Mary Fu, chief development and marketing officer; Liz Meade, associate executive director, HKS; Karen Smith, CFO; Yasser Tatari, AVP, member knowledge strategist; Dorothy Mitchell, collections supervisor. (Photo: Helen Keller Services)
Trade Winds

Jovia donates $2,500 to Helen Keller Services

National nonprofit Helen Keller Services recently received a $2,500 donation from Jovia Financial Credit Union.

The donation was a result of a campaign created by Jovia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to benefit HKS’ work for the DeafBlind Community.

The committee chose HKS to commemorate the January 4 birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system for the visually impaired. 

Throughout the fundraising campaign, Jovia held various events, including “dress down” days to encourage staff to make donations, all of which were matched by the credit union. In addition, those who donated were entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards.

“This is a terrific expression of support from a valued partner on Long Island,” Liz Meade, associate executive director of Helen Keller Services for the Blind, said in a written statement. “We thank Jovia Financial Credit Union for bringing awareness to the blind and DeafBlind communities about visual impairments and assisting those in need.”

Renu Dalessandro, Jovia’s chief marketing officer, said it was an honor to contribute to such a great cause.

“Our commitment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community led us to Helen Keller Services, whose mission to make society more accessible and inclusive for individuals who are affected by hearing and/or vision loss is an inspiration to our company and its employees,” Dalessandro said in the statement.

From its offices in Hempstead, HKSB provides essential vision services to about 400 individuals in Nassau County, including children and youth attending summer camp, teens and young adults in HKSB’s career exploration programs, adults seeking higher education and/or competitive employment, and seniors seeking to remain independent in their own homes.

For more information visit: helenkeller.org

Trade Winds

Trade Winds is written by journalists from the Long Island business community.