Orange County-based Blind Children’s Learning Center (BCLC) has partnered with Johnson & Johnson Vision to bolster support of the nonprofit’s mission to help children with visual impairments live independent lives.

Through virtual events and awarded grants, the partnership has already begun changing lives for the better. Since just last year, Johnson & Johnson Vision employees provided over 400 hours of service to over 140 infants and toddlers, along with 551 vision screenings to Orange County students. Today, over 75 employees across an array of departments volunteer with BCLC, helping kids become healthily independent. 

“The entire BCLC team feels honored to have Johnson & Johnson Vision’s support over the years,” says BCLC President and Executive Director Angie Rowe. “We couldn’t do what we do without them and are thankful for the hours of time, monetary support, and passion the J&J team brings to our children and families. We look forward to many more years of working together and helping children with visual impairments live full and independent lives!”

BCLC provides comprehensive programming and assistance to more than 250 children with visual impairments and other disabilities every year, supporting them from birth to age 22. Johnson & Johnson Vision is a longtime supporter of the BCLC’s mission, and has been donating time, funds and expertise to the organization and its children since 2017. 

An example of a donation of their expertise was the successful employee-organized virtual event co-hosted by BCLC and Johnson & Johnson Vision on October 26 in support of the children and families BCLC serves. 

The virtual event featured speakers and performers that were BCLC students and alumni alike, including Lily G., age 15, who performed a virtual concert and attributed her positive attitude and confidence to BCLC. Audience members also heard from Huw Mainwaring, father of BCLC student Maxen, age 8. Huw shared his family’s intimate and inspiring journey, including Maxen’s diagnosis of retinoblastoma at 5 months of age, the treatment implemented to save Maxen’s eyes, and the care they have received from BCLC in the time since.

“The event was interactive, inviting guests to take part in at-home activities designed by an Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired at BCLC,” explains the organization in a recent release. “Attendees had the opportunity to blindfold themselves before attempting tasks that may prove difficult for people with limited or no vision. They included placing a fitted sheet, pouring a drink, and navigating a staircase. The entire event helped to bring people together in support of a cause so near and dear to both BCLC and the Johnson & Johnson Vision team (in particular, Johnson & Johnson Vision team members who are a part of Generation NOW).”

Generation NOW is a voluntary employee resource group that provides members with inspiration and skills to build their future at Johnson & Johnson Vision, growing the next generation of company leaders. 

“Generation NOW is one of several employee resource groups at Johnson & Johnson Vision that allows employees to create and sustain a positive impact on the company culture,” notes Vanessa Corrales-Yang, Senior Engineer at Johnson & Johnson Vision. “Our collaboration with BCLC is one of the many ways that Johnson & Johnson Vision is able to provide a benefit to our surrounding communities, by learning more about those that are in need and how we can reach out and help them.”

In addition to time and expertise, Johnson & Johnson Vision supports BCLC financially, awarding them with a substantial grant that will be put towards BCLC’s early intervention services, specifically the Global Infant Development program and vision services. With the grant money, BCLC also hopes to increase the number of families receiving early intervention services.

“At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we come to work every day to help people see better, connect better and live better. An important way we live out that commitment is through partnerships in our local communities to improve eye health, eye care and resources for those who need them most,” said Warren Foust, Worldwide President, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Surgical. “We are honored to serve and work alongside the Blind Children’s Learning Center, who work tirelessly to expand access to early intervention, education and family support for children with vision impairment. The children and families served by the BCLC are a constant inspiration to our employees, and being able to contribute through our time, our talents and our financial resources is both an honor and a privilege.”

To learn more about this partnership, or how you can support  Blind Children’s Learning Center (BCLC), visit them online at www.blindkids.org.

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