For over 94 years the Vision Resource Center of Berks County has proudly provided services to prevent blindness and make it possible for visually impaired Berks County residents to lead independent and productive lives within their community. The agency serves over 600 blind and visually impaired Berks County residents. The Vision Resource Center of Berks County is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit social service agency that was founded in 1929 by the Reading Lions Club.
Our Vision is to offer early detection and community education while providing support services, rehabilitation and advocacy for visually impaired persons and their caregivers.
Our Mission is to enrich the lives of visually impaired persons and their caregivers while providing preventative services and education.
VRC works closely with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services.
VRC is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
There are an estimated 21,000 visually impaired or blind people in Berks County.
A counselor and social worker on staff are both blind, providing inspiration to clients. The social worker is bilingual to better serve the Hispanic community in Berks County. Monthly support groups are ran by our counselor and are open to both blind and visually impaired individuals.
A workshop provides employment to blind, visually impaired and challenged individuals.
Educational programs on eye health are tailored to the age of the students being served. Adult programs are also available on a wide variety of eye health issues.
Vision screenings are provided annually to over 2,000 children in an effort to detect vision issues early.
A “lunch bunch” group meets monthly for socialization. It’s open to blind and visually impaired individuals, their families, friends and caregivers.
Socialization/recreational programs are also offered for client’s who want to be more active. These activities include, but are not limited to: bowling, miniature golf, concerts, etc.
The VRC sponsors group client activities for clients of all ages year round.
A newsletter featuring activities and eye health information is published by the agency 3 times a year.
The VRC was founded in 1929 by the Reading Lions Club and was supported by the Welfare Federation, forerunner of the United Way. The current services center at 2020 Hampden Boulevard in Reading was built by the Lions club in 1957.
Funding for VRC’s programs and services comes from individuals, foundations, trusts, corporations, Lions Clubs and workshop revenues.
Fast Facts
Our Name: Vision Resource Center of Berks County (or VRC), formerly known as Berks County Association for the Blind
Ages Served: 6 months and older
Number Served: 400 Direct Services / 2,000+ Children’s Sight Screenings
Number of Staff: 4 Full Time / 4 Part Time
Number of Volunteers: 25
Programs Offered: Social Services, Client Transportation Services, Vision Screening Services (Day Care, Pre-School), Mobility Training, Social/Recreation, Lunch Bunch, Sight Loss Support Group, Hispanic Sight Loss Support Group, Counseling, and Workshop.
Area Served: Berks County
Operating Budget: $552,900
Funding Sources: Individuals, Foundations, Special Events, Trusts, Corporations, Lions Clubs, and Workshop.
Member of Pennsylvania Association of the Blind
Member of Greater Reading Chamber of Business and Industry
Key Leadership, 2024: Melanie Mann, Chairperson
Your VRC Staff
Lori Schermerhorn
President/CEO
610-375-8407 Ext 112
lschermerhorn@vrcberks.org
Bill Sutton
Director of Major and Corporate Giving
610-375-8407 Ext 117
bsutton@vrcberks.org
Carolyn Krick
Vice President of Operations
610-375-8407 Ext 110
ckrick@vrcberks.org
Rosann Strauss
Director of Workshop Services
610-375-8407 Ext 118
rstrauss@vrcberks.org
Mark Levengood
Counselor – Social Services
610-375-8407 Ext 120
mlevengood@vrcberks.org
Lori Johnston
Caseworker-Social Services
610-375-8407 Ext 114
ljohnston@vrcberks.org
Alicia Santiago
Social Worker-Social Services
610-375-8407 Ext 122
asantiago@vrcberks.org
VRC Officers, Members and Boards
Officers:
Melanie Mann — Chairperson
Dr. Amanda Legge — Vice Chairperson
Joe O’Neill — Secretary
Nick Bieber — Treasurer
Board Members:
Nick Bieber — Herbein and Company
Steve Bobick — Retired
Gary Brown — Berks Digital, Inc.
Gerard Cunningham — Client
Darrel “Rip” Harris — Retired
Violet Emory — Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation
Chrystal Shirey Ferguson — Spherix Global Insight
Dr. Amanda Legge — Wyomissing Optometric Center
Melanie Mann — Ephrata National Bank
David Meas — Circadia
Joe O’Neill — Tompkins Bank
Jeff Schatz — Schatz Electric, Inc.
Finance and Development:
Nick Bieber (Co-Chair)
Gary Brown
Violet Emory
Rip Harris
Chad Johnson
Bill Sutton, Major and Corporate Gifts Officer
Lori Schermerhorn, Staff Advisor
Workshop:
Steve Bobick
Joe O’Neill
Chrystal Shirey Ferguson
Rosann Strauss, Staff Advisor
Governance:
Dr. Amanda Legge
Melanie Mann
Joe O’Neill
Lori Schermerhorn, Staff Advisor
Property:
Ted Lavender
Jeff Schatz
Carolyn Krick, Staff Advisor
Marketing:
Melanie Mann
Bill Sutton, Major and Corporate Gifts Officer
Carolyn Krick, Staff Advisor
Lori Schermerhorn, Staff Advisor
Sight Conservation:
Dr. Amanda Legge
Chrystal Shirey Ferguson
Phil Shober
Mark Levengood, Staff Advisor
Golf Committee:
Steve Bobick (Chair)
Rip Harris
Kelly Kline
David Meas
Joe O’Neill
Jeff Schatz
Bill Sutton, Major and Corporate Gifts Officer
Lori Schermerhorn, Staff Advisor
Dine in the Dark Committee:
Dave Meas (Chair)
Steve Bobick
Gerry Cunningham
Violet Emory
Rip Harris
Dr. Nicole Johnson
Kelly Kline
Melanie Mann
Joe O’Neill
Bill Sutton, Major and Corporate Gifts Officer
Carolyn Krick, Staff Advisor
Lori Schermerhorn, Staff Advisor
White Cane Fund
The White Cane Fund is created through gifts provided to VRC. These gifts from individuals, groups, companies, and agencies provide the VRC with unrestricted funds to provide services and programs for our clients. These funds are used to provide programs and services such as:
- Social and recreational events for adults and children
- Client services and supplies
- Unbudgeted “emergencies” that may occur within the agency
- Support for Golf Tournament and Dine In the Dark events
- Educational programs for adults and children
- Client transportation services
Please help fund the White Cane Fund today. We are the only nongovernmental agency providing these services to your neighbors in need. To Donate, please click HERE.