INDIANAPOLIS Aug. 29, 2022 – The Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation on Monday announced a $30,000 donation from the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit primarily funded by Regions Bank. The contribution specifically supports education and workforce readiness programs at the Bosma Center for Visionary Solutions, which annually serves over 800 Hoosiers with vision loss.
“People who are blind or visually impaired face overwhelming challenges when it comes to finding jobs. In Indiana, that equates to an approximately 60% unemployment rate for people with disabilities,” said Brandon Wells, Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation executive director. “In the face of these obstacles, Bosma has created successful workforce development programs, and these only exist with the generosity of community-minded organizations like the Regions Foundation. Donations like this one are how we continue to support our essential employment and training programs for Hoosiers who are blind or visually impaired.”
The Regions Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that elevate access, advance economic opportunities and promote inclusivity for people with disabilities as part of its strategic priorities.
“People who have experienced vision loss often face challenges navigating daily activities and tasks they previously regarded as routine,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Those challenges can result in feelings of frustration and isolation or regular reliance on others for assistance. Bosma’s specially designed programs are empowering their clients to regain their confidence and independence, both at home and in the workplace.”
In addition to this contribution from the Regions Foundation, Regions Bank has supported Bosma’s “Dining in the Dark” fundraiser. Bank associates have also taught two financial educational classes to Bosma clients addressing the topics of money management, credit and identity theft through Regions’ Money Basics for Life curriculum. The Money Basics for Life modules are specifically designed for people with disabilities.
“Regions Bank is committed to providing more than an accessible environment, we’re dedicated to a creating a welcoming and inclusive banking experience for people with disabilities,” said Kathy Lovell, disability services and outreach manager for the bank. “By delivering our Money Basics for Life curriculum, we’re able to help support Bosma clients to bank and live independently.”
Among those benefitting from the Regions Foundation gift is Aisha Burdine. Burdine lost her vision at 16 years old to pseudotumor cerebri, a condition where pressure inside the skull increases for no apparent reason. After losing her sight, Aisha attended the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and is now receiving services at the Bosma Center for Visionary Solutions.
“The training I am receiving at the Center is preparing me for the working world,” said Burdine. “As I gain my independence, my confidence increases. Those are critical elements in my goal to be a productive member in the workforce.”
Rooted in more than 100 years of history, Bosma is one of Indiana’s largest nonprofit organizations providing training and employment programs for people who are blind or visually impaired. The Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation was founded to support Bosma’s mission to transform the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired by giving them the life skills to remain independent and job skills to stay self-sufficient.
Through corporate partnerships, special events and ongoing fundraising, all foundation revenues advance Bosma’s comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs offered through its Center for Visionary Solutions. For more information on the Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation, visit bosma.org/foundation.
About Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation
Bosma is one of Indiana’s largest nonprofit organizations serving people with vision loss. The Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation exists to provide philanthropic support of Bosma’s rehabilitation and employment placement services through the Bosma Center for Visionary Solutions. Through corporate partnerships, special events and ongoing fundraising, the foundation supports initiatives that help adults gain the life skills they need to remain independent and the job skills they need to stay self-sufficient. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Learn more about how you can help our mission, or how our mission can help you, by visiting bosma.org/foundation.
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,300 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.