Patrick Stremmel

VisionCorps

VisionCorps was founded in 1926 and is one of the oldest, and largest, non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania. Its goal is to empower people who are blind or vision impaired to attain independence. In 1926, a group of six people created a small workshop for several blind individuals in a few rented rooms at 218 East King Street. The group hired a shop supervisor who taught workers skills such as basket making and chair caning/weaving. The products were then sold in a store. Today, VisionCorps' Enterprise Group focuses on employing people who are blind in manufacturing, food processing, and administrative services. The organization currently employs more than 150 individuals, 75 percent of whom are blind or vision impaired. VisionCorps' Rehabilitation and Youth Services provide the tools and training to empower individuals who are blind or vision impaired to attain independence. The organization serves more than 2,000 individuals in Lancaster, Lebanon, Chester, York and Adams counties, through rehabilitation services. VisionCorps' Prevention of Blindness services include KidSight, which screens more than 8,000 children for vision loss. Most recently, VisionCorps merged with its York County sister organization, ForSight Vision, serving York and Adams Counties. The newly merged team has carried forward the name, VisionCorps, and continues to be committed to providing services and employment for all citizens in its newly expanded region.