When neighbors walk into one of our vision clinics, they often carry more than just blurred sight; they carry the weight of financial strain, health barriers, and the daily challenges of living without something as basic as reliable vision. Through our partnership with the Lions Club, Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph is helping to lift that burden, restoring not just sight, but dignity, opportunity, and hope.
For over a century, the Lions Club has championed the cause of vision, heeding Helen Keller’s call to become “knights for the blind.” Locally, Lions volunteers have found a strong ally in Catholic Charities, working side by side to bring free eye screenings and donated glasses to our underserved neighbors. “The motto of Lions is ‘We Serve,’” shares Mickey Beach, who spearheads these efforts. “Our desire to serve the underserved is exactly what Catholic Charities does. It’s a perfect match.”
Beach knows that calling personally. A 13-year member of the KC Red Bridge Lions Club and secretary of Missouri Lions District 5, Beach serves alongside his wife, Martha, who is the club’s president this year. Beach first joined when community members asked him to give back locally. That invitation has grown into a life of service. “I was asked to get involved and give back to my community,” he reflects. “And now I can’t imagine not doing this work.”
Together, the partnership blends unique strengths: Catholic Charities connects deeply with those most in need, while Lions volunteers bring both training and a servant’s heart to perform eye screenings and distribute glasses. Missouri is one of only a handful of states that allows donated eyeglasses to be given directly to local residents, a blessing that makes this outreach even more impactful.
The results are life-changing. One pair of glasses can mean a student who can finally read clearly, an adult who can apply for a job, or a parent who can safely drive their children. “If there is rent to pay and kids to feed, sometimes personal eyewear gets shoved down the list,” Beach explains. “But being able to see provides so many benefits- working, succeeding in school, learning, and improving quality of life.”
The joy of these moments is unmistakable. Volunteers often witness reactions ranging from tears to laughter as neighbors put on their new glasses. It is a tangible reminder of the gospel call to serve Christ in one another, restoring dignity and opening doors to brighter futures.
This year alone, 12 Lions Clubs joined Catholic Charities volunteers for a day of service, with plans to expand to as many as 20 clinics annually across our service area. Every recycled pair of glasses holds the power to transform a life.
In this season of Harvesting Hope, we celebrate this partnership that does more than restore sight, it allows our neighbors to see the world, and themselves, with renewed possibility.
If you want to get involved or have questions, email Mickey Beach at mbeach1960@gmail.com. If you would like to help with the eye clinics, please contact volunteers@ccharities.com.
By Ashley Everett, Director of Marketing and Communications at Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph