Vision Impaired of Marin Fall 2026 Newsletter

Summer Highlights

Vision Impaired of Marin enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with opportunities for connection, learning, creativity, and fun. Our monthly Zoom Support Group provided a welcoming space for members to share experiences, exchange resources, and support one another. The Talking Book Club continued to bring book lovers together for lively discussions and friendship, while members gathered for our August luncheon at San Rafael Joe’s.

Summer activities included Happy Hour at Pacific Catch in Corte Madera, Tuesday Afternoon at the Movies featuring Disclosure Day, and two Torn-Paper Art classes at the Marin Society of Artists. Members also enjoyed an Ice Cream Social at Double Rainbow in downtown San Rafael and our annual summer outing to Stinson Beach.

Our participation in the Marin Senior Fair provided an opportunity to connect with community members and share information about VIM’s programs and resources. Lions Club volunteers supported our booth, offered vision screenings, and helped guide our VIPs—Vision Impaired People—around the fair.

We are grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and helped make our summer activities possible. These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to try something new, enjoy time with friends, and stay connected.

Living with vision loss can sometimes make our world feel smaller. Activities may become more challenging, getting out may require additional planning, and it can become easy to feel isolated. Staying connected and engaged is an important part of living well with vision loss.

At Vision Impaired of Marin, our programs are more than activities. They are opportunities to connect with others, share experiences, learn something new, laugh together, and enjoy time with friends.

This fall, our ongoing programs include Zoom Support Group, Art Class, Talking Book Club, and Community Luncheons. Enrichment activities include Tuesday Afternoon at the Movies, Squeegee Art, Miniature Golf, and a social gathering at The Cheesecake Factory.

We will also celebrate the season at our Holiday Luncheon, featuring live music by Bread & Roses.

Join us, get involved, and discover the connection and sense of community VIM offers.

Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming activities.

By: Suzie Tremolada 

Driving represents independence and freedom, making the decision to limit or stop driving difficult. Because vision loss often happens gradually, it can be challenging to recognize when driving is becoming unsafe.

If you are experiencing vision impairment, consider whether you have begun limiting your driving to daylight hours, avoiding busy roads or difficult intersections, struggling with glare or light sensitivity, or having difficulty reading road signs and seeing traffic signals.

Other warning signs may include feeling increasingly stressed or uncertain behind the wheel, experiencing near misses, or hearing concerns from family members and friends.

Giving up driving can feel like losing independence, but it does not have to mean becoming isolated. Alternative transportation can help you remain active, independent, and connected to your community. Many people also experience relief when the stress of driving safely is lifted.

If vision loss is affecting your ability to drive, Vision Impaired of Marin can help. Contact us for a free Discovery Session and information about alternative transportation resources available in Marin County.

A Free Discovery Session provides a one-on-one phone opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable information and resources.

Whether you are new to VIM, have participated in our programs for years, or know someone who could benefit, we welcome your call.

Learn More About Discovery Sessions

Do you know someone who could benefit from Vision Impaired of Marin’s resources, information, and programs?

VIM welcomes new volunteers, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting our mission. Community partners can help by sponsoring a luncheon, supporting a bocce team, or contributing to our programs and services.

Your participation helps strengthen our community and creates meaningful opportunities for adults experiencing vision impairment.

Vision Impaired of Marin has sustained its mission for more than 50 years through the generosity of its supporters. Founded in 1974, VIM has benefited from charitable bequests that help ensure our programs continue serving adults experiencing vision impairment.

Founding Board Member Dorothy J. Chin left a generous bequest of $161,000, establishing the Dorothy J. Chin Fellowship Legacy.

You can become part of this lasting legacy by including Vision Impaired of Marin in your will or trust through a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a designated asset. You may also designate VIM as a beneficiary of an account or asset or make a memorial donation in honor of a loved one.

Vision Impaired of Marin receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and community organizations to sustain its programs and services.

Your support helps provide opportunities for friendship, fellowship, information, enrichment, and meaningful connection for adults experiencing vision impairment throughout Marin County.

2026 Friend of VIM

• Bronze: $25 or more
• Silver: $50 or more
• Gold: $100 or more

2026 VIM Sponsor

• Bronze: $250 or more
• Silver: $500 or more
• Gold: $1,000 or more

Learn More About VIM Friends & Sponsors

Make a Donation

Thank you to our members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners for helping Vision Impaired of Marin continue its mission. Together, we are creating a welcoming community where adults experiencing vision impairment can connect, participate, and belong.

Vision Impaired of Marin

369B Third Street #183
San Rafael, CA 94901

415-459-5066 | info@bvim.org

Visit bvim.org