Blind Center of Nevada Mission Statement

The Blind Center of Nevada assists blind and visually impaired persons of all ages in reaching their highest physical, social, intellectual, and economic potential. To achieve these objectives there are three focus areas: personal development, social interaction and meaningful employment.

Blind Center of Nevada History

Marion Keele Founder of The Blind Center of Nevada

Creating a place in Las Vegas to offer help and employment for blind people was F. Marion Keele’s dream since 1934 when he became totally blind at the age 38. After spending time at the Utah Blind Center in Salt Lake City, Marion, with his wife, Effie, learned to teach Braille, rug weaving, leatherwork and other handicrafts to their blind compatriots. In addition to teaching these valuable skills to blind people living in Las Vegas, Marion lobbied State legislators in Carson City to increase state aid to the blind which, at that time, was $20 per month. The Nevada Association of the Blind, held its first meetings in the Keele’s home.

Effie Keele, Co-Founder of The Blinda Center

Upon Marion’s death in 1955, one of his students, Audrey Bascom Tait, continued Marion’s work and on February 5, 1955 filed Articles of Incorporation for Southern Nevada Sightless. As time went on Audrey convinced the Lion’s Club to help her find a place where chair caning and rug weaving could have a permanent home and in so doing, provide steady work for people who are blind.

Fast forwarding to early the 2000’s saw the Las Vegas valley bursting with growth and opportunity. To keep pace with the valley’s growth and to better meet the needs of its growing population of people who are blind/visually impaired, the “Sightless Center” went through a tremendous metamorphosis.  The renamed, “Blind Center of Nevada” brought on a community-based Board of Directors, opened an award-winning day center, began offering daily transportation, hot meals and much more—all with the mission to help persons who are blind and visually impaired reach their highest physical, social, intellectual, and economic potential.”

Blind Center's Original Building Built by The Lions Club in 1960

The Blind Center of Nevada accomplishes this through a myriad of social activities, job and life skills training, meaningful employment, and most importantly love thus creating a sense of belonging to a people who are sometimes lost and forgotten.

The Blind Center of Nevada—helping the blind and visually impaired to see both their individual worth and their amazing potential.

Have a car, truck, or boat running or not and would like to get rid of it?

We offer FREE towing and our non-profit status gives you the opportunity for a tax write off.

To donate call 702-642-6000 and select Ronnie Wilson.

The Blind Center of Nevada Bell Choir is an Amazing Ensemble That Touches Your Heart with both their Music and their Spirit

                                                                                                                                         Photo by Megan Ruth Say

                                                                                                                                           Photo by Janet Nelson

To book the Bell Choir for your next event, please call Ronnie Wilson at 642-6000.

The following companies have honored the Blind Center of Nevada with generous financial support:

PHONE: 702-642-6000

EMAIL:  info@blindcenter.org

ADDRESS:

1001 N Bruce St

Las Vegas, NV 89101

We are located north of the Bruce and Washington intersection, near Cashman Field, the Mormon Fort, and the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum.

A Celebration of the Human Spirit to Overcome

Starring:

Scott MacIntyre

 American Idol Finalist

(who happens to be blind)

Laura Martinez

 Charlie Trotter Chef & Cordon Bleu Graduate

(who happens to be blind)

Ryan Ahern

Star of Planet Hollywood’s Piano

(who happens to be sighted)

Our Hosts for the Evening

John Katsilometes & Tricia McCrone

(we think they both can see?)

Paula Francis

KLAS-TV Anchor

(who definitely can see)

TO BUY TICKETS, SPONSOR, OR PARTICIPATE IN THIS AMAZING EVENT CALL 702-642-6000 then press *

Our Sponsors for Imagine are:

The Blind Center of Nevada operates businesses which both provide jobs for the blind and visually impaired and provide financial support to the center and its programs.  These businesses generate enough profit to cover the administrative costs of operating the Blind Center.

This means that your donations go directly to programs that effect the daily lives of our members.  The Blind Center of Nevada is a 501(c)(3) so donations are tax deductible (please see you tax adviser for details).

To donate, call Veronica Wilson at 702-998-4905.

We at the Blind Center of Nevada are grateful for all contribution whether they be great or small.  We honor all volunteers who have given of their time and talents to help make the Blind Center what it is today.

 The Blind Center of Nevada Offers Free Residential Recycling

Get rid of that Electronic Mess & Clutter

• It’s Free*

• It’s Data Safe

• It’s Environmentally Friendly

• 100% of profits go to support the great programs at the Blind Center of Nevada

We accept computers, printers, cell phones, flat screen monitors, DVD & VHS players, wires, and even appliances including water heaters.  Just about anything electronic.

Drop-off hours are Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.  We are often here for extended hours.  Call 642-6000 to see if we can accommodate your after hour drop off.

We are located not far off the 15 & 95 Freeways, near Cashman Field, just north of Bruce and Washington.

Drop Off & Blind Center Location

1001 N Bruce Street

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Questions? Call: 702-642-6000

*There basically only 2 electronic items  which we charge to take–CRT computer monitors (the older boxy type) and CRT televisions (the older boxy type).   The charge is $15 per units.  Flat Screen computer monitors and flat screen televisions are accepted at no charge.