North Central Sight Services Inc. recently received a grant of $21,280 from the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund IMO Joseph L. Rider at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, to be used towards equipment upgrades.

According to a news release, this grant will be used towards the purchase of replacement shredding blades for North Central Sight Services’ commercial and residential document shredding service and a new shrink wrap machine to be used for assembly, packaging and distribution of products to the federal government and commercial customers.

North Central Sight Services houses an industry where 75% of the employees are blind or visually impaired. Through the AbilityOne Program, NCSS manufactures, packages, and distributes products to the State of Pennsylvania and the Federal government. Every purchase creates jobs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in our community so we may continue to enhance independence for individuals with unique visual capabilities.

In total, NCSS assembles 241 different products at their facility and has an additional 481 products that are drop shipped which are produced by AbilityOne-associated agencies from around the country, the news release said. These products are included on the Federal Procurement list. North Central Sight Services also offers products through the Pennsylvania State Use program and to commercial customers.

Since 2005, NCSS has also offered commercial and residential document shredding as part of its mission to provide employment to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, the news release said. Proceeds from the document shredding operation are put back into the community through prevention of blindness education, rehabilitation and social services.

NCSS is the only provider of support services to six counties in north central Pennsylvania, significantly improving the independence and lives of those who are blind and visually impaired. The agency’s goal is to give people with visual impairments access to their community, maintain their independence and maximize their quality of life.

The agency mission for North Central Sight Service, Inc. is to create sustainable, person-centered programs, and employment that enhance independence for individuals with unique visual capabilities. We foster positive change, awareness, and advocacy while removing barriers. www.ncsight.org.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets, the news release said. The foundation strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving. For more information visit www.FCFPartnership.org.