April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge how stress affects our lives and to embrace the importance of mental well-being. This year’s theme, “Lead With Love,” encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance—especially when facing life’s challenges. At Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, we believe leading with love means supporting the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. For those living with vision loss, stress is often magnified by changes in identity and independence. That’s why mental health is such an important initiative. Join us this Thursday, April 10 for Mental Health & Wellness Day—a day of relaxation, reflection, and connection designed for individuals navigating vision loss and seeking a welcoming space for self-care. When: Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 10 AM – 2:30 PM Where: VLANJ Office, 201 Littleton Rd, Suite 150, Morris Plains, NJ Highlights will include: -Reflections of Vision Loss & Crystal Singing Bowls with Christine Capaci -Dream Building: Understanding Your Why with Liz Edwards -Mandala Making with Jordan Thomas -Finding Myself After Vision Loss, facilitated by Jean Richardson, Christine Capaci & Sam Hendrickson from Circles of Courageous Commons To RSVP, contact Vicki Lowrie at vlowrie@vlanj.org or call (973) 627-0055 ext. 4. Thank you to Atlantic Health System, Novartis US Foundation, and the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation for supporting this important initiative. Image Description: A graphic features VLANJ colors and logo. The text contains information about VLANJ's Mental Health & Wellness Day on April 10, 2025, honoring Stress Awareness Month, and provides event details and contact information. #StressAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #VLANJ #WellnessDay #LowVisionSupport #WholePersonWellness #leadwithlove (fb)

Here at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, accessibility isn’t a feature; it’s a foundation! That’s why every door in our office is equipped with both Braille and NaviLens signage. Why both? Because no two people experience vision loss the same way. Braille provides tactile access for those who read by touch, while NaviLens uses smartphone technology to read signage aloud -no contact or Braille knowledge required. By combining traditional and modern tools, we help to empower everyone in our community to navigate independently and confidently. Come visit us here in Morris Plains, NJ! Want to learn more about the in-person and virtual resources and support we offer? Contact Vicki Lowrie, VLANJ Program Director, for more information, at vlowrie@vlanj.org or call (973) 627-0055, ext. 4. Image Description: A photo from the VLANJ Morris Plains, NJ office shows Braille and NaviLens signage at an office door. #AccessibilityMatters #InclusionInAction #VLANJ #Braille #NaviLens #LowVisionSupport #IndependenceThroughAccess #morrisplainsnj #morriscountynj (fb)