Stronger Together: A Guiding Principle for Clovernook’s Future

“Stronger together.”
Two simple words, yet when paired, they create a mindset that drives change. As I’ve learned over the past six months, at Clovernook, this mindset continues to shape our work, our partnerships, and our vision for the future. 

The spirit of collaboration was front and center at our annual Boldly BVI Awards Breakfast on May 8, where we celebrated community partners who help expand our impact every day. Their support reinforces what we know to be true: when we work together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone. 

Partnership Creates a Global Impact 

“Stronger together” helped us make history with the largest Braille Challenge ever held, and the first hosted in a non‑affluent country. In partnership with the Braille Institute, Clovernook helped pilot Braille Challenge Kenya in May. More than 700 students across three schools in Kenya participated in Braille Challenge events. Our team also worked closely with local teachers of the visually impaired, equipping them to lead future Braille Challenge events. This is the power of shared purpose. 

Supporting Families Through Collaborative Care 

Our long-standing partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center exemplifies collaboration. Together, we operated 110 pediatric low vision clinics last year, serving 420 youth, and providing more than 160 devices and 200 consultations to families and educators. These services offer clarity, confidence, and hope during moments that can feel overwhelming for families navigating vision loss. 

Planning for a Stronger Future 

This same collaborative spirit is guiding our strategic planning as our Board of Trustees and leadership team chart Clovernook’s path for the coming years. Like many nonprofits, we face a shifting funding landscape while demand for our services continues to grow. To thrive — and to expand our impact — we’re asking important questions: 

• How do we maintain our position as one of the world’s largest producers of braille as demand for braille evolves? 

• What new production and service lines can create meaningful employment for people who are blind? 

• How do we build new partnerships and funding sources to expand youth services such as braille literacy, adaptive sports, camps, and other life‑enriching programs? 

• How do we ensure broad access to our tactile models, 3D printing, and inclusive printing capabilities so more organizations can benefit? 

The answers won’t come easily. But with input from internal and external stakeholders, we will continue developing innovative solutions that open new pathways for people living with vision loss. 

Inspired by Our Founders 

As we look ahead, we draw inspiration from our founders, Georgia and Florence Trader. They refused to let gender or disability limit them. They understood the power of partnership long before it became a buzzword — working with the Cincinnati Public Library to establish the Cincinnati Library for the Blind and collaborating with Cincinnati Public Schools to bring the first eye exams into the school system. 

Their legacy reminds us that meaningful change happens when people come together with shared purpose. 

Today, that same desire to collaborate fuels our team. We innovate not only within our own walls but alongside partners across the community and around the world. Because when we work together, we create greater opportunities, stronger support systems, and a more inclusive world for individuals living with vision loss.