History
Established in 1910 as the New Jersey Blind Men’s Club - for 114 years, our organization has proudly served the blind community.
A letter and photo sent to the
New Jersey Blind Mens Association
from Hellen Keller
November 27, 1929
A greeting to the New Jersey Blind Men's Club-- a band of men who each day step into their little field of action with purpose of serving one another.
Blind! They are not blind who see with their minds, and do things that must be done with cheerful courage.
If we live in the light of intelligence, life is a wounderful adventure, an education, a testing to try our souls, provided we do not expect too much from it.
After all, the individual is but a small item in this vast order of God's Thoughts. When we realize this, we begin to get wise, and ready for work or play.
Sincerely,
HELLEN KELLER
Our Story
Established in 1910 as the New Jersey Blind Men’s Club, our organization has proudly served the blind community for 114 years.
The Club was founded by a group of forward-thinking men in Hoboken who wished for nothing less than instruction and support for the blind to lead happy and productive lives, as well as acceptance by the public for the blind and visually impaired. A century ago, resources, education, and employment for the blind were very rarely available, which is why the New Jersey Blind Men’s Club was determined to make a difference.
Camp Happiness, a free summer camp vacation program for blind adults, opened in 1930 as a waterfront facility on the Sandy Hook Bay in Monmouth County. Thanks to the Camp, blind New Jerseyans were able to venture out on their own in a safe environment and learn the basics of mobility and independent living. For the first time, many campers lived with other blind adults and formed a strong bond with those who understood their life experiences. (Pictured above are the 1930 Board Members)
By 1987, the demand for everyday programs skyrocketed, leading to transformation of Camp Happiness, to include a day program. Today, the Wobser Day Camp, named for founder Helen Wobser, has become our primary focus, offering creative programs. Although the NJBCA no longer offers a summer camp, it does provide programming Monday through Thursday year-round for participants, enriching their lives through regular activities and camaraderie with other blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as those who are experiencing deteriorating vision.
Now the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA) continues serving the blind of New Jersey thanks to generous donations from people who care! With continued support and encouragement, we carry on the tradition of helping our participants overcome obstacles.
We care deeply for the needs of the blind and visually impaired and those that are experiencing deteriorating vision and are confident you will find that our programs are well managed and worthy of ongoing successful charity. If you have questions about how to give as an individual, company, or community group, or how to help by volunteering, please contact us at 732-291-0878 today.
Let’s Work Together
If you would like to volunteer your time at NJBCA, please contact us.
*All Volunteers are subject to a screening and interview process, and undergo background checks as applicable to the volunteer task.
T: 732-291-0878