A Brief History Of CAB...
In late 1996 a small organization for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded called Community Alliance for the Blind (also known as CAB). Through much hard work and dedication the Community Alliance for the Blind was very successful. Community Alliance for the Blind had over 80 members, over 15 Volunteers, and 3 staff members. Many of the dedicated volunteers would
drive the blind and visually impaired members to activities and events. The 3 Staff members were all visually impaired and were once active members within CAB. In June of 2003 the Board of Directors of the Community Alliance for the Blind made the decision to close their organization for good due to the lack of funding for programs and activities. Many of the organization's former staff, volunteers, and members were saddened and heartbroken to see Community Alliance for the Blind (CAB) close. There were even hopes that the organization would be revived in the next few years but the organization never returned. In April of 2005 a small group of former staff, volunteers, and members of the Community Alliance for the Blind (CAB) had gotten together to form a leadership team to discuss the idea of a new kind of CAB but at that time the leadership team lacked the proper resources, funding, and support needed to make it happen. The leadership team made a decision to put the idea of a new organization (a new CAB) on hold for a while and meet in a year to make this plan happen. In October 2006 the leadership team met to discuss the idea once again and started working on the process of making these plans happen. The organization that was formed from that leadership team is now called the Community Association of the Blind (CAB), it is created and designed to serve the blind and visually impaired of Southern California. CAB has a strong board of directors, loyal sponsors, dedicated donors, helpful volunteers, and supportive members.. On Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 (under a new name and new organization CAB was revived) Community Association of the Blind (CAB) was officially formed and created. The founders of the Community Association of the Blind (CAB) would like to thank the many people and volunteers whom have put lots of hard work into putting this wonderful organization together. Community Association of the Blind's Programs:
CAB’s Activities Program: Ages 18 – 65
CAB Programs Provide...
Educational Opportunities: CAB offers free educational workshops that promote independence amongst the blind
and visually impaired in Southern California. CAB's workshop topics discuss issues that have to do with blindness or are related to the blind and visually impaired in general. CAB also provides free resources and support to blind and visually impaired students in high school, college, and those seeking employment. Recreational Activities: CAB offers Recreational and Social Activities that help promote independence, leadership building skills, and social skills within the blind and visually impaired community at large. These Recreational Activities may seem fun but also there are specific and unique experiences that the blind or visually impaired member will learn from during those activities. CAB also promotes Health and Exercise to those who are blind or visually impaired by making activities about being out and about (getting around town or using public transportation). Community Service Projects: CAB sometimes offers Community Service Projects where some of the members who attend our programs volunteer for the day to assist on a community project. Like volunteering at a Senior Center or providing a light lunch for women in children at a local shelter. Anything is possible but CAB does encourage all of its members to get involved with their own local community. By encouraging our members to participate in a Community Service Project will help strengthen the blind and visually impaired community in a positive way. Collaboration with other Organizations: CAB Networks with several other organizations that provide services and programs to the blind and visually impaired in Southern California. CAB may provide information about or share the resources that other organizations may provide to assist them and their individual needs. Some of these referrals include: Independent Living Programs, Special Education Programs, Eye Search Centers, Department of Rehabilitation Services, etc. Board Members:
Mark Hanohano
President
Director of Operations
Elizabeth Hanohano-Wagner Secretary
Director of Outreach Services
Frank Hanohano
Treasurer
Director of Finance
Richard Funes
Director of Technology Services
JoseLito Mesina
Director of Public Relations
Volunteer Staff:
Mark Hanohano
Director of Programs
Franco Certeza
Volunteer Coordinator
