- October 24, 2025
- Posted by: LWB
- Category: News
A group in Luzerne County that assists those struggling with vision loss is receiving support to improve their facilities.
A non-profit is on a mission to help the visually impaired lead more independent lives.
“Leadership Northeast seeks to develop local leaders and integrate them into the community to better serve and strengthen the local community, and our project this year as part of the year-long program is to work with Northeast Sight Services to renovate their kitchen so that it can be a training kitchen for the visually impaired,” said Matthew Gabriel, Leadership Northeast.
Northeast Sight Services in Exeter helps people struggling with low vision.
“Our mission really is to help people stay independent despite their vision loss. So we have in-home support, programming, and vision rehab therapy, all geared towards helping people adapt,” said Kristen Lilly, Northeast Sight Services.
The kitchen here has seen better days.
“We have doors falling off, and our stoves haven’t worked right in I don’t know how long. So it’s really exciting for all the opportunities it gives our clients here to be able to have a kitchen and learn to cook safely,” said Kristen Lilly, Dir. Vision Resources & Programs at Northeast Sight Services.
This project is proving to be a heartfelt mission.
“Providing sustenance for oneself or eating is the most important attribute of a human after being able to breathe. So, being able to provide that basic need is a fantastic feeling,” said Gabriel.
The kitchen renovation is expected to begin by mid-April and be completed by June 1.
There will be an event to help raise funds for the renovation.
“On Thursday, March 13th, from 6 to 9 at the River Street Jazz Cafe, we’re actually hosting Kitchen Jam, which is going to be an amazing event. We will have Dustin Douglas and the electric gentlemen, some special guests, raffle baskets, 50/50. People can come and show their support for this great project right here and have a great night out,” said Neil Prisco, Leadership Northeast.
Newswatch 16’s Kerry Kearns will be the emcee for Thursday night’s Kitchen Jam.