Who We Are

HEAR! HERE! is your local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America [HLAA] serving Woodland, Davis and Yolo County. We offer informational programs throughout the year that are open to all. See this blog for times and dates of upcoming events.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Our e-mail address is: hearherewoodland@gmail.com

Thursday, February 9, 2012

PRESCHOOL HEARING PROGRAM RECIEVES GRANT


Hear! Here! is very happy to report that it has received a grant of $4650.00 from First 5 Yolo to be used for its 2012 Preschool Hearing Program.

First 5 Yolo's Mission Statement "First 5 Yolo will assist our community to raise children who are healthy and ready to learn" led Hear! Here! to believe that the hearing program might be a perfect candidate for grant funds. The hearing program arranges for children 4 & 5 years of age to take a hearing test designed to identity any hearing impediment that the child may have.
   
Research shows that children with hearing loss may have problems with:
  • Grades in School
  • Language Skills
  • Social Skills
  • Self-esteem
  • Relationships with Peers
  • Relationships with Family
  • Emotional Health

In California, after birth, most children are not tested until they enter school at age 6. This program aims at catching a hearing loss early enough to give the child a chance of not falling behind before they have even started school.

   "The grant is particularly important to us, said Mel Russell one of the coordinators of the project, as the goal for this year's program is to increase the testing to 500 children which is a significant increase for the program. 2011 saw 361 children take part in the hearing screenings, with 347 completing the test of which 17 failed. We estimate that this year the cost of testing one child will be about $8.50. The monies from the grant will go directly to the agency that performs the tests for us...we still need more funds if we are to make our goal of testing 500 children; providing information to the schools and parents; and providing follow up...but the grant has us well on our way. We have been very fortunate in the past to receive help from many of the local service organizations, such as the Lions, the Kiwanis, and the Soroptimists. However, the scope of this year's project required a significant early infusion of funds and we are so pleased that First 5 recognized the value of our project and chose to support it."

Donna Seaver the other coordinator for this year's project said "Testing will be in the first week of May and site visits and scheduling of schools will begin soon. If you are interested in volunteering on this project you may leave a message at [530] 756-5536 and either Mel, or I will be in contact with you. We will be visiting schools in Davis, Esparto, Winters and Woodland. Schools interested in being included in the program may call the same number".

The program is still accepting donations, both from organizations and individuals. If you would like to donate to the program you may mail a check to:

Tom Mentkowski
Hear! Here! Treasurer
Atten: Preschool Hearing Testing Program
433 Second Street, #104
Woodland, CA 95695

Please make checks or money orders payable to Hear! Here!