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Stay Connected & Share Your Story
VIPS has been part of the community since 1985, which means our VIPS family now spans multiple generations! We love staying connected with the children and families who have been part of our VIPS community, and we want to celebrate all the wonderful milestones along the way.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten, learning a new skill, graduating from high school, celebrating a birthday, getting married, welcoming a new sibling, or reaching another exciting milestone, we want to hear about it!
Share your or your family's news with us so we can celebrate alongside you and continue cheering you on, wherever life takes you.
With your permission, we may celebrate your family's milestones on VIPS social media, feature your story on this Alumni page, and share your experiences as impact stories that help our community understand the lifelong difference VIPS services can make for children and families across Kentucky and Indiana.
Your story helps us celebrate our VIPS alumni, stay connected as a community, and show the breadth and lasting impact of VIPS services.
Hailey Naftel
I have a lifelong connection to VIPS, as I first received services here as a child following my diagnosis of Nystagmus and retinal scarring. The early support I received helped lay the foundation for my growth and success with a visual impairment. My journey led me to attend Vanderbilt University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Visual Disabilities. Today, I am proud to return to VIPS as a contractor, now providing services to young children and their families. Being able to give back to the same organization that supported me is both meaningful and rewarding, and I strive to bring professional knowledge, encouragement, and lived experience to the families I serve.
Alex and Abby Hitzelberger
Abby is attending the University of Louisville, majoring in psychology, and is active in volunteering at her church and the Ignite group on campus. Alex volunteers on Sundays as a greeter at church and attends the adult day program Zoom group a couple of days a week. He loves this group and enjoys hanging out with his friends there. He is also continuing to work with OVR/Helen Keller to try to find a job a day or two a week. His favorite activity is RISE fitness. He attends several days a week and loves being with everyone there.
Hannah Castenir
We’re so grateful to VIPS for the wonderful foundation they gave to Hannah! She’s now in 5th grade and thriving, this year, she’s proud to be part of her school’s safety patrol, treble choir, and is enrolled in the Gifted & Talented (GT) program, and especially loves math! Outside of school, she’s an active member of the E-town Dolphins Swim Team and Grace Haertland Church. She is discovering a real love for music while learning to play the piano and taking voice lessons. Thank you to all of her former teachers at VIPS for helping set her on this path. We’re so appreciative of the nurturing and joyful start you gave her and the support you gave to our family!
Jai’Zion Buckner
Jai’Zion is doing amazing things these days. He’s in school full-time now, and he has recently started using a communication board. Our time at VIPS was amazing, from everyone we talked to, and even the times coming into the office. Ms. Rita and Ms. Cheryl, if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I will forever be grateful for them.
Liam Herrera
Liam is in 5th grade now. He is currently a blue belt in Taekwondo. Liam loves martial arts! His favorite activity is Sparring and Bo weapons. My favorite memory is when Liam could see a baby bird nest for the first time using a magnifier that VIPS helped him get. Prior to the magnifier, he could only hear the babies chirp. It was a whole new world opened for Liam. His excitement was priceless! Thank you, VIPS. We are forever grateful for VIPS!
