Not Just an Apartment -- a Life
September 2009
Betty Gumanow: Building a Vision Loss Network at Kittay House
The lights are shining brightly during Kittay House's weekly Low Vision Group, formed by inspiring resident Betty Gumanow. For the past two decades, Betty, who is legally blind, has committed herself to helping others who suffer from vision loss.
Years ago, while living in a New Jersey residence for seniors, Betty struggled to find others with vision loss. After attending a training session on how to run a support group and putting her new-found knowledge to work, word quickly spread. For the next 16 years, she chaired the Ocean County Vision Advisory Committee.
At Kittay House, Betty has teamed up with The Lighthouse, which offers tenants eye exams and assistance in procuring helpful items like talking watches. Her Low Vision Group gathers biweekly, on Wednesdays at 2pm. The meetings are designed as round table discussions so everyone participates equally offering a place to share, learn and form friendships.
For Betty, forming the support group keeps her spirits high. She notes, "There’s value for people to talk about their problems and then finding out how to solve them." For me,” she continues, "forming the group gave my life value and made me feel like a useful human being."
The lights are shining brightly during Kittay House's weekly Low Vision Group, formed by inspiring resident Betty Gumanow. For the past two decades, Betty, who is legally blind, has committed herself to helping others who suffer from vision loss.
Years ago, while living in a New Jersey residence for seniors, Betty struggled to find others with vision loss. After attending a training session on how to run a support group and putting her new-found knowledge to work, word quickly spread. For the next 16 years, she chaired the Ocean County Vision Advisory Committee.
At Kittay House, Betty has teamed up with The Lighthouse, which offers tenants eye exams and assistance in procuring helpful items like talking watches. Her Low Vision Group gathers biweekly, on Wednesdays at 2pm. The meetings are designed as round table discussions so everyone participates equally offering a place to share, learn and form friendships.
For Betty, forming the support group keeps her spirits high. She notes, "There’s value for people to talk about their problems and then finding out how to solve them." For me,” she continues, "forming the group gave my life value and made me feel like a useful human being."
Kittay House, Independent Senior Living in New York City
To find out more about Kittay House contact us at (718) 410-1420 or email Kittay House
Visit our website, kittayhouse.org
A part of Jewish Home Lifecare