ASB Receives $9,000 Grant to Further Support its Programs and Services

Philadelphia, PA, Thursday, June 18th---- Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB), the largest non-profit organization located in southeastern Pennsylvania serving people who are blind and visually impaired, has been awarded a $9,000 grant from the Joseph B. Godwin and Bertha Wurts Godwin Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation to further support its extensive programs and services.

ASB features programs and services that provide individuals who are blind and visually impaired freedom and independence. Services include rehabilitation, life skills education, computer training, and mobility training with a white cane while the programs range from support groups to extra curricular activities offered in both English and Spanish.

"As is the case with all our endowed funds, this grant perpetuates the values and wishes of the donors in perpetuity," said R. Andrew Swinney, President of the Foundation, of the grant that was approved by the Board of Managers on June 1. "Although Mr. Godwin died in 1930 and Mrs. Godwin died in 1954, at age 95, thanks to their compassion, today’s ASB clients can receive valued services."

Patricia C. Johnson, President and CEO of ASB, said the funds would be used to support the necessary programs and services ASB provides to clients as well as other general program support.

"We are extremely grateful to receive this grant," said Johnson. "Our clients depend on us for support and in turn, we rely on the generosity of foundations, corporations, organizations, and individuals to keep our programs and services flourishing."

With roots dating back to 1874, ASB has as its mission to promote self-esteem, independence, and self-determination in people who are blind or visually impaired. ASB provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life skills education from computer training to hands-on gardening, Latino outreach, and support groups. ASB also produces approximately eleven million pages of braille per year. Visit us online at www.asb.org.

The Philadelphia Foundation, a public charity, is Southeastern Pennsylvania’s leading center for community philanthropic engagement and is committed to improving the quality of life in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties through funds established by its donors. Established in 1918, The Philadelphia Foundation continues to help donors harness their generosity and vision by providing tools, knowledge and financial stewardship directed to maximize the strategic impact of charitable contributions. Grants from more than 775 charitable funds strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofits and support programs that are vital to the people of this region.