Company or Individual Name engraved on paver on front walkway
- Media recognition in all sponsor listings
*For any questions or to become a sponsor, please contact
Mary Beth Smotherman at (386) 258-3441*