Support that meets people where they are

Hadley's Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report

 

Dear Friends,

When someone begins to lose their vision, everyday moments can suddenly feel uncertain—and finding the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

For much of our history, people have found Hadley in their search for help when vision loss changes their lives. Today, we are guided by a broader responsibility—not only to be there when people seek us out, but to ensure that our help reaches as many people as possible, even before they know where to turn.

That responsibility has shaped a clear North Star for our future: to help one million people with vision loss by 2030. This goal reflects both the growing number of adults facing vision loss and our commitment to making support free, accessible, and available whenever and wherever it is needed.

Voices from the Hadley Community

From a Hadley member to a Hadley employee, these voices capture what support truly looks like: guidance, connection, and hope—when it’s needed most.

 

“When you connect with other people, it opens up an area in your heart that is very healing.”

Cliff Hochberg has found a supportive community of peers through Hadley.

 

“When someone interacts with Hadley, I want people to come away feeling encouraged and empowered.”

As Director of Practical Help, Ricky Enger creates support that builds confidence.

 

Donahoe Center for Support

Losing vision later in life is not just a practical adjustment; it can be a deeply emotional process. Yet the psychological aspects of vision loss are rarely discussed openly, and many believe they have to face these challenges alone.

Established in 2025 through a generous gift from the children of longtime Hadley trustee Tom Donahoe, the Donahoe Center offers compassionate assistance, a supportive community, and trusted resources that promote well-being and foster connectedness.

 

2025 Impact

In FY2025, Hadley reached people with vision loss in the ways that worked best for them—offering practical help, emotional support, and community across multiple formats.

113,500 People Served

Distinct individuals who received Hadley’s support

55,400 New Members

People who signed up for Hadley for the first time—taking a first step toward support

40,100 Supportive Conversations

Calls and emails with the Donahoe Center for Support specialists

 

Ways People Connect with Hadley’s Support

Hadley provides two core kinds of help: practical “how-to” support that helps people build skills and solve everyday problems, and emotional support through the Donahoe Center for Support, where people can feel understood, encouraged, and less alone.

Practical How-To's

  • Workshop/How-To's participations: 159,000
  • Mailed packages: 8,700
  • Telephone listens: 6,200

“I feel confidence growing,” -Kris

Donahoe Center for Support

  • Podcast listens: 111,500
  • Supportive conversations: 40,100

“At Hadley, I know I'll always get a person and tons of help,” -Eileen

These totals reflect different ways people connected with Hadley and are not equal in intensity—but together they show how support was delivered across formats.

Partnerships

Partnerships help people find Hadley sooner. Through referrals, shared outreach, and financial support, our partners extend Hadley’s reach—and connect more older adults to practical and emotional support when it matters most.

Here are just a few of the partners keeping help in sight.

The Chicago Lighthouse
United Healthcare
Apellis
ocular
vsp vision care
Notal vision
BOSMA
BISM
center for the visually impaired

"Hadley has been a wonderful resource to add to our practice. I appreciate how accessible it is for patients and how easy it is for us to refer."

Dr. Katelyn W. Jordan, OD, FAAO, FNAP Brooks Rehabilitation

 

"Our partnership with Hadley has been truly transformative. Their accessible resources, thoughtful content, and responsive support have become an invaluable extension of our services."

Jason Esterhuizen, Wayfinder Family Services

 

2025 Financials

Spending

Programs & Community Engagement: $6,671,037 (74%)

Fundraising: $1,290,528 (14%)

Operations: $1,101,923 (12%)

Philanthropic Support

Individuals: $1,820,482 (60%)

Foundations: $511,588 (17%)

Woman’s Board: $130,850 (5%)

Bequests: $449,874 (15%)

Donated Materials and Services: $88,827 (3%)

Hadley’s endowment provides long-term financial stability and supports ongoing operations, while annual contributions fund the day-to-day work of delivering free support and services.

Governance, Advisors, and Supporters

Board of Trustees 
Philanthropy Advisory Council
Woman’s Board
Young Visionaries Board
Principal Funders
Clarence Boyd Jones Society
Estate Gifts

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