| Who We Are |
| History |
| President's Message |
| History North Central Sight Services, Inc., formerly known as the Lycoming County Association for the Blind, was incorporated on February 7, 1957 as the 29th branch of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind. The agency set up operations at 901 Memorial Avenue in Williamsport. The Lycoming County Association for the Blind manufactured rubber door mats from recycled automobile tires, caned chairs and performed subcontract work for local businesses. Talking book machines and support were provided to Lycoming County residents who were blind. In 1974, the agency received funding to expand its Social Services. In 1982, Leroy Price retired as Executive Director. His successor, David Franklin established the Prevention of Blindness Department. |
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President's Message Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Since 1974, North Central Sight Services, Inc. has provided me with very rewarding employment. From 1974 to 1986, I met literally thousands of people who had lost, or were losing their sight. Because of our Agency’s services, these individuals were able to live independently, learn new skills of daily living as a person who is blind and achieve their individualized goals and objectives. I am honored to have played a part in these successes. Since April 1986, as Director I have been given an even greater responsibility to guide and direct our Associates to meet the ever changing, growing needs of those we serve. Whether it be in services to people who have lost their sight, prevention of blindness, or creating new and varied work opportunities for our Industry Associates. Each task has been different, challenging and has required the support of my outstanding Team to accomplish the end results. Over the past twenty years, I have seen tremendous changes within the blindness service system. For those of us having federal contracts, the entire system of procurement has been streamlined and I am positive there are additional changes to come. Through all this, we have grown and been successful. We now have a total of fifty-nine Associates, twenty-five staff and thirty-four Associates who work full or part-time in our Industry. We realized sales of $6.1 million in 2005, a 28% increase over 2004 and we grew employment by 21%. Our 2006 budget is $7,970,000. This growth translates to more jobs and hours worked. We have made considerable headway in stabilizing our financial position and the future is bright. With the acquisition of our new facility located at As we move forward, we must always remember our beginnings, be proactive, willing to change and constantly position ourselves to provide outstanding service to all of our customers including those individuals and groups who purchase products from us and those who are blind. Let us never forget the needs of people who are blind who seek employment. And let's stay focused and up-to-date on the needs of the general public regarding eye care education and prevention of sight loss. I am confident that with the ongoing support of our Board of Directors, enthusiastic Associates and support from the general public, we will accomplish these goals and continue to be a quality service provider to the residents of Lycoming, Clinton, Sullivan, Robert B. Garrett, President/C.E.O. |
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