#United States #Vision Loss #Hadley #Donahoe Center #Winnetka

Hadley Unveils Donahoe Center for Emotional Support

In an impactful step forward for older adults experiencing vision loss, Hadley, a nonprofit organization based in Illinois, has officially launched the Donahoe Center for Support. This new center serves to provide essential emotional and social resources for those grappling with the challenges associated with age-related vision loss. The initiative comes at a critical time as the aging baby boomer population increasingly faces such difficulties.

The center is named in honor of Tom Donahoe, a dedicated trustee of Hadley whose family has contributed significantly to this cause. The Donahoe Center aims to broaden access to Hadley's existing emotional support frameworks, which include services from trained social workers, opportunities for peer connection, and a wealth of multimedia content—like educational videos and informative podcasts—offered freely through various channels, including online access, phone consultations, and mailed materials.

Johnjoe Farragher, Hadley’s President and CEO, emphasizes the wider implications of vision loss, stating, "Vision loss affects more than what you see—it impacts confidence, connection, and mental health." With studies revealing that vision loss can lead to increased rates of depression and anxiety among older adults, the Donahoe Center stands poised to make a significant difference in the lives of many. The National Eye Institute anticipates that within the next five years, around 20 million Americans will experience irreversible vision impairment stemming from conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

In response to this looming crisis, Hadley has launched an ambitious plan aiming to support one million individuals by the year 2030. The Donahoe Center will significantly extend Hadley's outreach efforts, enhancing accessibility to social and emotional support while diversifying on-demand resources that promote emotional well-being among the elderly.

The establishment of the Donahoe Center has been made possible through a generous donation of $1 million from the Donahoe family, comprising John Donahoe, Martha Gallo, and Susan Gally. They reflect on Tom Donahoe's legacy stating, "Our dad loved people and had a way of making a human connection." John Donahoe adds, "What’s remarkable about Hadley is how they use technology not to dehumanize, but to deepen those connections and scale them to reach many more people." This progressive attitude toward technology in fostering human connection aligns perfectly with the center's mission of enhancing emotional support for those facing visual impairment.

Moving forward, the Donahoe Center for Support will not only focus on immediate assistance but will also work to foster a community where individuals can rediscover their sense of hope, purpose, and belonging. To find out more about the Donahoe Center and the resources available through Hadley, interested parties can visit hadleyhelps.org/donahoe-center.

About Hadley

Founded in 1920, Hadley has established itself as a leader in providing both practical assistance and social-emotional support to older adults coping with vision loss. Serving over 150,000 individuals across the nation and internationally, Hadley has created a supportive environment that empowers older adults to not just adapt but truly thrive in the face of their challenges. For more information on their initiatives, visit hadleyhelps.org.