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Alphapointe

Stories

Home / News & Events / Stories

If you want human interest stories, blogs about what it’s like to live with vision loss, profiles on volunteers, clients, and staff, as well as other inspiring features, you’ve found the right place.

  • Tracie is in our adaptive technology lab talking to Cameron.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Q&A with Tracie Thompson

    Posted onSeptember 18, 2025September 18, 2025

    Have you ever wanted to ask someone who is blind about their experiences, but weren’t sure how? In this edition of Through Our Eyes, I sit down with Tracie Thompson, one of Alphapointe’s newest clients, to talk about her journey with vision loss and how she has learned to adapt. Q: How long have you…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Q&A with Tracie ThompsonContinue

  • Kevin is seated in the Office Products Department of Alphapointe. He is smiling at the camera.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Don’t Lose Hope

    Posted onSeptember 4, 2025September 4, 2025

    “Just because you lose your sight, doesn’t mean you have to lose hope.”  – Kevin Eschbaugh. In the small town of Wilson, Kansas –  a place that is, geographically speaking, next to nothing – Kevin, then 16, stood looking at his first car with an odd mixture of disdain and reverence. The car was the…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Don’t Lose HopeContinue

  • Aerial view of a baseball diamond.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Play Ball

    Posted onAugust 20, 2025August 20, 2025

    There are some who hold the belief that a blind person has no interest in sports, that we might just be unimpressed when, say, Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, throws a perfect dime to a receiver as he is sprinting into the end zone with seconds on the clock. Or that we’d be…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Play BallContinue

  • Through Our Eyes: Cooking in the Dark
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Cooking in the Dark

    Posted onAugust 7, 2025August 7, 2025

    As a blind man who lives alone, one of the most common questions I receive is, “How do you cook?” It is a common misconception that people with vision loss are saved from starvation by inventions such as frozen foods, TV dinners, and Door Dash. I will not make the claim that I don’t sometimes…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Cooking in the DarkContinue

  • Amy Campbell is the vice-president of Human Resources at Alphapointe
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: A Look at HR with Amy Campbell

    Posted onJuly 25, 2025July 25, 2025

    I sat on my couch, head in my hands, with a future filled with uncertainty. I had just received the most spectacular news of my life … I was going to be a father; on the heels of that news – that elation – came a dread that settled in my stomach. Even before receiving…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: A Look at HR with Amy CampbellContinue

  • Sherma smiling at the camera.
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Sherma’s Journey

    Posted onJuly 8, 2025July 8, 2025

    Oftentimes, the Alphapointe spotlight shines on a particular employee from one of our various departments in our New York Headquarters. Other times, it appears on one of the many individuals who receive services through our NYHQ Rehabilitation Department, including along their path to community-based employment. However, there are occasions where the spotlight must be spontaneous…

    Read More Sherma’s JourneyContinue

  • Sam at the Alphapointe groundbreaking ceremony.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Living and Thriving

    Posted onJuly 2, 2025July 2, 2025

    When she first started elementary school in Liberty, Missouri, there was nothing in particular that separated Samantha (Sam) Mitchell from her fellow classmates. But, as the years passed, much to Sam’s consternation and growing embarrassment, she couldn’t help but notice that the proximity of her desk and the front of the classroom grew closer and…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Living and ThrivingContinue

  • Through Our Eyes: The Questions We’re Asked
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: The Questions We’re Asked

    Posted onJune 19, 2025June 19, 2025

    For those of us with vision loss, every time we take up the cane and walk out our front door, it is inevitable that we will get questions regarding our condition. People want to know how we accomplish tasks or about our lifestyle in general. As a longstanding member of the blind community, I’m happy…

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  • Through Our Eyes: Driven by Imagination
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Driven by Imagination

    Posted onJune 4, 2025June 26, 2025

    “There is nothing except for what my mind imagines.” – Kim Stanley. On the west side of the Alphapointe building in Kansas City, Missouri, is the rehabilitation department. This department serves Alphapointe clients who are experiencing partial or complete vision loss — to teach them the skills they need to be independent and advocate for…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Driven by ImaginationContinue

  • Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Video: We’re On a Mission

    Posted onMay 19, 2025May 28, 2025

    Our mission is to empower people with vision loss to achieve their goals and aspirations. Watch this video to see us in action — working together to accomplish that mission and change the way the world sees blindness.

