MLV Foundation Inc.

01/30/2026

Mental health and vision impairment are deeply connected, but it’s something people rarely talk about.

Living with sight loss means constantly adapting.
Planning more.
Thinking ahead.
Using extra energy just to get through everyday life.

It can mean masking anxiety so you don’t seem incapable.
Pushing through exhaustion because the world doesn’t slow down for you.
Explaining your needs again and again.

Some days the hardest part isn’t what I can’t see.
It’s the emotional weight that comes with it.

The pressure to prove independence.
The fear of being judged.
The loneliness that can come from feeling different.

Vision impairment doesn’t just affect your eyes.
It affects your confidence, your stress levels, and your mental health.

And that doesn’t make you weak.
It makes you human.

If you’re navigating sight loss and struggling mentally, you are not failing.
You are carrying more than most people realise.

Be kind to yourself.
Rest when you can.
And please remember you are not alone.

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♿ Image description / alt text

Illustration of a blind mum sitting on a park bench with her guide dog beside her. She holds a white cane resting against the bench while gently touching her dog’s head. Soft grey clouds above her fade into lighter ones, representing mental health struggles easing. Text on the image reads “Mental health and vision impairment are connected.”

⸻

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http://www.mokacfb.com

MLV Foundation is proud to be hosting our second MOKA Conference for the Blind. MOKA is an acronym for Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. The dates for this conference are May 28-30, 2024. This four-state area conference will be held at the beautiful University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Ham...

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Early detection for glaucoma, through eye exams, is vital for preventing irreversible vision loss.

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Glaucoma can cause vision loss with no early symptoms. Schedule an eye exam today!

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Did you know? Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma—but only half know it.

01/01/2026

As we look back on this past year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your support of the MLV Foundation—through donations, volunteering, attending events, or simply sharing our mission—has made a real difference. We are deeply grateful for each of you.

This year included our Hooks fishing event that was a team effort with Wilderness Adventure Ministries, but our largest focus was launching the Orbit Training Center for the Blind. From logistics and construction to contracting and setup, it was a major undertaking—and we are proud to say the center is now open and ready to serve.

Orbit is now accepting individuals for training. We also welcome professionals interested in contract work, interns seeking on the job teaching experience, and individuals who need training but cannot commit to a long-term residential program. Go to www.orbitcenter.com for more information.

MOKA Conference for the Blind

Today is the final day to register at the early bird rate of $125 for the MOKA Conference for the Blind. It will be full price on January 1 of $150. For those of you who might not be able to attend the full conference, we also have a day pass option that is $100. We have several new things going on at the upcoming MOKACFB that we will be sharing more about over the next couple of months. Of course, we will have our keynote speakers as well as breakout sessions on independent living skills, technology, and support.

MOKACFB is about more than sessions—it’s about people. No matter your eye condition, whether you are living with glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or are a parent of a child with CVI, there is incredible value in connecting with others who understand this journey. Finding community and shared experience can be both empowering and healing.

Don't forget, we offer travel scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis to help reduce the cost of attending the conference.

For conference details and registration, visit:

www.mokacfb.com

GIVING AND GRATITUDE

Because of generous donors, we were able to launch a food basket program back in November to assist individuals in our community experiencing food insecurity during the government shutdown. We are exploring ways to continue this program and will share more details in a future newsletter.

As we close out the year, we’d like to share a gentle reminder that MLV Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported primarily through donations. If you are able, please consider a last-minute, tax-deductible gift. Your support is always appreciated and helps fund programs such as our Food Basket program, travel scholarships, and training scholarships at the Orbit Training Center for the Blind.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.

With gratitude,

Debbie Sanders

President, MLV Foundation

MLV Foundation is proud to be hosting our second MOKA Conference for the Blind. MOKA is an acronym for Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. The dates for this conference are May 28-30, 2024. This four-state area conference will be held at the beautiful University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Ham...