Our Bold Vision Forward Campaign
A Bold Vision for the Future — and a Milestone to Celebrate
For more than a century, Vision Forward has helped individuals who are blind or visually impaired live with confidence, independence, and dignity. Today, the need for these services has never been greater. More than 100,000 Wisconsinites currently live with significant vision loss—a number expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades.
To meet this moment, Vision Forward has launched the Bold Vision Forward Campaign, a $3 million comprehensive effort designed to expand access to care, increase awareness about vision loss, and ensure that more people across Wisconsin can receive the support they need to live full and independent lives.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of early supporters, we are excited to share that more than $1.8 million has already been raised toward our $3 million goal. Reaching this milestone is a powerful start—and we are now inviting our entire community to help us build on this momentum and bring the campaign across the finish line.
Campaign Leadership
This campaign is guided by an extraordinary group of community leaders who share a deep belief in Vision Forward’s mission.
We are honored to have Curt and Sue Culver and Dr. John and Maggie Raymond serving as our Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs.
Curt Culver is the former CEO and current Chair of MGIC Investment Corporation, one of Milwaukee’s most respected business leaders, and a longtime champion of community initiatives across Wisconsin. Dr. John Raymond serves as President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he leads one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers dedicated to advancing health, research, and education.
We are also deeply grateful to our Campaign Co-Chairs, Les Weil and Karen Peck Katz, whose leadership and commitment are helping guide this effort forward.
Demand for our Services is Growing
Why This Campaign Matters
Demand for Vision Forward’s services continues to grow, yet too many individuals still face barriers to care—from transportation challenges to limited awareness of available resources.
Through the Bold Vision Forward Campaign, Vision Forward is making transformational investments that will expand our reach and deepen our impact:
- A New Headquarters in West Allis
Our new location on the corner of 102nd and National features a modern, highly accessible facility designed specifically for individuals with vision loss. This new space allows us to expand programs, increase the number of individuals we serve each year, and create purpose-built environments for rehabilitation, education, and training. Moving into this new facility marks an important first milestone in the campaign—one we are proud to have achieved with the help of our supporters. - Expanded Community Access Across Wisconsin
Through a new satellite low vision clinic and a network of mobile “Pop-Up” clinics, Vision Forward will bring critical services directly into communities across the state, reducing transportation barriers and ensuring more people can receive care closer to home. - Investments in Technology, Equipment, and Long-Term Sustainability
Campaign support will help ensure Vision Forward continues to deliver innovative, high-quality services while strengthening our long-term financial stability.
While we are proud to celebrate the milestone of our new headquarters, there is still much work to do to ensure that every person facing vision loss in Wisconsin has access to the care, resources, and community they deserve.
Download the campaign booklet here.
Thank You to Our Open House Guests
Open House ribbon cutting with Jacci Borchardt, Vision Forward CEO, and West Allis Mayor Dan Devine.
On March 12th and 13th, we had the pleasure of welcoming many members of our community to our Open House events at our new headquarters in West Allis.
The response was incredible. It was inspiring to see so many friends, supporters, partners, and community members come through our doors to experience the new space, meet our staff, and learn more about the life-changing programs offered at Vision Forward.
To everyone who joined us—thank you for helping make these events such a success and for sharing in this exciting new chapter. See Open House photos here.
Our “BeSeen” Awareness Campaign
We are excited to share that Vision Forward has just launched our new public awareness campaign, “Be Seen.
Created in partnership with the Milwaukee-based advertising agency Hoffman York and Front Room Studios, the campaign highlights an important truth: not everyone sees the world the same way—but everyone deserves to be seen.
Through powerful photography, video, and storytelling featuring Vision Forward clients, the campaign shines a light on the experiences of individuals living with vision loss while helping connect more people to the services and support available through Vision Forward.
This effort is an important part of our campaign’s goal to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that individuals who need support know where to turn. See the stories from our advocates here: BeSeen Awareness Campaign
How You Can Help
The momentum behind the Bold Vision Forward Campaign is strong—but we need our community’s help to reach our $3 million goal.
You can support this effort by:
- Attending an upcoming luncheon to hear even more details about the campaign – contact Jacci Borchardt at jborchardt@vision-forward.org
for more details about upcoming events - Making a campaign gift or multi-year pledge – Donate Now
- Joining us for our upcoming Dining in the Dark Gala – Register here
- Sharing Vision Forward’s mission with friends, family, and colleagues
- Helping raise awareness about vision loss and available resources
Every contribution helps expand access, remove barriers, and empower individuals across Wisconsin to live independently and confidently.
Thank You for Your Partnership!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
Together, we are building a future where every person facing vision loss has access to the tools, community, and support they need to thrive.