In 1960, 13 members of the Pasadena Braille Club, led by Hadley Stephenson, had a dream to deliver quality housing and services to blind adults in the Pasadena area. By 1966, they raised the funds needed to purchase and remodel a home to create 17 furnished studio apartments for blind residents, with an array of services including three meals a day and cleaning assistance.
For 50 Years, Vista Nova residents had the support of trained therapists, as well as a team of inspired volunteers who served as readers, provided transportation, and companionship. “This was my first time attending the Tournament of Roses Parade. The volunteer who was with me was particularly good at describing the floats as they went by,” said Wilbur Riffle, one of the residents at Vista Nova.
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