Philadelphia, PA, April 23, 2009 -- ASB client, Iris Nieves is a strong believer in continuing education and overcoming life’s many obstacles.

Born with congenital cataracts and presently living with myopia degeneration, a disability where deformation of the eye places stress on the retina causing vision problems, Iris has persevered with ASB’s help and succeeded in gaining independence.

Working with her visual impairment remains a priority to Iris. Using the Life Skills classes taught at ASB, Iris acquired the confidence and independence necessary to achieve goals she preset and created along the way. Since becoming a member of the ASB family in 1996, Iris received her Associates degree in pre-education from the Community College of Philadelphia and her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Special Education from Temple University. Throughout her studies, Iris benefited from low vision aids she attained from ASB to help with her classes.

"The reading and writing intensive courses needed to complete my major were a challenge and without those magnifiers, I wouldn’t have been able to work as fast as my peers."

For Iris, deciding what career path to follow became apparent one day while she was reading the newspaper. She noticed an ad for the National Massage Therapy Institute program. Iris researched her options, gained encouragement from her family and ASB peers, enrolled for training, and graduated in 2008. She currently owns a massage therapy business in Philadelphia called "Mano a Mano Massage on the Go," where the slogan is "we knead it where you need it!" Iris actively participates in many community service projects throughout Philadelphia, which include community events and health fairs.

"ASB aided in my personal and academic growth," said Iris. "The classes I’ve taken and the support groups I participate in provide a social outlet that has helped me achieve my goals both professionally and personally. I enjoy participating and sharing what I know with others and learning what my fellow clients know."

Today, Iris still remains active at ASB. She participates in the Life Skills and English as Second Language (ESL) program and recently joined ASB’s knitting group. In May, Iris will begin computer training in the ASB computer lab. The skills gained in this class will assist in growing her business.

Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President and CEO, says, "We are so proud of Iris for all that she has managed to accomplish. She is the perfect example of what we strive to do here at ASB, offer success to our constituents."

In Iris’ spare time, she avidly studies Naturalpathic Medicine and as a result became a vegetarian. Iris also likes to listen to books on tape and music, enjoys watching movies with her granddaughter, and gardens. She is a happy, single mother of five and proud grandmother of two.

Iris’ enthusiasm and commitment to herself is inspiring. Her desire to help others through her work is remarkable. Her humbleness at all she’s accomplished and currently working towards is incredible.