More Than Volunteers: The Lake Family’s Generational Legacy at the Blind Children’s Center
In the wake of Volunteer Awareness Month, the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) reflects with gratitude on the many individuals, families and organizations who support its mission in both big and small ways. Among them is the Lake family, whose multigenerational connection to BCC spans nearly five decades. While their story is extraordinary, it also reflects a simple truth: there are many ways to give back.
What began in 1981 with Janis and Ralph Lake bringing a small petting zoo to the Center’s spring festival has grown into a beloved tradition carried forward by their children and grandchildren. Today, the Lake family’s presence continues to bring joy and hands-on learning to students year after year.
“It’s truly a passion of ours,” said Janis Lake, a retired school nurse, Delta Gamma alumna and longtime volunteer. “Coming back to the Blind Children’s Center feels like returning to family.”
Janis’ connection to children who are blind or visually impaired began long before she ever set foot on campus. As a school nurse, Janis taught elementary students — particularly those hesitant to wear glasses — to better understand and care for their eyes. When her family moved to Los Angeles, she joined a local Delta Gamma alumnae chapter. This deepened her involvement with Service-for-Sight aligned organizations, including BCC, where she donated her time teaching American Red Cross CPR and first aid classes to parents, teachers and administrators. Ralph also taught the CPR and first aid courses with Janis.
Her most visible contribution remains the spring festival petting zoo, a hands-on experience that highlights the importance of sensory play for the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. From baby chicks, chickens and ducks to baby bunnies, baby goats and a macaw, the animals have created tactile experiences and lasting memories for generations of children.
One standout creature, a pony named Patches, provided not only tactile but also auditory encounters: “He’d whine loudly, which the kids loved because they could hear him even if they couldn’t see him,” said Jennifer, Janis’ daughter.
“The Lake family’s commitment to our children and our mission is truly remarkable,” said BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “For more than four decades, Janis and her family have shown up to bring joy, laughter and unforgettable sensory experiences to our students.”
Janis’s four children, Jennifer, Michael, Heather and Jonathan, grew up attending BCC events, often volunteering alongside their mother. They learned invaluable lessons in empathy. Janis recalls Jonathan, then in elementary school, sat with a child who was blind on a school bus when no one else would; he later told his friends the boy was just like them, only with much sharper hearing. Teachers were stunned when Jennifer, as a young child, coaxed a timid little girl down a playground slide. “We had never been able to get her on a slide before, and suddenly she didn’t want to get off,” Janis said.
Today, the legacy and stories continue with the next generation. Jennifer’s children, Ryan and Lillian, now help with the petting zoo, eagerly participating and forming their own connections to BCC. This past spring, although Lillian had a school performance that conflicted, Ryan insisted on making the trip. “He told me, ‘No, Mom, we have to go. I want to be there,'” Jennifer said. “My kids just adore being at the Center.”
While the Lake family’s story reflects a deep, long-term commitment, Janis believes that support looks different for everyone. “Meaningful contributions come in many forms,” she said. Whether sharing time, offering a specific skill or donating, each act plays a role in supporting BCC’s work.
Delta Gamma alumnae and other interested volunteers are encouraged to connect with Community Relations Manager Jasmin Joya, at Jasmin@BlindChildrensCenter.org, to learn more about getting involved. The Center’s wishlist also offers a simple, yet impactful, way to support students and programs.
“Sponsoring a child is the simplest way in,” said Janis. “From there, you can find what feels right for you. Everyone has something to offer.”
To learn more about supporting the Blind Children’s Center, including volunteer opportunities and a current wishlist, please visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Volunteer.