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  • Dillon with a group of Kids in the Kitchen participants and Alex, who volunteers for numerous Alphapointe programs.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Finding A Brighter Way

    Posted onMay 7, 2025May 28, 2025

    Please note: Some thematic elements in this story may be triggering for certain readers. “It took me becoming blind, to see how bright my future is.” – Dillon Tarn. A young man stood on a dirt mound in the middle of a baseball diamond in Abilene, Kansas. He was facing home plate; a cap sat…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Finding A Brighter WayContinue

  • Delivering Growth Through Custom Bottles
    Alphapointe News | Alphapointe Stories | Blog

    Delivering Growth Through Custom Bottles

    Posted onApril 28, 2025September 17, 2025

    Client Overview: A global health services organization committed to improving health, well-being and peace of mind. As part of their pharmaceutical operations, the global organization runs automated mail-order pharmacies that process and ship millions of prescriptions annually. To meet the demands of their federal contract work and long-term growth strategy, it needed a supplier that…

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  • Through Our Eyes: Emily Haapala
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Emily Haapala

    Posted onApril 8, 2025May 28, 2025

    “Adversity helps shape who you are.” – Emily Haapala It is a frigid morning in Kansas City, Missouri, and the ground outside the office window is blanketed in snow with a deep grey sky that promises more to come. Inside the warm office, a 28-year-old woman sits at her desk preparing for clients. The young…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Emily HaapalaContinue

  • Organized display of various shirts on hangers, showcasing fashion and style.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Dressed for Success

    Posted onMarch 20, 2025May 28, 2025

    Were you to walk into my closet, you would find a variety of clothing in several different styles. You would find professional wear as well as casual. You would find dress shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, sports team apparel and what some might classify as an overabundance of jackets and coats. Located directly above my clothes is a…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Dressed for SuccessContinue

  • Thomas is smiling at the camera while working in the Alphapointe Plastics Department.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Thomas Nguyen

    Posted onFebruary 27, 2025May 28, 2025

    “Being blind has given me power.” – Thomas Nguyen The plastics manufacturing department of Alphapointe (commonly referred to simply as plastics by those who work there) is a huge brightly lit room, filled with machinery, shipping pallets, and workers weaving efficiently between equipment. It just so happens that many of the members of the team…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Thomas NguyenContinue

  • A snow covered street lined with trees in Kansas City.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Snow Blind

    Posted onJanuary 29, 2025May 28, 2025

    Buster Olney, the host of the “Baseball Tonight” podcast, was having an interesting discussion with two of his fellow analysts regarding the future of Mets first basemen Pete Alonzo. The voices of the podcast came through clearly on my noise cancelling headphones and, perhaps you imagine me listening in a comfortable chair, warm and isolated…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Snow BlindContinue

  • Randy is pictured in the Alphapointe entry area. He is smiling at the camera.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Climbing the Mountain

    Posted onJanuary 14, 2025May 28, 2025

    “I may not be able to see the mountain, but I think I might like to climb up it.” Randy Becker. In the year 1982, at roughly 6:00 in the morning, in the KCMW studio located on the Central Missouri State University campus, (KCMW being an affiliate of NPR and APR radio, which is no…

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  • This is a poster of Cameron Black, the first blind man to call play by play for an NBA game.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 2

    Posted onDecember 12, 2024December 12, 2024

    In part 2, Cameron takes us through the game where he provided commentary for an NBA playoff game.

    Read More Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 2Continue

  • This is a poster of Cameron Black, the first blind man to call play by play for an NBA game.
    Alphapointe Stories

    Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 1

    Posted onDecember 9, 2024December 9, 2024

    Cameron Black has been blind since birth. But that hasn’t stopped him from doing whatever he has wanted in life. Like throwing out the first pitch at major league baseball games, throwing ceremonial first passes at NFL games, or doing the play-by-play at an NBA playoff game.

