Blind Community Center of San Diego

Featured Members

Carmelita Mays

Carmelita Mays was a private duty nurse for 23 years. She received her licensed vocational nursing certificate from Grossmont College in 1953.

Carmelita was referred to the Blind Community Center in 1998 by the Center for the Blind, where she learned the skills needed to live independently. She lost her vision to glaucoma in 1982.

In craft class, Carmelita enjoys working on glazed ceramic statues, and has one first and second place ribbons for them at the Del Mar Fair. 

All three of Carmelita's children live in San Diego County. She also has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

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Jerry Wilson

Jerry Wilson heard about the BCC in 1995 from his neighbor, Linda Gwizdak.

"I came one day and stayed," says Jerry. "I enjoy being busy and helping people."

In the computer classes, he learned about the Internet and word processing. He also enjoys computer games. In the craft classes, one of his favorites  is needlepoint.

Before long, Jerry decided to help out on the board of directors. He has held every position on the board; today, he is in his second term as president.

Jerry especially enjoys helping to coordinate the BCC's participation in December Nights on the Prado in Balboa Park. He produces crafts, and, since he loves to sing, he joined the BCC Singers.

During football season, Jerry joins the Chargers support group to cheer on the team Sunday afternoons. He is also the caller at the monthly BINGO game.

In his private time, Jerry likes to write poetry. Here's one of his compositions:

Only I Can be BRIGHT YELLOW

Like A Coronet Blast proclaiming its message to the World,
Saying Now that I've gotten your attention¡
How can I help you?
But, Sometimes I get dimmed by the Blues of Life,
and I feel Deep Green like a leaf,
and I want to curl up and blow away to where it Dark and Black,
and let someone else be Yellow for a while.
until I can recuperate,
And then I Can be BRIGHT YELLOW once again
and can help someone else.