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
In 1935, the Charlotte Central Lions Club founded the Charlotte Workshop for the Blind to employ WWI veterans to re-cane chairs. In 1975, the company was incorporated as a nonprofit textile manufacturer to provide vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind and became known as Lions Services, Inc. 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 from the Defense Logistics Agency for consistently producing excellent quality products. In 2010, Lions Services became ISO 9001:2008 certified.

WHAT IS THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM?
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 Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind administers the JWOD program and in 2006, changed the program name to AbilityOne program. 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 AbilityOne 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 AbilityOne are able to lead a more productive and independent life.

EYE CLINIC
Lions Services offers persons with limited income or without insurance an opportunity to obtain quality eye health care in the Lions Service Eye Clinic. 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. Service is based on financial need. More information can be obtained at Lions Services’ Eye Clinic website lionseyeclinic.com.