    Read More Through Our Eyes: The Making of Dreamcaster – Part 1Continue

  • Miss Sabinna works in the Alphapoitne Call Center.
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: You Are Not A Failure

    Posted onOctober 7, 2024May 28, 2025

    “Just because your eyes fail, does not mean you are a failure.” Bozenna Olson. Some couples meet at a young age, maybe high school sweethearts. Some might meet later in life through friends, at social gatherings, or these days maybe on a dating app. The parents of Bozenna Olson met in what could be described…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: You Are Not A FailureContinue

  • Through Our Eyes: Devin Williams
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes: Devin Williams

    Posted onSeptember 23, 2024April 15, 2025

    “I want to be known for who I am, and not what I am.” Devin Williams The quote above was just one of many that stuck out to me during my conversation with Devin Williams. So, in accordance with Devin’s wishes, let me tell you a little bit about who he is, and we will…

    Read More Through Our Eyes: Devin WilliamsContinue

  • Through Our Eyes
    Alphapointe Stories | Through Our Eyes

    Through Our Eyes

    Posted onSeptember 9, 2024April 15, 2025

    -Story by Cameron Black “Do, or do not, there is no try.” Master Yoda “Do not adapt your life to suit your blindness, adapt your blindness to suit your life.” Cameron Black Have you ever been out in the world, perhaps on a bus on your way to work, maybe behind the wheel of your…

    Read More Through Our EyesContinue

  • Mission Moment: Polly Swafford
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Polly Swafford

    Posted onDecember 6, 2023May 28, 2025

    For Polly Swafford, living with macular degeneration, a disease that limits central vision, was not only challenging, but also isolating and sometimes, scary. Polly, an educator as well as an editor and publisher of a literary magazine, is passionate about using the written word to engage, inform and enlighten others.  Now, Polly was cut off…

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  • Mickey Beach, with wife Martha, on the actual beach.
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Mickey Beach

    Posted onJune 29, 2023May 28, 2025

    Tell us about you…… My name is Mickey Beach. I was born in south Kansas City and am an alumnus of Center High School. My wife Martha and I moved back to the Kansas City area in the fall of 2020 to be closer to children and grandchildren. We are both retired teachers, having each…

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  • Headshot image of Heath Chancey
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Heath Chancey

    Posted onMarch 1, 2023May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Heath Chancey on the choice to donate time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Heath Tell us about you… I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Kansas City in 2001. I have worked for IMA Financial Group for three…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Heath ChanceyContinue

  • Two people working on sewing a blanket together
    Alphapointe Stories

    It’s All About T.G.I. with F.F.!

    Posted onDecember 29, 2022May 28, 2025

    On Friday, Dec. 9, Alphapointe Youth joined the youth from Center of Hope Ministries to participate in a Community Service Project to give back to other youth in appreciation for all they have received this year. The youth celebrated T.G.I. with F.F.: being Thankful, Grateful, Impactful with Family & Friends! The goal was to have…

    Read More It’s All About T.G.I. with F.F.!Continue

  • Image of Patricia Lyons Cox
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Patricia Lyons Cox

    Posted onDecember 5, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Patricia Lyons Cox on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Patricia  Tell us about you… I call Kansas City my home and find great comfort being with family and friends. Kansas City has a long…

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  • Image of Jo Anne sitting in a chair holding a smart phone and smiling
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Use Apps on a Phone

    Posted onNovember 1, 2022May 28, 2025

    Jo Anne Cash is a senior living with neurotrophic keratitis and severe glaucoma. Her vision is near blindness. After a low vision evaluation from an optometrist and an occupational therapist at Alphapointe who both specialize in vision rehabilitation, goals were established to prepare for in-home training provided by an occupational therapy assistant. Jo Anne’s main…

    Read More Mission Moment: It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Use Apps on a PhoneContinue

  • Image of Rebekah Grieb smiling
    Alphapointe Stories

    A Blind Theatre Stage Manager? Alphapointe Team Member Defies Misconceptions

    Posted onOctober 31, 2022April 15, 2025

    Dr. Jerome Kagan, one of the most influential psychologists in recorded history, established the concept that reaching a concrete conclusion is one of the most essential behavioral activities for humans because it affects virtually every element of a person’s psyche. Rebekah Grieb knows exactly what Dr. Kagan was talking about because she’s lived without a…

    Read More A Blind Theatre Stage Manager? Alphapointe Team Member Defies MisconceptionsContinue

