Spotlight on Charity

Spotlight on Charity

Oct 23, 2023

Vision Is Priceless (VIP) was founded in 1996 and their mission is to assess, sustain, and improve the visual health of children and adults in Northeast Florida through education, vision screenings, eye exams, prescription glasses and referrals for additional testing for potential surgery- all for prevention of early detection of vision problems. Vision Is Priceless is the only organization in NE Florida { Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker Counties }providing free exams and glasses for children uninsured and underserved.

DWA’s 2023 monetary benefits help economically disadvantaged students in the “Sight in Schools Children’s Vision Program” at Greenfield Elementary a Title 1 public school in the Deercreek school district.

Every child deserves the best chance in school, and in life! That’s why Vision Is Priceless works to eliminate correctable vision problems for students in need. They bring the doctor, eye exams, and glasses directly to students while at school to remove all barriers to care. Something as simple as a pair of prescription glasses can be the difference between a child merely surviving to truly thriving in the classroom. During the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, Vision Is Priceless has provided:

• 14,655 vision screenings for the early detection of vision issues
• 712 comprehensive eye exams for students in need while at school
• 509 prescription eyeglasses enabling students to see their world clearly

More information on this wonderful organization can be found on their website https://visionispriceless.org

Pace Center for Girls is a Florida-based, nationally recognized not-for-profit organization that provides non-residential, prevention, intervention and diversion services for girls and young women of middle and high school age. Pace provides free year-round schooling in academics, case management, counseling and life skills development in a trauma and gender free environment.

The DWA supports Pace at their Mrs. Mary’s Boutique. The Boutique, formally known as “The Clothes Closet”, was started by now 87 year old Mary Warner. The Boutique provides a way for the girls to “buy” items with points they’ve earned through grades, good deeds, class attendance and participation. We support the Boutique with donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and toiletries.

Mrs. Mary’s Boutique has its own permanent room. It’s decorated and set up just like a boutique in the mall. This makes the girls feel very special and gives them an opportunity to shop in a place that otherwise they cannot afford.

Thank you for all your support for Pace in the way of volunteering and donations. If you are interested in volunteering or have items to donate, please contact Vicki Khan at 923-3538 or vickikhan1113@gmail.com. Her address for drop off items is 10148 Deercreek Club Road. Please do not ring the doorbell or knock on the door.