David Frank has helped expand career opportunities for people with vision loss through his support of the expansion of Beyond Vision, a Milwaukee-based social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired.
Beyond Vision purchased the former Sam’s Club in West Allis to build a universally designed workspace to house all of its operations in one location, including administration, customer care, assembly, packaging and a machine shop. All departments employ people with vision loss.
Frank helped the organization navigate the new market tax credit process for the project. The renovation of the 130,00-square-foot facility received financing support from PNC Bank through a collaborative effort between its commercial banking business and its tax credit solutions group.
“For many people with vision loss, Beyond Vision represents a pathway to their first job. Employees develop their sense of self-worth, advance their skills through onsite training and ultimately gain economic independence,” said Jim Kerlin, president and chief executive officer of Beyond Vision. “Without David Frank and PNC Bank’s support, our VisABILITY Center would still be a dream.”
