LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. – An organization that empowers people with blindness and visual impairments is carrying on what has become a longstanding tradition in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n
At the South Mall in Salisbury Township, it is a longstanding tradition, building friendships one laugh, one step at a time.<\/p>\n
“I really met a lot of nice people throughout the years,” said Debra Deifer.<\/p>\n
The event is called the mall walk.\u00a0 Sights of Hope has been running it since the ’80s, building capabilities in people with blindness and impairments.\u00a0 Deifer has been participating for decades.<\/p>\n
“The people today are just as friendly, and I just love the walks,” said Deifer.<\/p>\n
Sights for Hope executive director and CEO Dennis Zehner said it is also a great opportunity for physical exercise.<\/p>\n
“Also, to socialize and to apply the skills they learn here. \u00a0The skills they learn allow them to function independently in the world with pride, confidence, and ability,” said Zehner.<\/p>\n
“I actually really enjoy it because you can have a conversation with them and strike up a friendship as well,” said Karen Baer, a volunteer.<\/p>\n
For Baer, the mall walk is personal, too.<\/p>\n
“For me, it was a good fit because my mother-in-law used their services years ago when they were still located on 13th Street,” said Baer.<\/p>\n
She is also sharing one of her other skills.<\/p>\n
“Karen, oh, she’s a good baker,” said Bill Mulroy.<\/p>\n
Mulroy and everyone else at the mall went back to the Sights for Hope office, where they not only enjoyed treats, but also the chance to catch up, and you cannot forget jokes.<\/p>\n
“I get to hang out with some really good people,” said Mulroy.<\/p>\n
“They’re a close-knit family, and we enjoy each other’s company,” said Bert Dziedzic.<\/p>\n
Bonds that will last forever.<\/p>\n
“I don’t call them clients; I call them friends,” said Dziedzic.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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