By John Spinelli
MIDDLETOWN – Happiness was the word of the day as many gathered for the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA) Spring Artisan Market April 20.
The event featured local artists, live musicians, food vendors and Seeing Eye dogs and puppies in training, all to spread awareness and raise money for the organization and its day camp, Camp Happiness.
“It sounds cliché, but it’s called ‘Camp Happiness’ for a reason,” said Doris D., an NJBCA member from Middletown.
“When I lost my sight 13 years ago, I thought it was the end of the world,” she said. “I really thought I was going to sit home and do nothing. But coming here, I was able to be active again. When I found this place, it taught me that I’m not alone in this.”
For 114 years, the organization has assisted the blind, visually impaired or those with deteriorating vision.
“Many of our members once had full vision but began to lose their sight later in life or from a medical condition. Our organization is here to give plenty of new opportunities if this happens to someone in life,” said Sarah Thoma, NJBCA executive director.
“We don’t receive any funds from government agencies. We are simply run by volunteers, events and donations,” she said.
The club was founded in 1910 as the New Jersey Blind Men’s Club. In 1930, Camp Happiness was established at a beachfront property on what is now Burlington Avenue.
At a time in America when people with disabilities were typically institutionalized, the group became an alternative for blind New Jerseyans, allowing them to socialize and have fun by the beach.
Over 100 years later, the organization is staying true to that mission.
Today, NJBCA members range in age from 21 to 91 and the organization offers many programs, from art to knitting, gardening, walking, peer support groups and wellness advice.
“We go to a PNC show and the Blue Claws game once a year, but we also offer painting classes, guest speakers, yoga, lunches, food and drink tastings, and more,” said Kat Gramas, NJBCA operations manager. “We even have a vegetable garden here we grow with the members.”
“Many may think being blind is a disability, but we’re here to say that’s not true,” Gramas said. One of the many ways NJBCA helps its members is through peer support, she explained, noting only people who have been through the experience of being blind can “fully relate” to those in the process of losing their vision.
“People who become blind at first learn how to live life, just in a different way. We’re here as a support group,” she said.
Charles B. of Atlantic Highlands lost his sight 25 years ago and has served as board president and trustee of the group since 2001. He said the organization has motivated him to give back and help other blind New Jerseyans achieve their goals.
“The organization is tremendous,” he said.
One project Charles is focused on is increasing voting accessibility for those with vision issues. State law currently prohibits assisting someone in a voting booth and Charles said he is trying to make it easier for blind people to vote in person.
“We are so grateful to all the people that came to help, all the vendors and sponsors here today, occupational therapy students from Monmouth and Stockton universities, Hackensack Meridian Health and Clarence Brown, the New Jersey Lions Club project director, here today,” said Thoma at the Spring Artisan event. “We cannot thank you enough!”
The article originally appeared in the May 2 – May 8, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
