MISSION STATEMENT

Provide vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and to provide eye care for those within our community who need financial assistance.  We intend to provide these individuals with life long opportunities and choices that promote personal and economic independence for an enhanced quality of life, while respecting their dignity and right of self-determination.

HISTORY

The company began operations in 1935 and the following year it was established as the Charlotte Workshop for the Blind by the Charlotte Central Lions Club.   In 1975, the company was incorporated as a nonprofit textile manufacturer to employ people who are blind and became known as Lions Services, Inc.

Since its founding, Lions Services continues to expand its scope of products and services.  From a small chair caning facility, the Agency  has evolved into a manufacturer of products for the Department of Defense under the Congressional Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.  Lions Services is a respected affiliate of National Industries for the Blind and has received the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program award by the Defense Logistics Agency for consistently producing excellent quality products. 

WHAT IS JWOD?

In 1938, Congress passed the Wagner-O'Day Act  to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind enabling them to manufacture products for Federal Government customers.  In 1971,under the direction of Senator Jacob Javits, the Act was amended (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) and renamed the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD).  The program now includes people with severe disabilities and allows services to be provided to Federal customers.  Two national, independent, nonprofit agencies operate under JWOD; National Industries for the Blind  and National Industries for the Severely handicapped.

The primary goal of the JWOD program is to employ and create training opportunities for people who are blind or severely handicapped.   The means of accomplishing this goal is to encourage Government agencies to purchase selected products and services from NIB and NISH affiliates.  As a result, employees under JWOD are able to lead a more productive and independent life. 

LIONS SERVICES EYE CLINIC

Persons with limited income or without insurance often cannot afford quality eye health care. With access to affordable, eye care and prescription glasses, children learn better in school, working adults perform job tasks better, seniors retain personal independence and an enhanced quality of life. 

Who is Eligible for Services?

Any person who:

• Is referred to us through Mecklenburg County Schools, Mecklenburg County or North Carolina State Department of Health and Human Services, local Lions Clubs, The Salvation Army, area churches or other charitable organizations.
• Is uninsured or uninsurable.
• Qualifies for low income.

What Services are Available?

• Complete eye examinations, including pupil dilation for detection of eye disease.
• Prescription glasses
• Professional eye health counseling

How is the Lions Services Eye Clinic Supported?

• Volunteer ophthalmologists donate their valuable time and skills to support the Eye Clinic staff
• Mecklenburg County Lions Clubs
• North Carolina Lions Foundation
• State, corporate and community grants and gifts from individuals
• Individual donations

How Can You Help?

You can help by donating used office furniture, eye examination tools/equipment or giving a monetary donation to Lions Services Eye Clinic.  All contributions are tax-deductible as stated by law.

An appointment must be scheduled before visiting the Eye Clinic.

Phone: 704-599-4760    Fax: 704-921-5758

Lions Services is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER