Hadley’s Donahoe Center for Support expanding emotional and social resources for patients with vision loss

From left: Martha Gallo, John Donahoe, and Susan Gally. Image credit: Hadley

Hadley’s Donahoe Center for Support will launch an expansion of emotional and social resources for patients with vision loss, thanks to a recent $1 million gift.¹ The center will work to broaden access to emotional support services, including social workers, peer connections, and multimedia content including videos and podcasts, according to a news release.

The gift was provided by Hadley trustee Tom Donahoe’s children, Martha Gallo, John Donahoe, and Susan Gally.¹

“Vision loss affects more than what you see — it impacts confidence, connection, and mental health,” said Johnjoe Farragher, president and CEO of Hadley, in the release. “The Donahoe Center for Support strengthens Hadley’s ability to help individuals rediscover hope, purpose, and belonging.”

Specific programs held through the center is the nonprofit’s Peer to Peer program, which connects patients with vision loss to gain new perspectives and provides the opportunity to problem solve, the Adjusting and Coping Together virtual support group, which meets as a small group of about 10 with hourlong sessions held weekly for 8 sessions, and the Insights & Sound Bites podcast, which can be listened to on Hadley’s website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, and RSS Feed.²

“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.”

Hadley aims to assist 1 million people affected by vision loss by 2030, with the center projected to specifically broaden outreach to older adults.¹ Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 100,000 individuals have joined the Hadley community for support, with workshops achieving a 98% satisfaction rating. The nonprofit’s services reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Additionally, Hadley works with the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education program in addition to other national and international organizations that serve older adults adjusting to vision loss.³

References:

1. Hadley launches Donahoe Center to strengthen emotional support for vision loss. Hadley. News release. June 3, 2025. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://hadleyhelps.org/newsroom

2. With the Donahoe Center for Support at Hadley, no one has to face vision loss alone. Hadley. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://hadleyhelps.org/donahoe-center

3. Welcome to Hadley. Hadley. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://hadleyhelps.org/welcome-hadley