By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Arvest Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to NewView Oklahoma for Low Vision Awareness Month.
NewView Oklahmoa is a nonprofit that provides resources and assistance for those who are blind or who have low-vision. The grant was specifically given to NewView Oklahoma’s Tulsa location, which works to assist people in central Oklahoma.
“We are pleased to present these funds to support NewView Oklahoma’s efforts to provide needed services and support to the blind and low-vision community in Tulsa and throughout central Oklahoma,” said Mark Stephen, the President of Arvest Bank in the Tulsa region. “This donation helps Oklahomans move forward with confidence and dignity and demonstrates the Arvest Foundation’s ongoing commitment to helping organizations doing exceptional work throughout our region.”
According to the National Eye Institute, around 2.9 million Americans have low vision and that number is expected to rise to 5 million by 2030.
NewView Oklahoma explained that many adults are losing vision due to age-related conditions such as diabetes and stroke.
The organization also serves children and veterans who are blind or have low-vision with receiving consistent access to specialized support which helps them maintain their independence.
Derek Frazier, the Vice President of Financial Development and Marketing at NewView Oklahoma, stated, “This support from the Arvest Foundation ensures that vision loss does not become a life-ending diagnosis for the people we serve. The grant allows us to serve people by helping them regain daily living skills, access assistive technology and stay connected to work, school and community.”
