Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports individuals with visual impairment so they can reach their potential.

CCBVI was founded in 1949 by Myrtle Stephens Clark, a San Joaquin County welfare worker for the blind. She realized that those who were visually impaired often did not work, instead being helped by family members or just left alone to pass the time.

Since it was established, the organization has remained the only one of its kind to support visually impaired individuals in San Joaquin County. CCBVI provides resources, information, and support to people of all ages through several adult and youth programs.

An integral part of their adult program is called Older Individuals Who Are Blind, which provides free assistive devices, classes and training, and referrals to necessary medical facilities to seniors aged 55 and older who are visually impaired.

As for youth, CCBVI hosts a summer camp for children aged 8-17 to help them grow in comfort and ability with social, recreational, and day-to-day tasks. Children will experience outdoor activities and games, and cooking, among the variety of activities offered. For those aged 14-24,  there is a Young Adults Graduating and Advancing program which includes education and career service training, assistive devices, and other resources.

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