District 2-A2 Programs

Texas Lions Camp For Crippled Children
Children who are eligible for the Texas Lions Camp includes: physically handicapped children ages 7 through 16 (hearing impaired or deaf, visually impaired or blind, amputees, birth defects, cerebral palsy, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, etc) and insulin dependent diabetic children ages 7 through 17. An IQ of 70 is necessary for the child to benefit from the program. Children selected for this program attend camp at no cost to their parents. Transportation to and from the camp is provided by the parent or sponsoring Lions Club.

Additional information, brochures and applications may be obtained from a member of a Lions Club. The application requires three signatures: the parent/guardian who completes the application, the child’s physician who supplies medical information, and a member of the sponsoring Lions Club. The completed application will be examined by a review committee. The Lion sponsor and the child’s parent will be notified of results as soon as possible.

Lions Sight and Research Foundation
The Lions Sight and Research Foundation were formed in 1983 by the Lions Clubs of Texas District 2-A2. Accepting a challenge presented by Helen Keller in 1925, Lions world-wide have been concerned with sight conservation, the detection and treatment of eye diseases, and the prevention of blindness. Since 1983, the Foundation has been the principle vehicle for participation by the Lions of District 2-A2.

The Foundation is a separate non-profit, 501c 3, charitable Texas corporation with the following goals:
To promote a continuing program for research in the diseases of the eye
To assist the preservation, restoration, and conservation of sight and in the rehabilitation of the visually handicapped
To encourage the dissemination of information on sight conservation and eye research.
The Foundation has accumulated an enviable record of achievement since its inception, and it continues to work with the Lions of South Texas to sponsor projects related to sight research and the prevention of blindness. Since the creation of the Lions Sight Research Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in October 1991, the Foundation has pursued a variety of programs in cooperation with the Department of Ophthalmology of UTHSC/SA.

By establishing the Lions Sight Research Center, the Foundation created a permanent vehicle for fulfilling a long-term commitment to eye research for better methods in the prevention of blindness, the treatment of eye diseases, and in the rehabilitation of those with poor or limited vision. The close working relationship with the Department of Ophthalmology that has evolved also affords the opportunity for the Foundation to encourage and to promote an interest in ophthalmology and research among medical students and the research facility. Annually the Foundation sponsors four undergraduate scholarships under the Lions Sight Research Scholars Program to encourage the best and brightest medical students to pursue studies in Ophthalmology. The Foundation has also completed a $250,000 project to provide funding for the position of Lions Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmic Pathology at the UTHSC Medical School. This professor serves as the Director of the Lions Sight Research Center.

The Mobile Eye Screening Unit (MESU) is operated by the Foundation and the Lions of District 2-A2 to provide eye screening services to the many communities of South Texas that lack local eye care providers. The custom equipped 40 ft mobile platform also contains specially equipped work stations that allow UTHSC researchers to take their various programs into the field where research data can be gathered and transmitted to the University for real time evaluation by the professional staff. The MESU also provides a platform for various educational and information dispensing programs that will be designed and supported by the University. This project is funded by the Lions Clubs of District 2-A2 and by various sponsors in the area.

The Lions Sight Research Foundation of District 2-A2 receives financial support for the Lions Clubs of the District, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and from individuals – Lions and non-Lions who share a concern for the preservation of sight and the prevention of blindness. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible under current IRS rules.

Leader Dog Program
Leader Dogs minimize the handicap of blindness and permit an individual to go where he/she wants to go and when they desire to go without having to wait for a friend or relative. They allow travel freedom, provide constant companionship, and widen the scope for job opportunities. Leader Dogs protect against everyday travel hazards and provide safety under trying conditions. Hundreds of Leader Dogs have been trained to lead the blind and in each case the individual has been restored to a normal place in society. Any person who can not see well enough to travel safely, in good health, over 16 years of age, emotionally stable, of good moral character, and physically able to walk several miles each day at a fairly brisk pace is eligible for a Leader Dog.

Approximately $12,000 is spent training each Leader Dog. Leader Dogs are given without any cost to their recipients. Leader Dogs For The Blind is supported by Lions Clubs, various public supported agencies, and individuals who recognize the value of the training program.

Applicant must complete all pages and attach a recent photo plus a list of six references. A medical doctor must completely fill out the medical history and examination form. The completed forms are to be mailed to: Leader Dogs For The Blind, 1039 South Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, Michigan, 48063.

Upon receipt of the completed application, an attentive assignment will be made and applicant will be notified immediately. An Admissions Committee will evaluate the application and upon final acceptance, the applicant will be notified of definite assignment. Classes are scheduled at least 3 months in advance.

Travel plans and expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. As soon as the applicant knows his/her method of travel and arrival time, the school should be notified. An instructor will meet the applicant at the arrival point. No provisions are made for persons accompanying the student. Transportation will be furnished from the time the student is met, throughout the training course, and to the point of departure. The applicant may be driven to the school which is approximately 25 miles north of Detroit on M-150, one mile south of Rochester on the corner of Avon and Rochester roads.

Classes always begin on Sunday and last 4 weeks. Applicant will live in a comfortable dormitory. Instructors are on duty at all times. Lodging, including bed lines, towels, wash clothes, etc., is furnished by the Leader Dog School. Applicant needs to bring only pocket money for personal purchases. Applicant may attend the Church of their choice. Applicant should have clothing suitable for Michigan seasons – several hours of training is done outdoors each day. Life during training is an enjoyable, homelike atmosphere.

Ear Board
Oversees the entire hearing program
Assures that Lions Club members are certified to evaluate hearing problems using audiometers
Purchase and maintains audiometers where required
Receives, reworks, and distributes hearing aides to the needy.
Monitors the district hearing evaluations and reports progress or problems to the District Governor

Human Needs Board
The Human Needs Board was established to provide financial assistance to a Lions Club or a group of Lions Clubs in order to meet a human need when a club or group do not possess the financial capability to meet that need.

The Human Needs Board will provide a source of procuring equipment or goods necessary to meet that need. The Board will also strive for greater communication and cooperation among Lions Clubs in meeting needs in the community served by encouraging joint service projects in your club service area.

Meetings are held at each of the four District 2-A2 Cabinet Meetings at time and place determined by the Chairperson. A special meeting may also be held at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Officers consist of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected to the Board during the District Convention for a one year term.

Lighthouse For The Blind
On May 18, 1933, a group of concerned San Antonio citizens, led by Dr. Henry Wyneken, met to address the needs of those who are blind or visually impaired. They focused the mission of the San Antonio Lighthouse on helping those who are blind in the community achieve individual independence through gainful employment and specialized training. The Lighthouse is incorporated as a 501c3 not for profit Texas corporation.

Independence is the cornerstone of the guiding philosophy of the San Antonio Lighthouse. The Lighthouse provides a stimulating environment for those with visual disabilities and blindness to achieve personal and/or economic independence through gainful employment, specialized training, and continuing education The Lighthouse believes in the intrinsic value of work and preserving the dignity of each individual.