Vision Beyond the Cane Center       VBCRC was founded by Martin A. Gallegos Jr. on August 26, 2011 who was a veteran teacher of seventeen years. On February 16, 2007, he had a life-changing experience in which he lost his eye-sight in three days. During this life changing experience he was able to embrace his blindness. Gallegos decided not to continue his teaching career but, instead, decided to help the blind and visually impaired in his local community and surrounding communities. Statistics have shown that 70% of blind individuals make up the unemployment rate. After hearing these alarming numbers of blind individuals who make up that unemployment rate, he didn’t want to be part of those statistics. He then applied for a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization and received that status in June of 2012. The name of the non-profit organization is “Vision Beyond the Cane Resource Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.”      Allow Martin the opportunity to introduce you to an idea that is not in its infancy stages specifically to benefit those individuals that are blind and visually impaired: “This dream became a reality on June 19, 2012. It is called “Vision Beyond the Cane Resource Center and it is a dream of Martin’s. He lost his sight six years ago at the age of 42 due to the shingles virus. Because he had to transition from a sighted person to a blind person, he deeply understands the benefits of such a center.      This non-profit location will be a gathering place for individuals with visual impairments. It would house a resource center to provide assistance with day-to-day needs including maneuvering through state agencies and their paperwork and daily needs such as grocery shopping, transportation, banking, computer skills, Braille skills, cooking skills, orientation and mobility instruction. Life Coping Skills Workshops to include personal and dental hygiene, loss and grieving, diabetic and health awareness.      In addition, recreational activities are planned: visiting museums, theatrical plays and movie theaters, restaurants and retail stores. Volunteers specifically trained to assist consumers with their most basic questions and concerns will be available. The resource library filled with Braille books, descriptive videos and audio CD/tape books will be a relaxing place for people to gather. Physical fitness will be offered in a safe environment. Most importantly, it will be a gathering place for ecumenical community members to feel comfortable and included.      The dream of such a center, is at first glance, a huge undertaking. All things become reality with a seed of an idea that takes place and grows to fruition. Gallegos is asking for your help to make this dream a reality with your time, talents and treasures. Please consider an appropriate decision today for this much needed facility. Whether or not you have ever known anyone who is blind, you know they are a segment of the population on the margin with the rest of the world. This no longer needs to be the norm. It can be changed. It can become a reality with your help. For a prospective on the facility, contact: Mr. Martin A. Gallegos Jr, C/O Vision Beyond the Cane Resource Center, P.O. 28037, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87592. Phone: 505-474-3906, Fax: 505-474- 3906; E-Mail: beyondthecane@msn.com. Website: www.beyondthecane.org.