History

Vision Impaired of Marin was founded in 1974 by people who were vision impaired who sought fellowship with others experiencing vision loss. They challenged the isolation and fear in which they lived by supporting each other. As others joined the group, they organized as Vision Impaired of Marin receiving a non-profit status 501 (3) (c) in 1983. They started holding regular support meetings, and over the years more services and programs were added.

Many years ago the corporate name was changed to Blind and Vision Impaired of Marin. In 2014 the Board saw the name as redundant and felt the term “blind” was often misunderstood. Consequently a Fictitious Name statement was filed as Vision Impaired of Marin. While our non-profit remains Blind and Vision Impaired of Marin, we are doing business as Vision Impaired of Marin.

Today VIM has developed many programs. At one point there were in-person support groups throughout Marin. However during the pandemic those groups have combine into one support group via zoom. We have a monthly Talking Book Club and coordinate with the National Library Service for the Blind. We collaborate with Marin Society of Artists for a quarterly Art Class. We have five luncheons per year with entertainment by Bread and Roses, a local non-profit who serves the isolated and elderly. Our Enrichment Programs provides Zoom Entertainment by Bread and Roses, guided tours, nature walks, outings and entertainment as available.

We keep our budget to a minimum and volunteers run and offer support to our programs. A large part of our budget is for our important part-time virtual assistant. Vision Impaired of Marin’s mission could not be accomplished without the wonderful support of our volunteers and donors. Vision Impaired of Marin receives no government funding and relies upon the generosity of private donations, local business, and organization. Additional financial support is always needed not only for our operating costs, but for expansion of programs and outreach.