Sometimes, a small resource can make a meaningful difference. For women experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a pair of reading glasses can help them read medication labels, fill out important paperwork, and pursue employment opportunities.
When Village staff noticed that reading glasses at the Bethany Women’s Day Center were consistently in high demand, Dominique Jones, who oversees the Village’s Health and Well-Being team, saw an opportunity to expand access to this essential resource.
Jones began searching for organizations that could help the Village provide reading glasses to more women across its locations. That search led to RestoringVision, a global nonprofit that works to increase access to vision care.
Although RestoringVision primarily distributes glasses internationally, the organization agreed to support the Village’s efforts. What began as a conversation about purchasing glasses turned into an unexpected gift: 800 pairs of reading glasses, donated at no cost to the Village. The Village plans to distribute the donated glasses across its locations, with staff receiving training to help women select appropriate reading glasses.
For many women experiencing homelessness, accessing routine vision care presents significant challenges. Transportation difficulties, financial constraints, and physical and mental health conditions can make it difficult to attend medical appointments. These barriers can be particularly challenging for older women experiencing age-related changes in vision.
For Jones, the partnership reflects the Village’s holistic approach to supporting women experiencing homelessness. While housing remains central to its mission, addressing everyday health needs and removing barriers to care are also essential to helping women achieve stability and independence.
For women across the Village, greater access to reading glasses means more opportunities to navigate daily life with confidence, participate in educational and employment programs, and maintain their independence.