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Via Visually Impaired Advancement

Via

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 160743930 ✦ Buffalo, NY ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Via Visually Impaired Advancement?

Via Visually Impaired Advancement, also known as VIA, is a thriving nonprofit organization headquartered at 1170 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14209. Their primary mission is to empower individuals with vision impairments to reach their highest level of independence. To achieve this, they run a competitive social enterprise, where people who are blind or visually impaired receive training and employment opportunities. In this community and market-competitive setting, they manufacture, warehouse, and distribute merchandise to both government and commercial consumers. All employees are offered market-competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. VIA's objective is to create an inclusive environment that fosters independence and employment for those with vision impairments.


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Via Visually Impaired Advancement has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and financial management. The organization boasts a high program expense ratio of 94.80%, indicating that a significant portion of its funds directly supports its mission. Additionally, it has a robust independent board, with 100% of its 21 members being independent, which enhances its governance and oversight capabilities.

The charity scores exceptionally well in leadership and adaptability, with a perfect score of 100 in that category. This suggests that the organization is not only effective in its current operations but is also responsive to changes and challenges within the sector. Furthermore, the presence of comprehensive policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, underscores its commitment to transparency and ethical management.

While the data shows strong financial health, with a low liabilities to assets ratio of 20.94%, there are no noted limitations or concerns regarding the organization’s operations. Overall, Via Visually Impaired Advancement demonstrates a commendable dedication to its mission and to effective organizational practices.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Via Visually Impaired Advancement legitimate?

Via Visually Impaired Advancement is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Via Visually Impaired Advancement submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $579,656
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $3,679,256

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

What is the mission statement of Via Visually Impaired Advancement?

Via Visually Impaired Advancement is an organization dedicated to helping individuals with vision impairments achieve their highest level of independence. Through a market competitive social enterprise, they offer training and employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. By selling, warehousing, and distributing merchandise produced, assembled, or packaged by these individuals, they provide them with market competitive wages and benefits, as well as opportunities for upward mobility. The ultimate goal is to empower visually impaired individuals to reach their full potential and live independently.


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

Who is the CEO of Via Visually Impaired Advancement?

Tamara Owen is the Chairperson of Via Visually Impaired Advancement. The CEO's salary of Via Visually Impaired Advancement is $225,100 and their total compensation is $247,079.


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

What is the revenue of Via Visually Impaired Advancement?

Via Visually Impaired Advancement's revenue in 2022 was $14,987,718.


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

Who are the executives of Via Visually Impaired Advancement and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Via Visually Impaired Advancement during 2022 was $23,793. There are 179 employees and 76 volunteers at Via Visually Impaired Advancement.


Here are 25 key members and their salaries (Via Visually Impaired Advancement's CEO's salary is $225,100 and their total compensation is $247,079):


Kevin J Cross (Chairperson)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Martha Lamparelli (Vice Chairperson)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mai Nguyen (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lisa M Kirisits (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Phillip Catanese (Past Chairperson)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen V Cross (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Kremer (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen Cardarella (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Althea Luehrsen (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jack Greco (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Lee (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Melissa Keith (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jason T Daniels (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sandra Sieminski (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ken Sullivan (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dominic Secchiaroli (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eric Recoon (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Raymond Reichert (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lamont Williams (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dennis Mccoy (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tamara Owen (President / Ceo)
  • Compensation: $225,100
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,979
Renee Deflavio (Senior Vice President)
  • Compensation: $118,658
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Franca Trincia (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $95,427
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,914
Ray Ludwig (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $113,236
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Simmons (Optometrist)
  • Compensation: $105,237
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,734


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

Where can I find the form 990 for Via Visually Impaired Advancement?

Via Visually Impaired Advancement's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.viawny.org/

Learn more at the official website: www.viawny.org/

Mission Statement of Via Visually Impaired Advancement

Via Visually Impaired Advancement, a leading nonprofit organization, is dedicated to empowering individuals with vision impairments to reach their highest level of independence. Through its mission, Via Visually Impaired Advancement strives to create a community where people with visual impairments can thrive and contribute in a market-competitive setting.

To achieve this goal, Via Visually Impaired Advancement operates a social enterprise, which offers training and employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals. This enterprise is not only economically viable but also serves as a platform for those who might face barriers to entering the workforce. The organization sells, warehouses, and distributes merchandise produced, assembled, or packaged by visually impaired or blind employees. By doing so, it not only provides market-competitive wages and benefits to its employees but also offers opportunities for upward mobility.

In this inclusive and supportive work environment, individuals with vision impairments can develop valuable skills and gain independence. They are able to contribute to the organization and, in turn, the community, fostering a sense of self-worth and purpose. By enabling these individuals to reach their full potential, Via Visually Impaired Advancement is making a significant impact on their lives and demonstrating that with the right resources and opportunities, everyone can make a difference.

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Impact




October, 2024

Via Visually Impaired Advancement significantly enhances the lives of individuals with vision impairments by providing them with the opportunity to achieve independence through training and employment in light manufacturing and warehousing. By operating a market-competitive social enterprise, it offers meaningful job opportunities where employees can work in an inclusive environment, producing, assembling, and packaging goods for government and commercial consumers.

Employees benefit from market-competitive wages and benefits, ensuring financial stability while gaining valuable skills. This engagement not only fosters professional growth but also enhances self-esteem and confidence, empowering individuals to reach their highest potential. The organization’s commitment to creating opportunities fosters upward mobility, which further contributes to the economic empowerment of individuals with visual impairments in Buffalo, NY, and beyond. Through its impactful programs, Via Visually Impaired Advancement transforms lives, promotes inclusivity, and sets a standard for community engagement and capacity building among those with vision challenges.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Via Visually Impaired Advancement. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$14,987,718 (2022)
Expenses
$13,271,896 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $335,353
  • Program Service Revenue: $12,500,863
  • Gross Receipts: $16,357,573

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $14,312,562
  • Total Liabilities: $2,025,861
  • Net Assets: $12,286,701

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

SALES TO THE PUBLIC

Revenue

$7,298,136

CONTRACT AND FEE FOR SERVICE INCO

Revenue

$4,404,783

RENTAL AND LEASING

Revenue

$708,711

MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME

Revenue

$77,692

TUITION

Revenue

$11,541

Organization Details

Founding Year

1908

Principal Officer

Tamara Owen

Main Address

1170 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY, 14209

NTEE Category

Code: P860 - Human services

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