Raven's Story
Five years ago, Raven Joiner began losing her vision. By February 2021, she could no longer drive. Over the past six months, her vision declined further, leaving her able to see only blurred shapes, light, and shadows.
Through Lions Services, Raven's story changed. She regained her independence by securing full-time employment allowing her to provide for herself and her two children. Through the Lions DENN program, Raven received assistive technology training in 2025, relearning how to use a laptop and keyboard with vision loss. Upon completing the program, she was provided a laptop equipped with JAWS software.
Today, Raven can access the internet, manage her emails, and create professional documents, skills that opened new doors. She now serves in leadership roles with the National Federation of the Blind as Fundraiser Chair and Assistant Chair.
"The Lions DENN has given me back my confidence and reminded me that I can add value to my life. I can now provide for my family again and help other blind individuals like me." — Raven
Tracy's Story
Tracy was met with a life-altering complication following the C-Section of her twins in 2004. She developed Central Bilateral Artery Occlusion, which produced blood clots behind her eyes, damaging both of her retinas. The change was sudden and traumatizing, and in an instant, something as simple as getting out of bed and walking down the hallway became a major obstacle.
Tracy has a BA in education. She connected with Lions Services in 2016, and discovered that "There is still life after blindness." With the help of Lions Services, Tracy has been able to achieve her ultimate goal of providing for her family and becoming more independent. Not only has she found independence as a product assembler, but she's also been able to join social clubs and find a community of people that help her enjoy life.
"Don't give up. Keep going. It will get better." — Tracy
Gladys' Story
Gladys has confronted the challenges of glaucoma and retinal detachment since her teenage years. While these conditions have limited her vision, they have not hindered her spirit. Introduced to Lions Services by her cousin in 2004, Gladys initially had reservations about her job — sewing. When she began, Lions Services not only encouraged her through her mistakes, but they were patient and assuring, fostering Gladys' love of sewing.
Lions Services has been instrumental in Gladys' life, offering her a sense of belonging and family. She appreciates the diverse and compassionate community it provides, emphasizing that it encourages everyone to learn and grow together, regardless of their backgrounds or languages. Gladys views Lions Services as a safe haven for those with vision impairments.
"This is a new chapter in your life. Express how you really feel and don't hold it in." — Gladys
Philip's Story
Philip, now CEO of Lions Services, did not expect to be where he is today. Born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, his eyes could not communicate with his brain, leaving him with a vision impairment so profound that his mom had to leave her job to ensure Philip would not remove his glasses. Early intervention surgery helped stabilize his eyes, allowing his vision to improve over time. At the age of 16, his vision stopped improving, leaving him legally blind.
As a high schooler with no support system, Philip felt isolated and embarrassed. He attended Belmont Abbey as the first legally blind student. In his final year of college, he attended 208 interviews, all of which presented challenges or became unavailable once his condition was revealed. It wasn't until he found Lions Services that, with a little persuasion, Philip landed his first job, changing the course of his life. Starting work "as the administrative assistant" on September 11, 2001, Philip quickly moved up in the company and pursued an MBA, proving his value to a place that gave him a chance.
Philip finally achieved his dream of becoming CEO on June 21, 2021. He's created a safe haven, giving others what he needed as a young adult — a place where no blind person feels alone.
"Blindness is just a label. The power you give your disability is the power it will have over you." — Philip Murph, CEO
Constance's Story
"I became legally blind in my mid-twenties due to a malpractice incident that led to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. After a decade of adjusting to life with vision loss, I went back to school and earned my associate's degree in human services. In 2015, while briefly a student at UNC Charlotte, I was referred to Lions Services and I started working here on my birthday. I still remember Agatha smiling and saying, 'isn't it exciting to be working on your birthday?' Now, ten years later, I'm proud to say this job has changed my life. It's surrounded me with supportive coworkers, given me purpose, and helped me achieve financial independence, care for my family, and become a homeowner. Most of all, I'm grateful to feel like a part of society again." — Constance
John's Story
John Purser's 2 years of employment at Lions Services improved his quality of life after suffering from an optic nerve injury. Blindness settled in after John's accident from slipping on icy concrete and hitting his skull on the ground. At first, John thought the injury was minor until recognizing faces became impossible. John's family had concerns about whether he could take care of himself, but John refused the idea of permanently living in a nursing home.
He was later referred to Lions Services Inc, helping him overcome the drastic change in his life. Lions Services offered John employment and gave him mobility and job training, turning his life around for the better. He now supports himself by helping Lions Services package military hardware for chinstraps.
"Lions Services is a judgement-free place and I work around people who are in the same boat." — John
Wilfred's Story
Wilfred was born with an astigmatism, creating unique challenges in life. Wilfred finds it challenging at times when his eyes adjust to light, making something as simple as walking outside a disorienting and difficult task. However, when Wilfred found Lions Services in 2017 through his local library, he never anticipated the impact they would have on his life.
Lions Services has provided a community that feels like home and given him the opportunity to reach his ultimate goal of retiring so he can spend time with his grandbaby.
"Lions Services has helped me become more comfortable with my vision impairment. I've never worked with other visually impaired individuals before. Working here really stimulates my brain, and it's good to be around smart people. Put in an application. It will change your life." — Wilfred
