Voice & Vision Blog

Value of Friendship for Special Needs Moms

Written by Kristine Marsh on July 23, 2026.

After hitting snooze two extra times, I’m now running 10-15 minutes late, a huge deficit in the morning, but maybe all the other forces in the universe, namely my daughter, will cooperate? No. My 20-year-old refuses the shirt and shorts we chose last night, pushing them away, throwing them on the ground, and yelling at me. Kat challenges every step of getting dressed. By the time she’s on the bus, excited for school, I’m exhausted and frustrated, but today I’m meeting my friend...

26 Mental Health Awareness Months

Written by Nyvia Taylor on June 11, 2026.

Eyes wide shut. Malleable frontal cortex. Sensitive skin and wet, salted, tears. Trekking inward. Invisible burdens. I ask myself; do you see me?

Midlife Mondays

Written by Maria Miller on January 16, 2026.

“Not perfect, but better” Midlife Mondays have become something I look forward to every week. Sean Stockman is a YouTube content developer whose work is grounded in “working hard and loving our neighbor.” He lives in Michigan and has relinquished his desk job to clean up overgrown and neglected properties in and around urban Detroit. He cleverly documents these makeovers using a variety of camera angles and shares them on his YouTube page “Midlife Stockman.” I first started watching...

New Executive Director

Written by Sheri Shifman on December 15, 2025.

At a luncheon in November, the Voice and Vision team met to celebrate the retirement of Valerie Melroy and welcome the new Executive Director, Dr. Peter McLallen. Voice and Vision Board of Directors Chair, Daniel Moyer, thanked Valerie for her years of service. In introducing Peter, he noted that the board sought “someone who not only brought executive-level experience, but who could foster collaboration, listen deeply, and guide this organization with both heart and strategy. Perhaps...

The Season of Harvest and Thanksgiving: Celebrating Gratitude and Growth

Written by Valerie Melroy on November 25, 2025.

showing sunflower with wheat - growth and joy

As I write my last blog as the Executive Director of Voice and Vision, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thirty years ago, we were a team of five part-time staff in a small office in Bucks County with two computers and three desks, while compiling CST (Consumer Satisfaction Team) data by hand. We were excited to be part of pioneering something in its infancy in Pennsylvania: people with mental health challenges interviewing people who had left state hospitals, and those living in the...

Need More Information About Advocating For Your Family Member?

Written by Valerie Melroy on October 28, 2025.

Voice and Vision is pleased to announce that the first chapter from our 2015 book, Help and Hope: From Families Who Have Walked the Walk, has been updated and is now available free on our website. “Advocating for and Supporting Your Family Member” contains essential advocacy tips for families supporting loved ones with developmental/intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, autism, addictions, and other challenges. Peer support, an integral part of Voice and Vision’s...

Awe of Nature

Written by Robert Karchnyak on July 25, 2025.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend actress Lili Taylor’s book launch at the Discovery Center in Philadelphia’s Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. There, she shared with the audience what brought her to the wonderful world of birds. On a break from acting, she sought the quiet of the Hudson Valley, where she owned a home and noticed bird songs. She found herself drawn into “a parallel universe,” one that was “full of life and the will to survive” (Turning to Birds, p. 5,...

How I Found My Voice Interning for Voice and Vision

Written by Rosalina Garczynski on June 5, 2025.

Sue Benzie with intern Rosalina Garczynski highlighting Rosa's Graduation Project.

When I first applied for my internship at Voice and Vision, I had no idea what to expect. As a social work student, I knew I wanted hands-on experience helping others. But stepping into such a dynamic organization felt overwhelming. Now, as my internship comes to a close, I look back in awe at how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally. Before my interview, I scoured the Voice and Vision website, trying to understand their many programs and services. By the time I sat down...

The Impact of Inclusion

Written by Sage Brown on May 8, 2025.

My son attended his first Mummers event in October of 2023. At the time, we went just because of his general interest in the mummers. Uptown String Band was having their annual ParklandFest, so we thought it was a perfect time for him to listen to their music live. While at the event, he enjoyed listening to their music—this was big for my son because previously he had no interest in music, and loud noises bothered him as a young child. After this event, my son started watching a YouTuber...

College Plus – From Feeling Broken to Breakthrough to Triumphant

Written by Susan Benzie on February 28, 2025.

“Voice and Vision was the launch into all my accomplishments. I can never forget those experiences at Voice and Vision. I genuinely felt heard. I went from feeling so small to feeling bigger and bigger.” Recently, Ezri, a former College Plus student, met with us to say “thank you” for the role Voice and Vision played in her success. We are grateful to Ezri for allowing us to share her story with all of you. Ezri struggled as a youth with mental health challenges, repeated...

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website and blog is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to inspire, educate, offer hope and in some instances challenge attitudes and beliefs promoted in our society. We also provide information about Voice and Vision’s services and connections to basic resources in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, counseling, or treatment or cannot be used for identification of a diagnosis. Please seek help from a qualified physician or professional with any questions you may have regarding a physical, emotional or mental health condition, disability, or addiction.
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