LIONS SERVICES INC

WHAT WE DO: At Lions Services Inc, (LSI), our mission is Empowering people who are blind to achieve personal and economic independence by providing them vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities. We operate a social enterprise program in manufacturing military apparel for the US Military. We are an affiliate of National Industries for the Blind- which operates under the Ability One program (JWOD Act of 1938). Through the Program, individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have significant disabilities provide manufactured quality products and provide services to the Federal Government .

Currently, there are approximately 16,000 people with blindness or vision loss in Mecklenburg County, and that number is projected to double by 2030. under/unemployed. 70% of working age adults across the US are under/unemployed. Lions Services, the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in Charlotte.

We address these unique challenges through a range of impactful programs: Eliminating barriers to employment.

Workforce Development & Job Training-offering job training and job opportunities through our Workforce Development Program to the blind and visually impaired community. We have a Full Time Trainer that trains all employees to work in various areas of manufacturing using automated technology, including upward mobility within the Agency. We currently employ 300 employees.

Lions DENN -The Lions DENN is the city’s first Assistive Technology Center of Excellence for individuals with vision loss. The Lions DENN is a unique training center focusing on improving digital equity for those with vision loss and who otherwise have difficulty with access to technology.

Lions HEART -Introducing the nation’s first adaptive medical station for individuals with vision loss. This innovative station provides people who are blind or visually impaired a better way to manage chronic diseases like diabetes. This resource provides audible glucometer, blood pressure machine, scale, and other adaptive technologies that empower employees to take control of their health. Our LionsHEART allows employees to remain healthy and have access to tools that help them manage their health.

Braille Trail -Bridging Histories through Braille and Art on the Cross Charlotte Trail” project is a transformative initiative that directly addresses the need for more inclusive public spaces in Charlotte. By eliminating barriers to arts and culture participation it is creating a model for enhancing accessibility across the city and can be replicated in other areas. The project uniquely focuses on a critical gap in cultural access for individuals with disabilities and gives them a celebratory space to build towards additional inclusivity.

Blind Support Fund- Program that allows employees with low to no vision to have access to technology devices providing them with independence in their day to day lives such as talking watches, mobility canes, Meta glasses, hand held magnifiers, etc.

Orientation and Mobility Training- At Lions Services, we are committed to equipping all visually impaired team members with orientation and mobility training, both at the onset of their employment and throughout their tenure with us. This encompasses instruction in cane usage and guide dog navigation, among other techniques.

LSI employs people who are blind that live in Mecklenburg County and 8 surrounding counties. LSI employs 12 blind/visually impaired veterans. LSI's President & CEO is legally blind. LSI employs 5 staff whom are legally blind/low vision.

Our programs empower people who are blind and visually impaired to gain independence, find purpose, and support their families. By creating jobs, we reduce isolation, foster social connections, and improve emotional well-being, breaking barriers that often lead to depression in Charlotte's blind community.

*Your gift helps provide vital services to the growing population of Charlotte residents and surrounding counties experiencing vision loss. Thanks to your support, individuals who are blind can secure their first job and lead a fulfilling, independent life. *