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V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I 58 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E 2026 GOALS Program Development Vocational Training: Further grow programs that help individuals who are blind gain skills for employment Assistive Technology: Provide in-depth training on the latest assistive devices and software to foster independence Community Engagement Awareness Campaigns: Increase public understanding of visual impairments through a variety of events Support Networks: Encourage and promote platforms for individuals to connect, share experiences, and reduce isolation Accessibility Initiatives Resource Distribution: Provide best and most recent essential tools to those in need Advocacy: Provide essential tools and adaptive devices for those in need Evaluation and Growth Feedback Mechanisms: Further develop systems to gather input from those that utilize our services for improve- ment purposes Sustainability P lans: Continue exploring and developing the current opportunities to increase long-term funding and resource management FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES e Iris Network has its Annual White Cane Walk on the first Saturday of each October to advocate for individuals who use a white cane or a guide dog to navigate their communities, and the importance of drivers yielding the right- of-way to them. Businesses are able to be a sponsor of this event by contacting giving@theiris.org. e agency will be holding the First Annual Charles E. Prinn, III Indoor Golf Tournament on April 1, 2026 at X-Golf in Portland. Businesses are able to be a sponsor of this event and/or sign up a foursome. Contact giving@theiris.org. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES e Iris Network has two annual cam- paigns each year; one in the Spring and one during the holiday season. e agency has wonderful donors who contribute to help provide services and programs to those in the State of Maine who are visually impaired or blind. e Iris Network also has a Planned Giving program and information on this can be requested by emailing giv- ing@theiris.org. Donations of gently used equipment that would benefit an individual with vision loss are accepted by calling the agency at (207) 774-6273 and asking for the Development Department. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES e Iris Network has many volunteer opportunities for community members, including being a personal shopper/ shopping driver for those who are visu- ally impaired, or leading arts and crafts, game night, music night, dancing, yoga, exercise or other outdoor recreational activities for the residents of our Iris Park Apartments. Bring your passion and kind heart. The Iris Network Established: 1905 / Employees: 28 / Annual revenue: $3,200,000 TOP FUNDING SOURCES 49.8% State of Maine 35.5% Sales 10.8% Private donations 1.5% Events fundraisers 1.4% Grants/ foundations 1.1% Federal agencies CONTACT 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102 (207) 774-6273 www.theiris.org TheIrisNetwork theirisnetworkme the-iris-network-maine TheIrisNetwork MISSION STATEMENT The Iris Network has a MISSION of helping people with vision impairment or blindness attain independence and community integration. AREA SERVED The Iris Network provides programs and services throughout the State of Maine. AT A GLANCE Jane Eberle Board Chair Retired BOARD OFFICERS Pauline Lamontagne Vice-Chair Retired Attorney Merrill E. Barter, CPA Treasurer Baker, Newman, Noyes Andrew B. MacLean Secretary Maine General BOARD MEMBERS Ellen Benson Education, JMG Master Specialist Nicholas Giudice, Ph.D. Associate Professor, University of Maine Brian Graves Retired Entrepreneur Terri Grijalva Retired, Vice President, Claims Technology Todd Mckee Owner/Producer/Director, Bulldog Media/ Bulldog Aerials, LLC Holly Knight McCarthy, O.D. Doctor, Maine Eye Center David J. Stuchiner, MD, FACEP Retired Doctor A photo of a few staff members of The Iris Network in front of the Ryan Building on the agency campus in Portland. David Barnwell, DBA President and CEO A photo of a visually impaired man with his white cane and guide dog enjoying a sunny day. A photo of the Iris Network Annual White Cane Walk fosters community awareness of individuals who use a white cane or guide dog for mobility.