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 lake and volunteering at Alphapointe.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
I volunteer at Alphapointe because my wife’s father, Gene Thomas, was very active at Alphapointe and I wish to continue his inspiration and enthusiasm.
What does volunteering at Alphapointe do for you?
I enjoy Alphapointe volunteering because everyone I’ve met inspires me to do better in life and appreciate everything I do on a day-to-day basis. Everyone is so upbeat, positive and full of energy.
What do you want to share with others about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe is a progressive and energetic organization that manufactures many products necessary in our everyday lives. The hard-working attitude of everyone is very motivating.
Why should others get engaged with Alphapointe?
Others should be involved with Alphapointe because it will allow other people to see that visually impaired people can be productive and happy individuals regardless of age.
What is something you think everyone should know about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe is a great example for city leaders of an organization/manufacturer that conducts its daily business in a positive and energetic environment.
If there’s one public policy change you could make to help people with low vision, what would it be?
My policy would be for more programs for young children in a mainstream school setting to improve integration for visually impaired children.
Kim Schwede
Tell us about you…
I have been retired for six months. I’ve been trying to improve my golf game and enjoy kayaking and being outdoors. I look forward to more volunteer time.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
My father was active with Alphapointe and one of his requests was that I get involved with Alphapointe. My father was a smart man! Since the first day of visiting with everyone, I’m so excited to be a part of the Alphapointe family.
What does volunteering at Alphapointe do for you?
Volunteering at Alphapointe challenges me to be a better complete person and to live in the present. I leave Alphapointe with a renewed lifted spirit and a can-do anything mind set.
What do you want to share with others about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe has programs that better prepare visually impaired children/adults for life over some of the best public and private schools for sighted individuals.
Why should others get engaged with Alphapointe?
Others should be involved with Alphapointe because you learn that there is no difference in the needs of the visually impaired or sighted. We all have the desire to grow in knowledge, learn skills and the need for socialization. Learning to interact with each other is a true blessing that most people, children or adults are not exposed to. I was told by Romia Hall, an employee who is blind at Alphapointe, “If the sky’s the limit and I can’t see the sky then that means I have no limits.” What a profound mantra for all of us.
What is something you think everyone should know about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe is a multi-faceted organization from rehabilitation to self-care to manufacturing. Alphapointe prepares the visually impaired to live and function independently.
What’s the most important thing Alphapointe does from your perspective?
Alphapointe teaches the visually impaired regardless of age that there are no boundaries in what they can achieve. I was at the Alphapointe Adventure Camp this year and to experience the enthusiasm of the staff, volunteers and campers was incredible. The activities for the campers were the same as a sighted child. Pretty amazing! What an experience! It’s something everyone needs to experience once in their life!!
If there’s one public policy change you could make to help people with low vision, what would it be?
My policy would be that pharmaceutical companies would have to have directions in braille in or on the box to help a person be safely independent.