A Century of Service: The History of Northeast Sight Services
On November 8, 1918, a small group of concerned citizens gathered in downtown Wilkes-Barre at the request of Arline Phillips, a young woman who was totally blind. Her mission was simple yet profound: to help blind individuals help themselves. From that vision, the Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind was born.
Arline pioneered the concept of free services for the blind in our region. Traveling throughout the area, she visited individuals in their homes, teaching them Braille and essential skills for independent living—a mission we proudly carry forward today.
“The blind need opportunity, not sympathy.” – Arline Phillips
The organization’s work began with a small workshop where individuals who were blind made rugs, providing meaningful employment. In 1921, a mortgage was secured for a property on East Union Street in Wilkes-Barre, where the workshop expanded to include chair caning, as well as the sales of brooms and mattresses.
By the late 1920s, the organization recognized the need to provide proper prescriptive eyewear, marking the beginning of its focus on blindness prevention.
By 1937, services had expanded significantly to include rehabilitation programs, talking book distribution, employment opportunities, partnerships with Overbrook School for the Blind, eyeglasses for children, and sight-saving classes in public schools.
As the decades passed, the organization evolved to meet the growing needs of the community. In 1963, the workshop opened its doors to individuals with various disabilities, creating additional employment opportunities. Soon after, the agency expanded its services to include case management, social services, low vision care, public education, and pre-vocational training.
In 1971, Eilene Kaska recognized the need for early vision screenings, leading to the launch of the Children’s Vision Screening program for kindergarteners.
During the 1980s, the organization once again expanded its services to include life skills education and a support group for individuals experiencing vision loss, “Seeing Without Sight.” These efforts were strengthened through partnerships with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, as well as the Hazleton and Scranton Associations.
Over the years, the agency built lasting relationships with local civic groups, particularly Lions Clubs (beginning in 1970), the Pioneer Club of Bell Telephone Company (1963), and the Radio Home Visitor program, which first aired in 1974.
In 2007, thanks to the generosity of many supporters, the agency moved to its current location in Exeter, providing the opportunity to expand programming within a larger, more accessible space.
A significant milestone came in 2015, when a successful fundraising effort allowed for the expansion of the Camp Sight program, which had already been in existence for nearly a decade. This led to the launch of the InSight Kids Club of NEPA, which now encompasses Camp Sight, the Transition Assistance program, monthly social events, and Family Support Groups.
Continuing its commitment to innovation, the agency renovated and expanded its Vision Resource Center in 2017, incorporating cutting-edge tools and technology to enhance work, home life, and leisure for individuals with vision loss.
In 2018, as the organization entered its second century of service, it embraced a new identity—Northeast Sight Services—a name that better reflects the breadth and impact of its work in the community.
Today, Northeast Sight Services remains dedicated to Arline Phillips’ vision. We continue to evolve, grow, and expand our services to meet the ever-changing needs of the blind and visually impaired in our local community—just as we have for over a century.