  • Image of Jy Maze
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Jy Maze

    Posted onSeptember 29, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Jy Maze on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Jy’s father, who was blind, actually worked for Alphapointe for a number of years, which created a bond between Jy and the organization. Additionally, Jy joined Alphapointe’s Foundation…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Jy MazeContinue

  • Image of Judy sitting at a table using a screen magnifier
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop Independence

    Posted onSeptember 23, 2022May 28, 2025

    Judy has age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Macular degeneration affects one’s central vision and causes “blind spots” that make it difficult to read, recognize faces and engage in many other activities. Judy began receiving training through Alphapointe’s Senior Adult Services Program earlier this summer. An individualized program was…

    Read More Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop IndependenceContinue

  • Photo of family children at Alphapointe's Adventure Camp
    Alphapointe Stories

    “The Day Life Changed” – Afghanistan Family Flees Home Country & Finds New Life in U.S.

    Posted onSeptember 1, 2022May 28, 2025

    This is a letter written by Shirmohammad. He is a father of five children, each of whom has low vision as a result of having albinism. Along with his family, Shirmohammad fled Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban captured control of the country. This is his family’s story. Today, our children are safe. They…

    Read More “The Day Life Changed” – Afghanistan Family Flees Home Country & Finds New Life in U.S.Continue

  • Image of Rick Walczak
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Rick Walczak

    Posted onAugust 23, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Rick Walczak on why he chooses to donate his time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Rick Tell us about you… I retired seven years ago as a manager in the U.S. Defense Department where I helped people negotiate contracts. I stay…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Rick WalczakContinue

  • Image of Alex McBurney, Nathan Wilcox and Isaac McBurney smiling at Drumm Farm
    Alphapointe Stories

    Students Learn Life Lessons & Skills Through S.T.E.P.

    Posted onAugust 22, 2022May 28, 2025

    Despite its location in the middle of the heartland, there are a fair number of people in the Kansas City area who know very little about farming. Alex McBurney, Isaac McBurney and Nathan Wilcox are not among those people. At least not anymore – though if one were to travel back in time to the…

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  • Brooke Petro standing alongside Danny Davies
    Alphapointe Stories

    Alphapointe Youth Programs Participant Excels During First Work Experience

    Posted onAugust 8, 2022May 28, 2025

    When you get right down to it, most people have only a handful of truly pivotal moments in their lives. And, of those incredibly formative occasions, arguably the most commonly shared among people from all walks of life is a person’s first job. The initial interview, the nervousness, the anxiety, the anxiousness – most people…

    Read More Alphapointe Youth Programs Participant Excels During First Work ExperienceContinue

  • Image of Kevin and Kim Schwede
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin and Kim Schwede

    Posted onJuly 31, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteers Kevin and Kim Schwede on why they choose to donate their time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Kevin & Kim Kevin Schwede Tell us about you… I am recently retired and look forward to golfing, kayaking, spending more time at the…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin and Kim SchwedeContinue

  • Image of Sara Sweet
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Sara Sweet

    Posted onJune 22, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Sara Sweet on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Sara  Tell us about you… I am a born and raised KC native so my roots to this wonderful city are strong. I am a sales…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Sara SweetContinue

  • Image of Jessica Mumma
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Mumma

    Posted onMay 27, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Jessica Mumma on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Jessica Tell us about you……… I was born and raised in Kansas City, most importantly in the “Northland” or “North of the River.” I am a…

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  • Image of Angela Woody smiling
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Angela Woody

    Posted onApril 27, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Angela Woody on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Angela  Tell us about you… If you meet me you will find that I am a bit of a goof ball. I like to have fun…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Angela WoodyContinue

  • Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain Independence
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain Independence

    Posted onApril 11, 2022May 28, 2025

    Margaret was having difficulty reading, dialing phone numbers and navigating her home safely. In addition, she was unable to see her kitchen appliance settings and could not determine when to stop pouring liquids or identify food on her plate. Margaret came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic with a can-do attitude and was open to making…

    Read More Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain IndependenceContinue

  • Image of Shelby Rayburn smiling
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Shelby Rayburn

    Posted onApril 1, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Shelby Rayburn on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Shelby Tell us about you… I’m a KU psychology graduate working with the burn unit at KU Medical Center in hydrotherapy! I live downtown with my…

