Vocational Training in the Philippines
We have connected with a remarkable woman in the Philippines who opens her home to blind individuals and personally trains them, equipping them with real marketable skills so they can gain employment, earn an income, and live independently. We are stepping in to fund that training directly and are building a program to provide her with the staff and resources she needs to reach even more people.
A $250 donation fully covers the cost of one complete training program.
We are creating a vocational training program for blind individuals in the Philippines that provides the skills, resources, and support needed to pursue meaningful employment and greater independence.
For many participants, opportunities like this are simply out of reach due to financial hardship. The cost of housing, food, transportation, and training materials often prevents individuals from accessing the education and support they need to build a better future. Our program removes those barriers by covering all essential expenses, allowing participants to take part in training they otherwise may never have the chance to receive.
By providing housing, meals, training materials, and comprehensive support throughout the program, we are opening doors to new opportunities, sustainable employment, and greater self-sufficiency.
A $250 donation fully covers the cost of one complete training program.
Christine's Story ~ Our inspiration for the program
Vocational Training in the Philippines
We are creating a vocational training program for blind individuals in the Philippines that provides the skills, resources, and support needed to pursue meaningful employment and greater independence.
For many participants, opportunities like this are simply out of reach due to financial hardship. The cost of housing, food, transportation, and training materials often prevents individuals from accessing the education and support they need to build a better future. Our program removes those barriers by covering all essential expenses, allowing participants to take part in training they otherwise may never have the chance to receive.
By providing housing, meals, training materials, and comprehensive support throughout the program, we are opening doors to new opportunities, sustainable employment, and greater self-sufficiency.
A $250 donation fully covers the cost of one complete training program.
Supporting BOLD
My name is Christine.
As a visually impaired person, my goal has always been to achieve financial independence and live independently while requiring minimal assistance in my daily life. I have always believed that with the right opportunities, determination, and hard work, persons with disabilities can build meaningful and productive lives.
Like many visually impaired individuals, I faced challenges in finding employment and creating a stable future. My life changed when a foundation gave me the opportunity to train as a massage therapist. I learned that massage therapy is one of the most accessible and sustainable livelihood opportunities for many blind individuals in the Philippines.
I embraced that opportunity and worked hard to develop my skills. Through the support of the foundation, I was given the chance to work in their clinic and gain valuable experience. From there, my journey continued to grow. I worked in the blind massage industry, became a leader in the massage community, earned my NC II Certification in Massage Therapy from TESDA, and became a licensed massage therapist accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) Philippines in 2013.
Today, I am proud to serve as the Co-Owner and Operations Manager of Christine Blind Massage Clinic.
My advocacy is to promote inclusive livelihood opportunities, especially for visually impaired individuals, solo parents, out-of-school youth, senior citizens, and indigent members of our communities. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to become financially independent, support themselves, and experience the dignity that comes from meaningful work.
My journey is proof that when people are given the right opportunities, they can overcome barriers, build confidence, and create a better future—not only for themselves but also for the communities they serve.
Thank you.
Christine's Story ~ Our inspiration for the program
BOLD, Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, is a Southeast Wisconsin nonprofit that has been changing lives since 1974. What started with just five blind downhill skiers has grown into an organization offering over 26 different summer and winter activities, giving blind and visually impaired individuals the chance to truly get outside and live life fully. Every activity is completely free for participants. As we continue to grow, one of our future goals is to organize a 5k fundraiser with all proceeds going directly to BOLD and their incredible work in the Milwaukee community. We believe in what they do and cannot wait to find ways to support them.
Blind Grind Coffee & Tea
Social Enterprise~Blind Grind Coffee & Tea
Blind Grind Coffee & Tea is our social enterprise — a coffee and tea brand where every purchase directly funds our initiatives, from independence training programs for blind individuals in the Philippines to new opportunities worldwide. But it's more than just great coffee. Every bag will be fully accessible, featuring NaviLens technology so blind individuals can independently identify and interact with the product. We're not just selling coffee — we're building something that reflects our mission from the shelf to the cup.
BOLD
BOLD, Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, is a Southeast Wisconsin nonprofit that has been changing lives since 1974. What started with just five blind downhill skiers has grown into an organization offering over 26 different summer and winter activities, giving blind and visually impaired individuals the chance to truly get outside and live life fully. Every activity is completely free for participants.
As we continue to grow, one of our future goals is to organize a 5k fundraiser with all proceeds going directly to BOLD and their incredible work in the Milwaukee community. We believe in what they do and cannot wait to find ways to support them.