Hadley Launches Donahoe Center for Vision Loss Support

Hadley, a national nonprofit dedicated to serving older adults with visual impairment, has announced the launch of the Donahoe Center for Support. This new initiative is designed to expand access to emotional and social support resources for the growing number of older Americans facing age-related vision loss.

Honoring a Legacy of Support

The center is named in memory of Tom Donahoe, a longtime Hadley trustee known for his commitment to human connection. The Donahoe Center enhances Hadley’s mission by broadening access to free support services, including:

• Licensed social workers

• Peer support connections

• On-demand videos, podcasts, and other multimedia resources

These services are available via online platforms, telephone, and mail, ensuring accessibility for those with varying levels of technological comfort.

Vision Loss and Mental Health: A Growing Concern

“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.”

Numerous studies have shown that vision impairment later in life is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. According to the National Eye Institute, nearly 20 million Americans are expected to live with uncorrectable vision loss in the next five years, due to conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and more.

Strategic Goals and Nationwide Impact

Hadley has set a goal to support 1 million individuals by 2030. The Donahoe Center will play a critical role in achieving this by:

• Expanding outreach to older adults with vision loss

• Improving access to emotional and social support services

• Increasing production of digital content aimed at fostering emotional well-being

A Philanthropic Gift to Empower Connection

The Donahoe Center is made possible through a $1 million donation from the Donahoe family: 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.”