Fostering Hope Luncheon Highlights Impact of Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program

If you've ever squinted to read up close or struggled to make out what was written on a whiteboard, you know how important glasses are for making your way through the world, and especially for doing well in school. CCSC's Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program puts low-income, vision-impaired students into glasses that make the world easier to navigate.

CCSC's third annual Fostering Hope Luncheon focused on its Vision Care Program and how it has evolved to help students, their families, and their peers because correcting a child's vision benefits not only that student but their entire classroom.

"A student with vision issues may have been acting out or distracting other students because they were bored because they couldn't see," CCSC Vision Care Coordinator Doris Gay said. "Once the student can see and concentrate, the classroom becomes calmer, and everyone can concentrate and learn better."

In 2003, CCSC began the Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program, funded mainly by the W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation. CCSC volunteers are trained to administer initial vision screenings at CCSC partner schools. Students identified as needing a more comprehensive eye exam are scheduled for a bus trip to the University Eye Institute at the University of Houston. Those who need glasses pick out frames and their prescription eyeglasses are delivered to their school. Having CCSC transport the students and glasses removes the transportation and time barriers many families face.

CCSC thanks those who participated in the luncheon, including our generous table sponsors and underwriters, musicians Laura Smith and Steve Estes, CCSC Board Chair Deacon Larry Vaclavik, of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Reverend Laura Mayo, of Covenant Church, and Crystal and Brandon White, 2024 Fostering Hope Luncheon Chairs.

"Having experienced firsthand the amazing work CCSC does in the community, I have wanted to do more with the organization," Crystal White said. "When asked to chair the Fostering Hope Luncheon, it was not only an honor but also an unexpected opportunity.

"We get caught up in our own lives, forget our blessings and how many around us are struggling to meet basic needs," Crystal added. "This experience gave a reminder of the work God put us here to do, a newfound gratitude for what we have and to seek those moments where we can keep paying it forward." 

CCSC supporters paying it forward meant that the 2024 Fostering Hope Luncheon raised over $100,000 for CCSC's mission to help Houstonians in need.

"We thank everyone for their wonderful and generous support," Chief Advancement Officer Lauren Niemeyer said. "Our community's generosity fuels our mission."

To watch video presentation from the luncheon, click HERE.