UTICA, N.Y. – The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is proud to announce a heartwarming new partnership with Freedom Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and placing guide dogs with those who are blind or visually impaired. As part of this collaboration, CABVI is sponsoring a puppy from Freedom Guide Dog’s newest litter — a bright and promising pup named Iris.
This sponsorship reflects CABVI’s commitment to empowering people with vision loss and supporting programs that promote independence and mobility. Iris will embark on a transformative journey to become a certified guide dog, and CABVI will follow Iris’ story to document major milestones. Iris’ progress will be shared on CABVI’s social media channels, allowing the community to follow along as she grows, learns, and prepares for her important role as a guide dog.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with CABVI through their sponsorship of Iris, a future guide dog whose journey begins with purpose and promise. Our organizations have long shared a mission of serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired, not just by meeting their needs, but by championing their independence, dignity and quality of life,” said Breeding and Puppy Program Manager, Ashleigh Pace.
Pace added, “CABVI’s sponsorship of Iris is a powerful example of what happens when like-minded nonprofits come together to create real, lasting change. It’s more than a donation. It’s a gesture of belief in what’s possible when people and purpose align. Together, we’re not just raising a guide dog, we’re raising hope.”
By working together, CABVI and Freedom Guide Dogs are amplifying their shared goal of enriching lives for those with vision loss. To be a part of Iris’ journey, follow CABVI on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Freedom Guide Dogs, visit freedomguidedogs.org.
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a social enterprise established in 1929 to provide services and employment to people who are blind or visually impaired. CABVI’s serves people of all ages in a 10-county region of Central New York. CABVI provides employment opportunities and a variety of vision rehabilitation services. For further details, please visit www.cabvi.org.
