A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Hello Penny Forward members and supporters,

Today, I’d like to talk about optimism, hope, and the incredible resilience I’ve encountered in the blind and low vision community. Over the weekend, I attended the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado state convention, and as always happens after these gatherings, I’m filled with enthusiasm, renewed hope, and a deeper appreciation for the challenges our community faces and overcomes every day. I thought I’d share a few highlights and reflections from the weekend with you.

While I can’t attend every convention, I try my best to support those I do make it to, whether through sponsorships, door prizes, leading breakout sessions, or simply being there to assist the hardworking volunteers who keep these conventions running smoothly. In Colorado, I had a unique opportunity to lend a hand to the door prize committee, helping organize, identify, and label door prizes. These prizes bring joy to everyone, and the conventions always make sure to honor the people and businesses who generously donate them. But it struck me that the behind-the-scenes heroes, those who spend countless hours cataloging, organizing, and distributing these prizes, deserve just as much recognition.

Witnessing their dedication reminded me of the immense energy, skill, and talent that people with blindness or low vision bring to the world. It’s a side of our community that doesn’t get highlighted nearly enough. If anyone out there doubts that blind or low vision people can be remarkable employees or business owners, I’d encourage them to attend one of these conventions. Seeing firsthand how expertly these dedicated volunteers manage complex events would surely convince them. In fact, they might even consider hiring some of these talented people to organize their next big conference!

One of my favorite parts of attending these events is connecting with people face-to-face. This weekend, I met so many passionate, resilient folks while working at our table in the exhibit hall, and we had some powerful conversations over meals and drinks. Many opened up about their experiences, and some shared that they’d grappled with thoughts of suicide at points in their lives, especially during those early stages of adjusting to vision loss. This highlighted an urgent, unmet need for more mental health support, particularly for those newly adjusting to blindness or low vision. But alongside these stories of struggle, I also heard incredible stories of gratitude, achievement, and resilience.

Hope often begins with a single idea, and I was so inspired by one story in particular. A former chef shared with me how he lost his vision due to diabetes. Despite the changes in his life, he still deeply loved cooking and had adapted to his new normal with remarkable resilience. While he didn’t think he could realistically run a restaurant anymore, he wondered aloud if there was still some way he could work with food. I suggested he might consider teaching cooking skills to others. There’s a growing demand for instructors who can teach people new to blindness or low vision how to cook, clean, and manage household tasks independently and safely. This idea struck a chord, and by the end of our conversation, he was already telling people at the bar how he’d found a new path forward. It was amazing to see that spark of excitement and purpose reignited!

Not everyone is as open to new ideas as he was, and it’s common in our community to struggle with the belief that blindness somehow limits our potential. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that one of the best ways to combat these limiting beliefs is by surrounding ourselves with people who truly understand and are overcoming the same challenges. If you’re someone with blindness or low vision, I can’t recommend enough that you get involved with your local or state chapter of the National Federation of the Blind or American Council of the Blind. You’re likely to meet people you connect with, people who can inspire you and help open your mind to new possibilities.

Another inspiring encounter at the convention was meeting PJ Gunter, one of the very first Accredited Financial Counselors (AFC®s). PJ was one of the original designers of the AFC® exam and is still an active and influential figure within the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). She was so enthusiastic about Penny Forward’s mission, and it was truly exciting for me, as a relatively new AFC®, to meet one of the pioneers who helped shape the field. I’m thrilled to have connected with her and look forward to what I hope will be a long and meaningful friendship. Meeting PJ was also a reminder of how grateful I am for the AFC® certification that has set a high standard for financial counselors, including those of us at Penny Forward who use this training to support our community.

If you’re wondering whether attending these conferences is worth it, let me tell you—these experiences are invaluable. They raise awareness of the need for financial education and counseling in our community, and they give us a chance to empower people face-to-face through workshops and other sessions. And they wouldn’t be possible without the exhibitor and sponsorship fees, as well as support from people like you. Each time Penny Forward attends a conference, it costs around $1,000. So, if you believe in the power of these gatherings as much as I do, I invite you to consider making a one-time or recurring donation to support this important work.

Your contribution makes it possible for us to continue raising awareness and spreading hope in every corner of our community. Whether it’s through offering financial guidance, providing support for those new to vision loss, or empowering people to pursue new dreams, Penny Forward is here to make a difference, and we’re grateful to have you on this journey with us.

Thank you for being part of the Penny Forward community and for believing in a brighter, more empowered future for people with blindness or low vision. Together, we’re making a world of difference.

Sincerely,

Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward