The Visually Impaired and Blind Society, based in Atlanta Georgia, was founded in 2016. This organization was founded in hopes of bringing awareness and to break social barriers that are placed upon the visually impaired and blind community. The founders want to provide a platform for others, whether they are SIGHTed or non-SIGHTed, to share in their vision to bring more inclusiveness and awareness to the plight that affects individuals who have vision loss or who are going through vision loss.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Tax ID: 81-3518337
MEET THE BOARD
We would love for you to join us in sharing our vision to help promote a more independent, productive and active lifestyle for those who are visually impaired and blind.
Saving Ven
Saving is one of the six co-founders and current president for VIB Society. She lost her sight at the age of 41, but she never let that slow her down. She is a mother of three beautiful daughters and has fourteen wonderful grandchildren. She is currently enjoying life in Georgia whhile continuing her passion of serving the blind community. Saving can be contacted via email at savingven@vibsociety.org
Tonie Asbury
Tonie serves as Vice President for VIB Society and has done so since 2022. She was diagnosed as legally blind at birth due to complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Tonie’s passion for helping the blind community is fueled by her experiences growing up with a sight impairment. She currently lives in Atlanta with her boyfriend and loves to sing, bake, and spend time with her friends and family. Tonie can be contacted via email at tasbury@vibsociety.org
Rob Jackson
Rob is one of the six co-founders and currently serves on the board as the Director of Charitable Contributions. He lost his sight in 2005 at the age of 33 due to optical neuropathy. Rob is dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission and is thrilled to be part of helping those in the blind community lead full and productive lives. He is a proud husband and father of five children and lives in the Atlanta area. Rob can be contacted via email at rjackson@vibsociety.org
Bounny Vongvone
Bounn Vongvone has proudly served as the Interim Secretary for the Visually Impaired Blind Society since July 2024. As a mother of two wonderful children, her passion for supporting the blind and visually impaired community is deeply personal. Having grown up with a blind mother, Bounn has firsthand experience with the challenges and resilience of those affected by vision loss, which fuels her commitment to making a positive impact. In addition to her role as Secretary, she contributes to VIBS by catering for the organization’s annual event. Bounn can be contacted via email at bvongvone@vibsociety.org
Chris Douglas
Chris Douglas, originally from Flatbush, New York, and having lived in Orlando, now resides in Atlanta. Since 2011, he has embraced a new and enriching chapter after becoming blind, finding profound learning through his experiences. Grateful for the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS), Chris has maintained an active social life and now serves as the Director of Wealth and Support. In this role, he dedicates himself to raising funds, providing support, and creating opportunities that empower other visually impaired and blind individuals to lead happy, healthy, active, social, and mentally engaged lives. Chris can be reached via email at cows@vibsociety.org.
April Church
A devoted mother of three boys and the eldest of three sisters, April Church, who resides in North Florida, seamlessly blends her personal dedication with her professional expertise. With a strong background in customer service management, she is a natural leader who approaches her work with empathy and deep commitment. April currently serves as the Director of Membership Engagement for the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS), a position she’s held since May 2025. She can be contacted via email at membership@vibsociety.org.
Rosa Allen
Rosa Allen is the dedicated Director of Events & Outreach for the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS), where her passion for helping and inspiring others truly shines. With over 40 years of experience in customer service management and training, Rosa is a natural leader who excels at coordinating events and sharing valuable information. She deeply believes in the mission of VIBS and finds immense joy in being part of the organization. Rosa can be reached via email at events@vibsociety.org.
Philip Brown
Philip Brown, originally from Albany, New York, has called Atlanta home for the past three decades. With over five years dedicated to the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS), he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the organization. Philip currently serves as the Treasurer for VIBS and can be reached via email at treasurer@vibsociety.org.
Melissa Reyna
Melissa Reyna serves as the Digital Marketing Director for the Visually Impaired and Blind Society, bringing both technical expertise and creative vision to the organization’s outreach efforts. Diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity shortly after birth, Melissa understands firsthand the importance of inclusivity and empowering representation. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and currently creates digital content for a UK-based blog, in addition to managing her own social media platforms. Melissa is a proud mom to one incredible daughter and the newly devoted human to an abandoned adult cat named Kukki. Melissa can be contacted via email at marketing@vibsociety.org
Founding Members
- Phillip Hodges
- Saving Ven
- Robert Swain
- Sonya Neal
- Robert Jackson
- Lafayette Wood
We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Tax ID: 81-3518337