Born blind, Charlotte man honored for teaching children to read

Jeffrey Balek was born blind, yet the 35-year-old Charlottean teaches children to read at Nations Ford Elementary, as part of the YMCA’s Y Readers program.

It’s an act of charity that has earned him national attention, including coverage in People magazine and “The Dr. Oz Show.”

But Balek says the greatest honor he has received to date was a recent meeting with Gov. Pat McCrory, who presented Balek with the state’s highest award for volunteer service.

“I think he’s really kind of cool,” Balek said. “I love the attention I’m getting for what I do, but I absolutely loved getting to meet Gov. Pat McCrory.”

Balek was one of 21 volunteers honored by McCrory for their public service, including Colette Bromfield of Union County.

Bromfield volunteers as a board member and fundraiser for the Union County Community Shelter, an organization that provides emergency shelter and soup kitchen services for the homeless. She also created the “Home Again” program that provides donated furniture and household goods to clients that move from homelessness to renting a home.

Balek’s volunteer work helps second- and third-grade students. He uses specially made braille books that allow him to read as the children follow along the written words in their books.

“When they see me reading braille, it gives sighted kids a boost in confidence,” Balek said. “They are fascinated that I can read it. Most have never seen a person read in braille.”

Y Readers is the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s literacy program for students in grades K-3 who are reading below grade level. It is provided at no cost to families and is supported by corporate and community donations.

Balek, who has been working with the program since 2013, says the part he enjoys most is following the students’ progress.

“It makes me proud when they start to get good grades,” he said. “It’s rewarding. It makes me feel like I’m giving back to the community.”

This story was originally published May 12, 2015 at 6:47 PM with the headline "Born blind, Charlotte man honored for teaching children to read."