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 rich history of jazz music and I am proud to have been part of that community as a jazz singer over the years. It is important to me to give back to my community. Over the years, I have volunteered with many different organizations like Red Cross, The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter, various homeless shelters and food banks, just to name a few. Currently, I go to various retirement homes to volunteer and serve seniors who are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
I volunteer at Alphapointe as an AARP Participant. I enjoy working and serving others and have found Alphapointe to be a special place.
What does volunteering at Alphapointe do for you?
Volunteering at Alphapointe is important to me because the work they are doing is uplifting and inspiring. Alphapointe is there for anyone who is blind or has low vision and needs clinical and rehabilitation services or needs employment.
What do you want to share with others about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe has an amazing low vision clinic with a wonderful medical team including Dr. Metzger.
What is something you think everyone should know about Alphapointe?
If you know anyone with low vision, please refer them to Alphapointe’s clinic and rehabilitation center and anyone with low or no vision to contact them for employment.
What’s the most important thing Alphapointe does from your perspective?
Alphapointe is here for people who are losing their vision and their families.
If there’s one public policy change you could make to help people with low vision, what would it be?
If there was one public policy change I would make it would be to enhance the current ADA laws for people who have low or no vision to be able to move about freely and be safe while doing so.