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  • Image of Vicki McKeone
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki McKeone

    Posted onFebruary 28, 2022May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Vicki McKeone on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Vicki Tell us about you… I’m a longtime resident of the Kansas City area. When I’m not nerding out on insurance claims at IMA, I enjoy…

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  • Image of Pat using a PenFriend labeling system
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Overcoming Challenges with Optic Neuropathy

    Posted onFebruary 16, 2022May 28, 2025

    Pat is a senior living with a recent diagnosis of optic neuropathy, a condition which damages the optic nerve affecting all aspects of vision. Pat came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she was referred to an occupational therapist to assess her needs. She received follow-up in her home to improve her independence with desired…

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  • Image of Alphapointe team member Omar Rodriquez Taveras
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Dominican Native Has Big Plans for the Future After Securing Position at Alphapointe

    Posted onJanuary 21, 2022May 28, 2025

    Meet Dominican Republic native Omar Rodriquez Taveras. Taveras was poked in his left eye when he was seven years old. Following several surgeries, both his left eye and right eye became severely infected. By the age of 12, he was completely blind. Undeterred, Taveras attended a special school for youth with low vision in the…

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  • Image of Erik Ramos
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Securing Dream Position Through Alphapointe Job Placement Services

    Posted onJanuary 5, 2022May 28, 2025

    By Mark D’Altorio The unemployment rate for people with vision loss is 70 percent and Alphapointe aims to address the situation by offering career counseling, job search assistance, resume/cover letter writing and skills for networking, job interviewing and position placement. Erik Ramos was an Alphapointe employee for more than 10 years and held a variety…

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  • Carla working on a sewing machine
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop Carla

    Posted onDecember 17, 2021May 28, 2025

    Carla Rhines is a senior living with age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. Carla was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she received an evaluation by the low vision optometrist and occupational therapist. She then received follow…

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  • Image of Bessie Kelly using a handheld magnifying device
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Regaining Independence Despite Diabetic Macular Edema

    Posted onDecember 1, 2021May 28, 2025

    Bessie Kelly is a 65-year-old woman living with diabetic macular edema. Needing assistance, she was referred to Alphapointe to receive Occupational Therapy services. Alphapointe started with an in-home evaluation and has continued with follow up training visits to help Bessie increase her independence with daily activities. Initially, Bessie’s main challenges included difficulty reading small print,…

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  • Image of Alphapointe volunteer Terri Wright standing on a small wooden bridge in a forest
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Terri Wright

    Posted onNovember 18, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Terri Wright on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Terri  Tell us about you… I grew up in Independence, Missouri and attended pre-school at Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City. I received…

    Read More Volunteer Spotlight: Terri WrightContinue

  • Volunteer Mike Williams attaching braille to books
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Mike Williams

    Posted onOctober 26, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mike Williams on why he chooses to donate his time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Mike As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mike Williams on why he chooses to donate his time and energy…

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  • Alphapointe team members pose with representatives from Delta Gamma, while holding a check for a donation
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City

    Posted onSeptember 15, 2021April 15, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with Beth Kelloff & Kristin Wing of the Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City on why they choose to donate their time and energy to Alphapointe.  Since 1921, Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Kansas City has served our neighbors with many and varied…

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  • Alphapointe client Willie standing in the adaptive training apartment cooking spaghetti sauce on a stove
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: From Sudden Vision Loss to College Freshman

    Posted onAugust 26, 2021May 28, 2025

    What if your entire world changed in a matter of a few days? Everything you knew how to do would need to be done differently. Now, imagine if you were in high school when it happened. Willie Solano can relate because that’s exactly how his life unfolded. As a sophomore at Shawnee Mission (Kan.) West…

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  • Image of volunteer Mandy Myers standing on a dock with New York City in the background
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Mandy Myers

    Posted onAugust 19, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Mandy Myers on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Mandy Tell us about you… My name is Mandy Myers. I am a junior at Western Kentucky University. I am majoring in Chinese and Psychology. I…

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  • Image of Alphapointe volunteer Chris Gray with her two daughters standing on each side
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Gray

    Posted onJuly 27, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Chris Gray (pictured in the middle with her two daughters) on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Chris Tell us about you… I am Chris Gray. I am married and my husband, David, and I…

