A message from our Executive Director:
Looking Back; Moving Forward

It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the halfway point in the year. Time moves so quickly these days. This is when we always pause to look back at where we have been, so that we know where we are going for the balance of the year. And in doing so, I’m extremely pleased with
our accomplishments.

As of mid-May, we have served 132 clients. This includes In-community Placements, follow-up with successor dogs and on-going client contact. And we continue to reach out to organizations that include the Blinded Veterans Association and American Council for the Blind whose members benefit by knowing about our work on behalf of people with visual disabilities.
We have also come in contact with more supporters in person and on-line than ever before. And throughout every part of our operation, we continue to closely monitor our expenses during these difficult economic times; while not compromising our mission or commitment to our clients. This is the kind of fiscal responsibility that prompted Charity Navigator to give Fidelco a four-star rating for two years in a row; an honor given to only a very few non-profits.
But the need still grows.

More and more people are demanding the quality of guide dog and client responsiveness that only Fidelco can offer. And roughly half of our existing clients are preparing themselves for an experience that is both heartbreaking and exhilarating; being matched with a successor dog. This demand, coupled with the unprecedented growth in the number of adults with visual disabilities (30 million, age 40 and over, according to Prevent Blindness America,) gives us reason for concern.

But we know we can count on you. Your support has always been there when we needed it. Your commitment to Fidelco has been unwavering. And your understanding of the miracles that our guide dogs bring to their partners each and every day makes you such an important part of the Fidelco family. Thank you for your generosity. Have a great summer!

Sincerely,

George Salpietro
Executive Director