Overview
History
In the mid-1970s, as adult-onset blindness began to change the course of his life, Jim Cashin—World War II Marine, Emory graduate, and former newspaper advertising executive—chose to transform challenge into opportunity. Inspired by similar services in other states, Jim envisioned a local radio reading service that would connect blind and print-impaired individuals in Georgia to the written word.
In 1980, armed with passion and perseverance, Jim founded the Greater Atlanta Radio Reading Service. With support from Atlanta’s top companies and dedicated volunteers, daily newspapers were read aloud by trained voices—bringing stories, news, and imagination into the homes of thousands. Over time, this small startup evolved into GaRRS (Georgia Radio Reading Service), a 24/7 statewide service reaching listeners across Georgia. From humble beginnings in a church basement to a permanent home at GPB headquarters, Jim’s legacy lives on—impacting generations.
Our Journey & Evolution
What began in 1980 as a small, dedicated radio reading service has grown into something much greater than Jim Cashin could have imagined—but never outside the bounds of what he believed was possible. For over four decades, GaRRS stood as a lifeline for thousands across Georgia, offering dignity, connection, and the simple yet powerful joy of being informed and included.
In 2025, we embraced a new name—Vocal Point—to reflect the fullness of who we are today and who we are becoming. The name speaks to our mission to not only read stories, but to amplify voices, to champion visibility, and to be a central point of connection for those navigating life without sight or access to print.
Our heart hasn’t changed—it’s only grown. We remain committed to honoring Jim’s original vision while expanding our reach through new programs, fresh partnerships, and modern technology. This rebrand is not a departure from our past, but a declaration of our continued promise:
To be heard. To be seen. To matter.