Blind Center of Nevada

A nonprofit electronics recycling business staffed by visually impaired people sells exclusively through eBay Giving Works

More than just addressing the needs of Las Vegas' underserved blind and visually impaired population, the Blind Center of Nevada is a nonprofit organization that changes lives. By hosting daily activities, social outings, and events, the Blind Center of Nevada helps create a sense of community among people who all too often suffer from the isolation wrought by their visual impairments. But perhaps most important, the Blind Center of Nevada helps provide meaningful employment to the visually impaired, not only by teaching them valuable skill sets, but also by empowering them to be creative in the workforce and recognize their unique individual worth.

Waking up to the possibilities
As most people are not born with visual impairments but rather gradually lose their sight, many come to the Blind Center of Nevada with some computer skills. Recognizing this deep pool of talent just waiting to be rediscovered, Vice President of Operations Bob Waldorf has made it his mission to develop employment opportunities that better serve the strengths of the visually impaired. And working with eBay Giving Works has become an integral part of his strategy.

You don't need sight to have a vision
The Blind Center of Nevada has built an electronic recycling business, collecting e-waste (such as old computers, monitors, etc.) for sorting, consolidation, and ultimate sale through eBay Giving Works. From handling the technical aspects of dealing with e-waste to keying in eBay sales listings to staffing customer service centers, all positions are held by people with varying degrees of visual impairment. The recycling business has raised more than $900,000 through eBay Giving Works and all funds are put back into the Center, allowing for additional adaptive computer training, more salaried positions, and a wider array of services, such as a community based workshop so other Blind Centers can follow their lead. Housed at the same location since 1960, the Blind Center is even expanding its sales to include clothing and other home and personal products.

The Blind leading
Over the past few years, the funds raised for the Blind Center of Nevada through eBay Giving Works have grown exponentially, and Bob Waldorf believes they've only just scratched the surface. He's been holding seminars with other blind centers around the country, extolling the possibilities presented by becoming Nonprofit Direct Sellers through eBay Giving Works, and inspiring others to do the same.

Not content with succeeding "only in Vegas," the Blind Center of Nevada is using eBay Giving Works to bring its accomplishments to the rest of the world.

Blind Center of Nevada

Would you like to help the Blind Center of Nevada change the lives of visually impaired people in southern Nevada?

Make them a Favorite Nonprofit—you can donate $1-$25 every time you checkout on eBay.

Buy or sell to support their work.

Donate Now using PayPal.

eBay ID: blindcenternv

Status: eBay Giving Works Nonprofit Direct Seller (Nonprofit ID 15131)

eBay Stores: Blind Center of Nevada Computers and Blind Allegiance

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