FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK – 2022 IN REVIEW
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on 2022, and the work to transition beyond the pandemic years, we have much to be grateful for. The foundation was able to serve 535 constituents this year! Thank you to the individuals, foundations, and corporations who have shown their support and helped make this happen. I’d also like to send a special shout out to the Listening and Spoken Language Therapists (LSLS) that represent us in the work they do to help Colorado deaf and hard of hearing children to develop language like their hearing peers.
Here are the highlights as we look back at this year:
We continue to delight in serving birth to 4 years of age through the state early intervention programs, as well as serving families in more distant areas and those with unilateral hearing loss through telehealth therapy.
We added a group of consultants in the areas of autism, sensory integration, literacy and audiology to to collaborate with our LSLS to help serve families with needs in these areas. This adds support to the families as well as makes therapy sessions more productive.
Spanish Interpretation service were changed to a virtual support provider so that families can be served in any area of the state. We were also able to get parent materials created in Spanish.
Our Music Together parent-tot programs grew and were held in different locations to reach more distant families, while highly valued Love & Logic classes and reading classes were offered through our Listen & Chat programs.
The Cochlear Implant Camp program expanded to two full size camps, despite continued COVID protocols and sold out within a few days. The camps hosted families from 28 States and received very high ratings from participants. There was another fantastic crew of volunteer mentors and graduate students to whom we owe many thanks.
Our first live event in 3 years, the “Sound of Music” luncheon, showcased the phenomenal outcomes that are possible for the children we serve. CI Camp counselor Braedy Gailenfeldt regaled us on the guitar, Molly Neider sang beautifully, Lizzy Smith ice danced her way into our hearts, Jaylin Macerinskas wowed us with her hip hop dance moves, while Max Jacobs and Caitlyn Deischel emceed the event expertly. What fun!
The Robert’s family hosted our Non-event fundraising campaign, sharing their story of multi-generational hearing loss and early intervention. Many thanks to them and their inspiring story: “Children with hearing loss can live their lives WITHOUT LIMITS”.
Long time Board President and volunteer for Listen Foundation, Vickie Thomas, was awarded the Minoru Yasui award for her deep efforts across many years. It was well-deserved award for one of our many champions.
Finally, we were so fortunate to be recipients of great generosity that helped fund all these programs. The Oberkotter Foundation gifted an investment grant to ensure growth in Colorado therapy for listening and spoken language outcomes. The Westwind management Group selected Listen Foundation as the non-profit beneficiary of its annual fundraising campaign. This was an unexpected, unsolicited highlight for us. And, while Oberkotter annual funding winds down, Transamerica increased their grant participation significantly. The confidence in the foundation’s impact and management was a real boost.
Perhaps the biggest change for our long-term community is the retirement of our fearless leader Pat Greenway. After 17 years of her steady hand guiding the organization, Pat is moving on with many friends and many noteworthy successes from her tenure. Pat would never take credit for the success and tremendous growth of the Listen Foundation. However, her dedication, sound judgment, positive attitude, and especially her kind heart is what truly made a difference to this organization. I can only hope to lead in a similar way and am eager to get to know you all.
Anyone with a need we can meet or a desire to give support to this foundation, please reach out. As a parent of two children with profound hearing loss that was served by two Listen therapists, I am eager to give back to the cause that served our family.
May 2023 bring us all a little growth, stability, recuperation, and joy.
Julie Schlager