What I could not put in the story was that the United Way cut their funds from $15,000 per year to $1,000.
Bell Federation for The Blind Serving County Over 30 years
by Kathleen Brown
For The Advertiser
“I shall not be moved, like a tree planted by the water I shall not be moved,” these were the words sung by the twenty men and women gathered at the Bell Federation for the Blind banquet room for their annual picnic on Tuesday.
The hymn, “I Shall Not Be Moved,” seemed to echo the hope and resilience that has kept this organization optimistic even in the direst of financial situations.
Founder and president of the Bell Federation for the Blind on Harper Street, Robert Bell invited mayor Sharon Brownlee to the meeting to thank her for the gift of $1000 that the city recently donated.
“We know that you’re always on our side,” said Bell as he thanked Brownlee.
Brownlee apologized that the sum was not more, but alluded that she was making great efforts to speak on their behalf to several public and private sources.
“There is no question about it,” Brownlee said after the event. “Their budget is very small.”
The organization is especially in crisis due to recent cuts in their United Way donations, which continues to be the Federation’s main source of funds. The economic downturn resulted in the United Way not fully reaching it's goal during last year's campaign.
Brownlee was first acquainted with the Bell Federation, coincidentally, when she worked on the United Way board.
Mayor Sharon Brownlee sits with founder and president of the Bell Federation for The Blind, Robert Bell.
“I was so impressed with Bob Bell and his entire presentation,” said Brownlee. “They were so organized and I was just taken aback by what they did,” she said, referring to the work of the Federation in the county. She added that the meeting has forever impacted her life.
“It has instilled a compass and a heart in me for those who have to live life with no or very poor sight.” Brownlee said.
Bell himself was born legally blind, but he has never let his lack of sight keep him from helping others.
“Being blind, we live in a different world,” Bell said. “It’s not like yours.”
Bell felt it was his mission to provide an oasis for those in Laurens County who are visually impaired, and so in the fall of 1975, the Bell Federation for the Blind opened its doors. The non-profit organization is an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the only center for the visually impaired in the county.
“This building belongs to the blind of Laurens County,” Bell said.
Through the center, visually impaired individuals can receive tools such as canes, scooters, Braille machines, training classes, and most importantly, says Bell, a support group of empathetic people.
Local musician and blues historian, Hunter Holmes played for the Bell Federation for the Blind's annual picnic.
Aside from enabling the visually impaired to have access to the Federation, membership also provides transportation.
"We have several people who could be called ‘shut ins’,” Bell said, “and when we pick them up, that is often the only time they leave their houses.”
The organization has often gone to great lengths to provide the persons in need with the tools and education to live in a sightless world. Calvin Davis from Clinton is just one of the people grateful for the Federation.
Davis began coming to the Bell Federation for the Blind in 1997 after he lost his vision in his forties.
“Being born blind,” Bell said, “is impossible to explain, but when someone suddenly loses their vision they have to relearn everything.”
The group helped Davis learn to function in his abruptly darkened world. Because of the organization, he has been able to attend a number of National Federation for the Blind Conventions with the group.
Several members of the Bell Federation For the Blind listens intently to Hunter Holmes. "He can keep playing forever if it's up to me," the women in the middle remarked later.
The conventions offers lectures on advancements in technology, hands-on classes and association with other visually impaired South Carolinians. It was at one of these conventions that Davis was taught how to use a unique computer system called The Guide, made especially for the visually impaired.
“People don’t even know the center is here,” Davis said. “We need to recruit people and let them know we’re here.”
Brownlee gave praise to the Laurens City Fire Station that routinely assists the center with fire code preparations as well as grounds maintenance, but says still more people must help.
“We cannot ignore or overlook those who need our help,” Brownlee said. “Right now they are just trying to survive, I want them to thrive.”
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