November 2025

Brandon never imagined he would be painting a wall as part of his blindness training program.

“I’ve done so many things for the first time,” he often says of his first five months at the Center. These include camping out at the Great sand Dunes and climbing to the top of the dunes with a small but intrepid group of fellow students. That same night, he made his first s’mores over the fire. He’s been sailing and was on the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Western welcome Week Parade float in August.

“I loved the cheering from the sidelines,” he recalls with a chuckle.

Another of Brandon’s firsts has been serving on the Student Association Board for the past two months. He describes himself as having been a shy kid with a speech impediment who did his best to keep to himself, so serving on the student board is a big first.

I like to do my part,’ he says. “Whatever I can do to help others out”

Challenge is the key to developing confidence for our students, and we challenge them because we believe that blind people can do anything! We challenge students both in and out of the core classes of Technology, Braille, Cane Travel and Home Management. For example, students also take a Home Maintenance class. They learn how to do simple wiring and plumbing tasks, change a faucet, hang pictures, and much more – including the counterintuitive idea of blind people painting a wall!

“I’m painting a wall for the first time,” Brandon says in a short video, “and I think I’m doing a pretty good job …” Then he laughs and corrects himself. “ No, I know I’m doing a good job!”

Challenge builds confidence – it’s working for Brandon!

Colorado Gives Day is December 9, but you can give early to support our programs and students like Brandon!

Would giving a small monthly amount help you give as much as you'd like to the Colorado Center for the Blind?

You can do that! Just pick your monthly amount, then check the box that says "Recurring."

And if you do, your first month's contribution will be matched by the Colorado Gives Foundation! Colorado Gives has dedicated $250,000 to encourage donors to set up recurring contributions.

The Colorado Center for the Blind receive $280.00 per month from 9 separate donors this year - thank you all! That's a total of $3360.00 over the year.

Isn't it great how that adds up? And now we have a new recurring donor whose first month's contribution of $50.00 was matched by the Colorado Gives Foundation! So, please consider whether a recurring donation will make it easier for you to give what you'd really like to give toward our life-changing programs for blind people.

Make a recurring donation for Colorado Gives 2025!

“A pivotal moment for George came after a medical appointment,” says Stefanie. “Instead of calling for a ride home as he would have in the past, he located the nearest bus stop and took the bus on his own. On the way, he even stopped at a store to pick up a few items—navigating the route, the environment, and the return trip independently. He was so proud when he told me the story the next time I saw him. We had a celebration!

Colorado Gives Day is December 9, but you can give early to celebrate our Older Blind Program!