2024 In Review: Our Achievements and Evolution

Each year it is my honor to reflect on the numerous accomplishments of the Envision team, our partners and all those that contribute to the services provided to the blind or visually impaired in our communities. As I look at the progression of the organization this year, 2024 was no exception. This has been a year of evolution, with a keen focus on long-term strategic planning to enhance execution and the overall performance of the organization. While there have been so many accomplishments this year, I’ve captured a few impressive ones below:

The first step in our evolution was embracing the philosophy that the organizational strategy drives its structure. In the first quarter, the transition began by reestablishing the Vice President role within our leadership team. These positions were filled through the promotions of various individuals, including Lou Celli (Dallas), Stacy Fuller (Envision Rehabilitation Services), Barney Macari (Manufacturing Operations), Troy McKissick (Controller), and Justin Morgan (Retail Operations), in addition to the hiring of Scott Baker (Strategic Partnerships). In the third quarter, we were pleased to add Molly Edwards-Workman as Senior Vice President of Foundation & Mission Services and Coleen Tabor as Chief Administrative Officer – two experienced leaders who are already driving us to excel in our efforts to empower those we serve.

In the Spring, the team held successful golf tournaments in both Dallas and Wichita, hosting a wide variety of our friends, vendors, and partners. Then in the Fall, Envision Gala 2024: Surpassing Barriers took place in Wichita and featured Emma, one of our program participants, who stole the show with her powerful vocal performances. Through the generosity of our attendees and participants, over $800,000 in gifts were secured that will directly fund the continuation and expansion of the programs and services provided by Envision!

Another incredible milestone was the move into the new Envision Dallas facility in Farmers Branch, Texas. This state-of-the-art center is seven times larger than our previous facility, employing nearly 100 blind or visually impaired people (making it one of the largest employers of BVI individuals in Texas) and serving more than 3,000 clients annually with programs that promote independence and opportunity. On October 31 we held an official Grand Opening event at the facility, which brought together over 200 attendees, including donors, partners, supporters, members of the local community and a number of other special guests.

Further expanding the unique services provided by Envision, the Seniors Keys to Independence Program (SKIP) was launched in Dallas via our partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission. SKIP provides older individuals from all over Texas with blind skills training or low vision rehabilitation services which will allow them to maintain independent living. Envision Dallas is one of only two training centers available in the entire state of Texas for this program and will continue in 2025, with planned expansion to our Wichita site.

Every year, the National Industries for the Blind (NIB)/National Agency for the Employment of People who are Blind (NAEPB) holds its annual Training Conference and Expo that brings hundreds of representatives from NIB associated nonprofit agencies together. This year all four of the Envision Employees of the Year were nominees for the NIB National Employee of the Year Award: Edward Alonzo, Keela Alonzo, Brandon Murphy and Brandon Popillion. The employees, along with their guests and Envision leaders, had a wonderful experience at the conference and invested valuable time networking with each other and many other NIB-associated agency members in attendance.

It is clear from what I’ve shared, it has been a very busy and productive year at Envision! I want to recognize the efforts of the team and acknowledge all their significant accomplishments that were not included here. In addition, the collaboration and contributions of our many donors and partners are critical to the success of Envision and without them we could not do all that we do.

In closing, I want to share how blessed I am to be a part of such an inspirational team. The unwavering passion and commitment of our employees make a tremendous impact on the lives of so many, and for that I am immensely grateful. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and loyalty to Envision.

On behalf of our team across the country, we wish you a safe holiday season and prosperous 2025.

Michael Monteferrante, President and CEO
Envision