Blind Services Agencies To Merge Into New Organization

Daytona Beach, FL - Two local blind services organizations—the Conklin Center for the Blind and the Center for the Visually Impaired—announce that they are merging to form the brand new Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired. "Actually, the two organizations have been collaborating for some times," said Ronee David, president and CEO of the Center for the Visually Impaired. The merger comes months after the Conklin Center experienced a "sudden interruption in funding" when the Florida Division of Blind Services canceled its contract with the organization. Per a release from the soon-to-be merged organizations, the Division of Blind Services cited administrative and operational issues, along with structural issues within the building. But, in spite of the sudden loss of funds, several employees were retained and the most essential programs were continued as merger discussions began. On top of uniting both organizations, the merger will also repurpose the 8-acre campus that the Conklin Center has used for over 40 years. The campus itself features a 64,000 square-foot facility, 14 dorm rooms, three apartments, workshops, classrooms, offices and a commercial kitchen, just to name a few. Both organizations are also in the process of developing an "entrepreneurial online reail venture" that is designed to provide practical training and business experience to students on top of generating profits for the Conklin Davis Center. "The merger is beneficial to both organizations, but more importantly increases out community’s capacity to serve the blind and visually impaired," said Nancy Epps, a member of the Conklin Center Board of Directors. And, while the Division of Blind Services continues to work with both organizations, they hope it will also provide funding again sometime in the near future. In the meantime, fund development initiatives are being used to help sustain services and maintain staff. The merger is expected to be completed by year-end.