Hadley Launches Donahoe Center to Expand Emotional Support for Vision Loss

$1 million gift increases access to free help for people navigating vision loss

WINNETKA, Ill., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the baby boom generation ages, the number of Americans facing age-related vision loss is on the rise. Hadley, a national nonprofit based in suburban Chicago helping older adults experiencing visual impairment, is launching the Donahoe Center for Support to strengthen emotional and social resources for this growing population.

Named in honor of longtime Hadley trustee Tom Donahoe, the Donahoe Center broadens access to Hadley's emotional support services, which include social workers, peer connections, and multimedia content such as videos and podcasts—all available for free online, by phone, and by mail.

"Vision loss affects more than what you see—it impacts confidence, connection, and mental health," said Johnjoe Farragher, President and CEO of Hadley. "The Donahoe Center for Support strengthens Hadley's ability to help individuals rediscover hope, purpose, and belonging."

Studies have linked vision loss later in life with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. And according to the National Eye Institute, within the next five years, nearly 20 million Americans are expected to experience uncorrectable vision loss due to glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions.

To meet this challenge, Hadley aims to assist one million people by 2030. Through the Donahoe Center, Hadley will extend its outreach to older adults with vision loss, improve access to social and emotional support, and expand on-demand content that fosters emotional well-being.

The Donahoe Center is made possible through a $1 million gift from the Donahoe children: John Donahoe, Martha Gallo, and Susan Gally.

"Our dad loved people and had a way of making a human connection," said John Donahoe. "What's remarkable about Hadley is how they use technology not to dehumanize, but to deepen those connections and scale them to reach many more people. My dad would be delighted that human connection isn't getting lost; it's actually being enhanced."

To learn more about the Donahoe Center for Support, visit hadleyhelps.org/donahoe-center.

About Hadley

Hadley provides both practical help and social/emotional support to older adults adjusting to vision loss, empowering them to adapt and thrive. Founded in 1920, Hadley currently serves more than 150,000 individuals across the country and around the world. Visit hadleyhelps.org for more.

Contact Information: Burke Patten, Marketing Director, [email protected], 847-784-2869.

SOURCE Hadley