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  • Image of Alphapointe volunteer Pat Wallace working at a desk
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Wallace

    Posted onJune 28, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Pat Wallace on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Pat Tell us about you… I came to Alphapointe in October of 2018. My husband passed in January and then my mother passed in April. The…

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  • Image of Alphapointe volunteer Collette Wright
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Collette Wright

    Posted onMay 25, 2021May 28, 2025

    As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Collette Wright on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Collette Tell us about you… I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Biochemistry and Mathematics and I have been volunteering at Alphapointe since 2016. Why do you…

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  • Image of Alphapointe team member Bob Miller
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Bob Miller Celebrates 35 Years at Alphapointe

    Posted onApril 23, 2021May 28, 2025

    The No. 1 song on the pop music charts in 1986 was Dionne Warwick’s classic “That’s What Friends Are For.” It’s quite fitting that the song coincides with the year that Bob Miller started his career at Alphapointe. This week marks Miller’s 35-year anniversary of working at Alphapointe. And, in those 35 years, his co-workers…

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  • Image of Danny Davies
    Alphapointe Stories | Volunteer Spotlight

    Volunteer Spotlight: Danny Davies

    Posted onApril 23, 2021May 28, 2025

    As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), we wanted to take the opportunity to thank a long-time Alphapointe volunteer: Danny Davies. Danny’s tremendous philanthropic commitment to Alphapointe dates back nearly a decade. As the President and CEO of Lenexa (Kan.)-based C&C Group, Danny helped to transform Alphapointe’s annual golf tournament into the C&C…

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  • Image of Isaac McBurney
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Meet the Next Changemaker

    Posted onApril 19, 2021May 28, 2025

    Do you pay attention to email signatures? Even if you normally skim right past them or don’t even scroll that far, chances are good that you’d still remember the end of every email from Isaac McBurney. While most people include their name, title and perhaps a favorite quote, McBurney’s emails always end with this brief,…

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  • Image of Romia Hall and a friend at a distance race
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Meet the Real Superman

    Posted onMarch 25, 2021May 28, 2025

    Most people are familiar with the origin story of Superman. He was born on the planet Krypton and his parents built a spaceship for their son after learning of Krypton’s imminent destruction. The spacecraft landed on Earth in the rural United States. Superman was raised as Clark Kent and he committed himself to using his…

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  • Image of Chandra Johnson using a Braille label maker
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Years-Long Wait Pays Off

    Posted onMarch 23, 2021May 28, 2025

    Chandra Johnson wore glasses ever since she was little, so she was used to needing a little help to see. But, in 2006, she developed an issue with her prescription. All of a sudden, she was struggling to see things in the same way that she always had. A visit to her doctor led to…

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  • Patrick Comas at Alphapointe standing in front of Christmas Tree
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Patrick Comas is Back!

    Posted onDecember 16, 2020May 28, 2025

    Patrick Comas arrived at Alphapointe in July 2020 to participate in our Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) program. The purpose of CRS aligns with Alphapointe’s mission to empower people with vision loss to achieve their goals and aspirations. CRS programs are catered to the individual needs of each participant and include many services such as training…

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  • Low Vision Clinic patient Josie Azarro
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Senior Perseveres Despite Macular Degeneration

    Posted onOctober 22, 2020May 28, 2025

    Like many with age-related vision loss, Josie Azarro simply wanted to do many of things she had always done during her life. A senior living with Macular Degeneration, Josie was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic in the fall of 2020. At that point, Josie received an occupational therapy evaluation and follow up training in…

    Read More Mission Moment: Senior Perseveres Despite Macular DegenerationContinue

  • Alphapointe Education Programs Graduate Brooke Cottrell
    Alphapointe Stories | Mission Moments

    Mission Moment: Hard Work Pays Off for Dreams & Aspirations

    Posted onOctober 5, 2020May 28, 2025

    If you’re seeking an inspiration, look no further than Brooke Cottrell. Back in the spring of 2016 she was about to graduate from William Chrisman High School. She asked herself many of the essential questions recent high school graduates ask. Should she go to college? Or start a career? Where should she live? Prior to…

    Read More Mission Moment: Hard Work Pays Off for Dreams & AspirationsContinue

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KANSAS CITY

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