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“I lost my vision due to diabetic retinopathy and I thought my life was over. The CICBVI gave me hope by introducing me to assistive technology and helped me meet other people going through the same thing. Thanks to the CICBVI, I soon learned my life wasn’t over – it was just changed – and now I have a lot of living to do!” – Crystal S., CICBVI patron

Our mission at the Central Illinois Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired is to provide programs that meet the emotional, educational, social, and cultural needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Last year we increased our ability to reach hundreds of blind or visually impaired individuals, doubling the amount from the past. In addition, we tripled the number of long white cane giveaways along with the required mobility training classes. We held 32 special events or field trips and delivered 236 food baskets. It was a phenomenal year of growth and with your help, we hope to reach even more local people with sight impairments in 2023.

None of this would be possible without the support of friends like you.

Your contribution touches so many lives that are often underserved, and there are many more in our the Central Illinois area that need our help. Simply click the button below to complete our contact form. Once submitted you’ll be securely directed to PayPal to electronically and conveniently send your gift.

Click to Donate

The CICBVI Board, Staff, Volunteers, and Patrons thank you for your generosity.

“I never would have known there were devices such as talking clocks, scales, label readers – even measuring cups – if it wasn’t for the CICBVI!” -Beverly S., CICBVI patron

Patron Lance demonstrates the WeWalk white cane, which features GPS capabilities

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CICBVI Impact Central Illinois $20,000 Grant Recipient

Two female members of Impact Central Illinois holding large green letters I C I CICBVI Operations Manager Paula and a CICBVI patron hold an enormous check from Impact Central Illinois written in the sum of $20,000 with members of ICI cheering them on View of entire room with seated members of Impact Central Illinois, along with nominated and winning agencies

Thank You Impact Central Illinois!

June 7, 2022 was the Impact Central Illinois Annual Meeting. Members were able to gather together and hear from 6 local non-profits: Invictus Woods, Central Illinois Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Soulside Healing Arts (@soulsidehealingarts), Dream Center Peoria (@dreamcenterpeoria), Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, and Wildlife Prairie Park (@wildlifeprairiepark). Because of the collective giving of their members and a donation from the Bob Gilmore Foundation, ICI was able to give away 4 grants: 2 INSPIRE grants for $20k and 2 IMPACT grants for $110k. The members voted and the INSPIRE grants were awarded to the Central Illinois Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired and Invictus Woods. The IMPACT grants were awarded to Dream Center of Peoria and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS!

TERRI LYNN FOR SPRING!

Now is a good time to benefit the CICBVI and get something special for spring with an order from Terri Lynn. They have nuts and sweets that are sure to please anyone and a portion of every sale comes to the center. Here is the link to order for delivery straight to you or to the recipient of your choice.

Support our fundraiser at cicbvi.terrilynn.com

Help us by using your Kroger Card

Did you know you can register your Kroger card so a percentage of what you spend goes to the CICBVI? It is super simple: grab your card (or use your alternate Kroger ID) and go to the Kroger website. Look under Community Rewards and find “Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired”. Follow the instructions and your next shopping trip will result in a donation to CICBVI. Thank you so much!

Every Day on AmazonSmile!

Support us on AmazonSmile! Here’s how:

1. Click here to open AmazonSmile.
2. Add items to your “shopping cart” just like you would if you were shopping on Amazon.com.
3. Checkout and pay.

By shopping through AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your total order is donated to the CICBVI! It’s a fast and easy way to support your community!!

For our monthly calendar of events, please visit the Calendar of Events page.

Blind and Visually Impaired