Mission Statement
"The mission of the Lackawanna Blind Association is to support and promote the interests of the blind and visually impaired, and the prevention of avoidable blindness."
Who we are:
Helpers | Educators | Friends
The Lackawanna Blind Association is a dedicated organization committed to improving the quality of life for individuals who are visually impaired or blind. Located in the heart of Scranton, PA, we have been serving the community for more than a century with compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with vision loss.
What we do:
Assist | Provide | Commune
We provide a wide range of services designed to support the visually impaired in leading fulfilling, independent lives. Our offerings include personalized care from skilled careworkers, mobility training, assistive technology education, and recreational activities. We also provide resources and support for families, helping them navigate the complexities of living with visual impairment.
Why we do it:
Love | Love | Love
Put simply, we love what we do. At the Lackawanna Blind Association, we build lasting connections with each and every individual: offering not just services, but genuine care, compassion, and friendship. We are committed to walking alongside you on your journey, providing the tools, support, and encouragement needed to help you thrive. With every interaction, we strive to foster a sense of belonging, trust, and empowerment, ensuring that you are never alone in facing the challenges of vision loss.
We can help you.
You can help us.
Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our community. Whether you choose to donate or volunteer, your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us in our mission to empower the visually impaired by giving your time, resources, or support.
Meet our Team
Mary Ann Iezzi
Executive Director
Mary Ann provides visionary leadership to the Lackawanna Blind Association, guiding the organization with a focus on empowering visually-impaired and blind individuals. Her extensive experience in nonprofit management and her passion for service are evident in the strong community partnerships and programs she has helped develop. Mary Ann is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and support for clients and staff alike.
Kelly Mariani
Case Work Coordinator
Kelly oversees the case work team, ensuring that each client receives personalized and compassionate care. Her organizational skills and dedication to supporting both the staff and clients help maintain a high standard of service. Kelly takes pride in coordinating efforts to meet the diverse needs of the community, always striving for a seamless and supportive client experience.
Janet May
Office Coordinator
Janet brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and compassionate service to her role. As Office Coordinator, she ensures the smooth operation of daily activities, coordinating services and maintaining the efficient flow of the office. As a Case Worker, Janet is deeply committed to building strong, supportive relationships with clients.
Elaine Augelli
Case Worker / Aid
Elaine balances the responsibilities of case work and providing hands-on aid to clients. Her ability to manage both tasks ensures that clients receive comprehensive support whenever they need it. Elaine's compassionate approach and dedication to helping others make her an essential part of the team.
Mary Claire Boylan
Case Worker
As a Case Worker, Mary Claire brings a welcome warmth and positive energy to the lives of our clients. With a focus on building trust and understanding, Mary Claire helps create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard and empowered.
Rich Patchcoski
Mini Bus Driver
Rich plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients always have access to reliable transportation. Bringing his friendly demeanor and providing timely service, Rich takes pride in being a dependable resource for the visually-impaired community.
Paul Trama
Office Manager/Caseworker
Paul manages the Radio Reading Service at the Lackawanna Blind Association, delivering vital information and entertainment to the visually impaired community. His technical skills and understanding of client needs ensure that the program runs smoothly, offering a valuable resource for staying informed and connected.
Mary Ann Iezzi
Executive Director
Mary Ann provides visionary leadership to the Lackawanna Blind Association, guiding the organization with a focus on empowering visually-impaired and blind individuals. Her extensive experience in nonprofit management and her passion for service are evident in the strong community partnerships and programs she has helped develop. Mary Ann is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and support for clients and staff alike.
Kelly Mariani
Case Work Coordinator
Kelly oversees the case work team, ensuring that each client receives personalized and compassionate care. Her organizational skills and dedication to supporting both the staff and clients help maintain a high standard of service. Kelly takes pride in coordinating efforts to meet the diverse needs of the community, always striving for a seamless and supportive client experience.
Janet May
Office Coordinator
Janet brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and compassionate service to her role. As Office Coordinator, she ensures the smooth operation of daily activities, coordinating services and maintaining the efficient flow of the office. As a Case Worker, Janet is deeply committed to building strong, supportive relationships with clients.
Elaine Augelli
Case Worker / Aid
Elaine balances the responsibilities of case work and providing hands-on aid to clients. Her ability to manage both tasks ensures that clients receive comprehensive support whenever they need it. Elaine's compassionate approach and dedication to helping others make her an essential part of the team.
Mary Claire Boylan
Case Worker
As a Case Worker, Mary Claire brings a welcome warmth and positive energy to the lives of our clients. With a focus on building trust and understanding, Mary Claire helps create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard and empowered.
Rich Patchcoski
Mini Bus Driver
Rich plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients always have access to reliable transportation. Bringing his friendly demeanor and providing timely service, Rich takes pride in being a dependable resource for the visually-impaired community.
Paul Trama
Office Manager/Caseworker
Paul manages the Radio Reading Service at the Lackawanna Blind Association, delivering vital information and entertainment to the visually impaired community. His technical skills and understanding of client needs ensure that the program runs smoothly, offering a valuable resource for staying informed and connected.
Meet our Board
Board Members
Board Members
- Jasu Acharya
- Elaine Blondek
- Sharon Borgia
- Gerard Champi
- Thomas Donohue
- Leigh Fennie
- Louise Frye
- Robert J. Gebert
- Kristen Hinds
- Dr. William Jordan, Jr., D.O.
- Alexis Kelly
- Melissa Kirtley
- Martin McKeel
- Jerome Musheno, R.Ph, Esq
- Nicholas Parise
- Howard Spizer, Esq
- Patricia Thomas
