Dear
Friends:
The Hearing Speech & Deaf Center celebrated 80 years
of service to the greater Cincinnati community in 2005.
Founded in 1925 as the Cincinnati League for the Hard
of Hearing, the Center offered social and recreational
activities run by volunteers for those with hearing loss.
Since that time, we have significantly broadened the scope
of services delivered while remaining true to our mission
to "strengthen our community by supporting individuals
and families to overcome obstacles to communication."
Each of our departments celebrated successes during 2005.
Our speech team was awarded over $90,000 in grant funding
to begin offering a program called "Building Blocks
to Language and Literacy." An important component
is educational outreach to parents explaining the vital
role that speech and language play in the development
of literacy. Audiology hosted a very thought-provoking
education event entitled "Hearing Loss and Intimacy"
presented by a nationally renown psychologist, Michael
Harvey. Dr. Harvey spoke to a group of professionals and
consumers on an important, but often ignored topic. Community
Services for the Deaf was awarded a grant for teen summer
programming and provided activities and guest speakers
to a group of adolescents who would have otherwise spent
an isolated and lonely summer.
One of our greatest successes was the inauguration of
the Mardee Dinerman Wachs Volunteer Service Award Benefit.
This award was named posthumously to honor a dedicated
friend of the Center and will be given to deserving volunteers
who have demonstrated the character, enthusiasm, integrity
and commitment that shaped Mardee Wachs' life and work.
Our first honoree was Sue Ransohoff, a longtime Center
volunteer and Board Member.
Our vision is to be a premier community resource with
a reputation for excellence…we believe that communication
is the foundation of all human interactions…we strive
to provide a barrier free, inclusive and nurturing environment
for anyone seeking to overcome obstacles regarding speech,
hearing or deafness. On behalf of the 8,500 people who
benefited from our services in 2005, thank you for your
assistance in helping us achieve our vision. We remain,
80 years later, truly grateful. |
Sincerely,
Laurie E. Burman, Executive Director
Alfred M. Brunner, President, Board of Directors
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