The Laurel Wheeler Foundation
Welcome to our world...
The Laurel Wheeler Foundation exists to provide international relief for the blind and visually impaired through the gift of technology, training and other resources.
Laurel is visually impaired and a recent graduate of the Masters Program in Russian Studies at the University of Helsinki in Finland. She also has a degree in Russian from the University of Oklahoma. Laurel has a passion to see others who are blind or visually impaired be given opportunities to achieve success, live independently and contribute to society.
Established in 2017, the Laurel Wheeler Foundation serves by providing:
- The Gift of Technology / Training
- Educational Opportunities
- Networking, Team Building, Partnering Relationships
Please visit our blog site for pictures, updates and information about our activities, donations to recipients and trips, and to read a precious thank you letter from one of our recipients.
“The only thing you need to change a person’s life is a willing heart!” Laurel Wheeler
Foundation Updates and Projects
CHRISTMAS PROJECT
It is time to bring Christmas joy to some of our blind and visually impaired friends across the country. We have an Amazon Christmas wish list that you can use to help us provide Christmas gifts to our recipients. Keep checking back to see updated wish list items and know that your generosity will bring a smile to blind and visually impaired individuals this holiday season. If you would like to participate or be a recipient please click the link below.
MARIANA PROJECT
Mariana Barbu was our host and primary contact for our recent trip to Romania. We are currently working with World Services for the Blind, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, to bring Mariana here for 3 months of hands on training, followed by 10-12 months of online training. When completed Mariana will be a certified trainer for the visually impaired and will start the first training center of its kind for the blind in Romania. We are currently raising approximately $8000 to cover the cost of the 3 months of training here in the US. After which we are looking for 100 people who would donate $20 per month for 1 year to cover the cost of the online training. Would you consider partnering with us on the Mariana Project?
As a nonprofit foundation we have always done our very best to serve the blind community wherever we encounter a deserving blind person with a genuine need. Please consider partnering with us on this amazing journey!
What We Provide
Computers
We have given laptop computers to many deserving students and business people. This life changing gift has enabled them to have much needed assistive technology for university studies and making a living.
smart-phones
The apps on a smart phone can also change a life, ranging from GPS navigation to scanning bar codes on products. We have gifted new phones to many who cannot afford this simple but marvelous technology.
canes and equipment
A cane costs as little as $40 but still is not affordable to so many. It is so easy to change a life with the gift of a cane or braille paper and other simple resources.
braille displays and devices
Having a Braille display or other advanced equipment can be necessary for success in business or education. Several of our recipients have gotten jobs because of our gifts.
Training
With the gift of technology comes the need for training and education. We have been involved in personal instruction, various seminars and training events abroad as well as online training from here at home.
Networking through relationships
Many are working to help but few are connected. We have developed partnering relationships and multiplied our efforts by bringing people and organizations together to share resources and help each other.
How You Can Help
“Our needs are great, but our vision, determination and the kindness and generosity of our supporters is greater. Your donations are changing lives. Thank you so much for standing with us.”
Laurel Wheeler
Financial Gifts
All financial donations are fully tax deductible and go directly to providing technology, resources and training to those who we are assisting. If you would like to send a gift in the mail our address is found on our contact page. Your donations are greatly appreciated!
Technology Gifts
If you are donating technology, new or used, we are able to receive laptops, smart-phones and other resources that are in good working condition. If you have made a donation and would like a receipt, click the link below.
Apply for Assistance
If you would like to apply for assistance from our foundation please click on the link below, fill out the information and submit the application to us. We will set up an interview and assess how we can best serve your needs.