At Riverside House, we believe restoration is about helping individuals regain confidence, independence, and hope as they rebuild their lives. Sometimes, that transformation begins with something as simple and powerful as a pair of glasses.
During our recent Health & Resource Fair, we were honored to partner with The Frame Project, an organization dedicated to providing free eye exams and prescription glasses to underserved communities. Thanks to their compassionate work, many of our residents were able to see clearly again for the first time in years.
Residents shared stories of newfound confidence during job interviews, a renewed ability to read their Bible, and relief in finally being able to focus without strain. The impact was immediate and deeply meaningful.
We sat down with Nadien D’Arcangelo, founder of The Frame Project, to learn more about what inspires her work, why reentry populations matter, and how partnerships like this create lasting change.
Q&A With Nadien D’Arcangelo
1. What inspired you and The Frame Project to get involved with Riverside House’s Health Fair and provide free eye exams and prescription glasses to our residents?
I was inspired to partner with Riverside House because our missions align. Both focused on restoration, empowerment, and second chances. The Frame Project exists to make vision care accessible to those who might otherwise go without, and Riverside House provides a safe space for individuals rebuilding their lives. It felt like a natural collaboration to bring clear sight and renewed confidence to your residents.
2. The Frame Project focuses on helping underserved communities access quality eye care. Why is this mission so important to you personally, and to the organization as a whole?
Working as an ophthalmic technician, I’ve seen how much of a difference a simple pair of glasses can make in someone’s life. It can change how they move through the world; how they work, learn, and feel about themselves. Those small moments, seeing someone’s face light up when things come into focus again, always stay with me. The Frame Project was built around that same idea: helping people gain access to something that can genuinely improve their day-to-day life. It’s moments like that that remind me how something so simple can make such a real difference for someone.
3. During the Health Fair, you interacted directly with residents who are working to rebuild their lives. Can you share a memorable experience or moment that stood out to you that day?
Two moments really stood out to me that day. One was a gentleman who mentioned it had been years since he’d had a proper pair of glasses. He knew his prescription was strong, and when we found a pair that suited him, he couldn’t stop expressing how grateful he was and how much of a difference it would make in his daily life. Another resident shared that the reading glasses he’d been using didn’t seem to work well. After testing his vision, we discovered they were actually too strong for him. We provided a more suitable pair, and when he tried them on, he immediately noticed the improvement and said they felt much more comfortable. Those small but powerful moments remind me that clear vision isn’t just a physical change, it’s an emotional one too. Restoring confidence and making daily life a little easier.
4. How do you see partnerships like the one with Riverside House helping expand access to essential vision care and creating lasting change in the community?
Partnerships like this make it possible to reach people who might not otherwise have access to resources like this. When organizations come together with the same goal of helping others, it creates a ripple effect, not just in access, but in trust and connection. That’s what leads to real, lasting change in the community. My hope is to keep building more partnerships like this so The Frame Project can continue reaching people who need it most.
Thank You, Nadien & The Frame Project
We are deeply grateful for Nadien’s commitment, compassion, and vision, both literally and figuratively. Her dedication helps our residents see a clearer path toward the future they are working so hard to build.
Because when someone can see their world clearly, they can begin to see their purpose again.
