The North Carolina House Committee on Appropriations, Education recommends full funding for BEGINNINGS in their Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.

We received wonderful calls, emails, and Facebook messages describing the many ways that you contacted your Representative in support of BEGINNINGS’ funding. And you were heard. It was announced on Thursday, May 15, 2025 that the House Education Appropriations Committee recommends FULL funding be restored to BEGINNINGS!

Now the House Appropriations Committee will begin the process of discussing and voting on the comprehensive House Budget next week. 

Please call or email your NC Representative to thank them for supporting BEGINNINGS.

Or

Email the NC House Education Appropriations Committee to thank them for their vote of support for BEGINNINGS.

This month we honor YOU—the advocates, the comforters, the teachers, the fierce protectors. You are the steady hands holding tiny fingers through big emotions, the voice when your child needs one, and the heart that beats with endless love and determination.

We see your strength. We celebrate your journey. We value the beautiful bond you share with your child.

From all of us at BEGINNINGS, we wish you a Mother’s Day filled with love, joy, and the recognition you so deeply deserve. Thank you for being the remarkable mom you are. 🌷

Let’s hear it for the incredible audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and all the communication superheroes who help children grow, connect, and thrive every day! 💬👂🧠

At BEGINNINGS, we know how important early identification and intervention are—especially for families navigating hearing loss. This month, we’re celebrating the power of communication in all its forms! 💛

Your Parent Educator is here for you wherever you are in your journey, to walk beside you every step of the way.

🧩 Want tips, resources, or just some inspiration? Check out the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s page.

Do you need financial assistance for hearing-related expenses? The Grants to Parents Program is here to help! 💙

This small grant supports families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, permanently residing in North Carolina, and working with a BEGINNINGS Parent Educator.

💰 Eligible expenses include:
✔️ Hearing aid fittings, maintenance & accessories
✔️ Transportation costs to audiology appointments
✔️ Audiology & ENT visits for self-pay families
✔️ Access to a chosen communication modality

📌 Important Notes:
✅ Complete the application in one session (the webpage does not save progress).
✅ Review the criteria & required documents before applying.
✅ Your Parent Educator can assist you!

🗓️ Upcoming Deadline: May 31st!

💙 Thanks to the Ragland Family Foundation, SERTOMA Club of Raleigh, HLAA, and The Junior League of Raleigh for helping make this grant program possible!

Meet Justin Rollin—a vibrant, strong-willed, and joyful 2-year-old who brings light and laughter to everyone who meets him. Justin was born deaf due to congenital CMV and received his official diagnosis just one month after birth. While those early days came with uncertainty, the Rollin family's story quickly became one of strength, support, and incredible growth—thanks in part to early intervention support and BEGINNINGS.

Justin isn’t navigating this path alone. He has an adoring older brother, Stephen, age 4, who is his biggest cheerleader. When Justin received his cochlear implants just before his first birthday, his very first response was unforgettable—he smiled and clapped his hands with delight. Stephen affectionately calls them his “Iron Man ears,” believing they are his little brother’s superpower.

Now at 2 years old, Justin is bursting with personality. He’s clever, determined, and always keeps his family on their toes. One of his newest strategies? When he hears the word “no,” he’ll protest by taking off his cochlear implants and closing his eyes—a bold statement from a tiny but mighty spirit!

The Rollins are currently focused on supporting Justin’s speech and listening skills, but they’re also excited to begin learning American Sign Language (ASL) together as a family. They believe in giving Justin every possible tool for communication and connection.

A key figure in their journey has been Karen Thomas, their Parent Educator. Reflecting on their first meeting, Justin’s mom shared, “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Karen listened—and then she said something I’ll never forget: ‘This will be a journey with ups and downs, but I’m here to support you.’ That moment meant the world to me. She gave me the confidence to advocate for my son and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”

To other parents walking a similar road, the Rollin family offers this heartfelt advice:

Never be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your child.

Give yourself grace—it won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay.

Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.

While the journey has had its challenges, it has also been filled with deep love, resilience, and countless small victories. And through it all, Justin continues to amaze, inspire, and shine—every single day.

Kick off your summer with food, fun, and connection at our one-of-a-kind family celebration! ☀️🎶🍔

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with delicious eats, lively music, and meaningful moments with families from across North Carolina. And don’t miss our incredible silent auction—you’ll have the chance to bid on amazing items like:

🏨 A one-night stay at the charming Mayton Inn in Cary
💎 Stylish jewelry from Kendra Scott
⚾ Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball tickets
🧪 Passes to the Kaleideum Children’s Museum in Winston-Salem
📊 A customized family financial planning package from Principal Financial Network of the Carolinas
🍷 Plus, a variety of curated gift baskets to treat yourself or someone special!

🎟️ BEGINNINGS families get 20% off tickets!
Email Joanna Chantemerle to receive your exclusive discount code.

 Become a sponsor and help us continue providing vital support to families navigating hearing loss. Sponsorship opportunities start at just $250 and include great visibility for your business. 

Thank you to our Silver Sponsor Aim Hearing & Audiology Services and our Friends of BEGINNINGS sponsors Graham & Kelly Day and Maggie Clay Love Consulting!

Want to share your services with families from across the state? Become a vendor for just $500 and receive a table and free entry for two team members.

Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting impact—we can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for A Night at the Knights on Sunday, June 22 at 7:04 PM at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte (324 S Mint Street).

Watch the Charlotte Knights take on the Gwinnett Stripers while supporting a cause close to our hearts.

💙A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold help BEGINNINGS empower families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

🎟️ We’ve reserved a limited number of seats just for YOU, but don’t wait—ticket sales close Sunday, June 15 at 11:59 PM!

Looking to connect, learn, and engage with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community this month? NC DSDHH has you covered with events all across the state—from the mountains to the sea!

Whether you're interested in workshops, advocacy opportunities, social gatherings, or accessing resources, there’s something for everyone this May. Don't miss out on these valuable opportunities to connect with others and strengthen our community!

At BEGINNINGS, we understand that raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing involves more than learning new terms and navigating appointments—it’s also an emotional journey. That’s why, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re taking time to honor the full spectrum of feelings that families experience and share resources that support emotional well-being.

From the moment of diagnosis through the school years and beyond, families often experience a whirlwind of emotions: grief, joy, pride, confusion, hope, and everything in between. Feeling overwhelmed or isolated at times is completely normal—and you are not alone.

Our latest blog post, “Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with Resources, Reflection, and Support,” explores the importance of emotional wellness. Whether your family is just beginning this path or has been navigating it for years, the post offers meaningful insights, practical resources, and gentle encouragement to take care of your mental health.

💚 What you’ll find in the blog:

A heartfelt reminder that your well-being matters. Take a moment to reflect, reset, and reach out. If you ever need someone to talk to, support with decisions, or simply a space to feel heard, BEGINNINGS is here for you.
📧 Email: raleigh@ncbegin.org
📞 Call: (919) 715-4092
🌐 Visit: www.ncbegin.org

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Cristina Mickens, a dedicated and compassionate member of our team who serves as a Bilingual Spanish Parent Educator at BEGINNINGS.

Cristina’s connection to BEGINNINGS began before she ever joined the team. While working with another organization, she attended a community event where she first learned about our mission. “I was immediately drawn to the work BEGINNINGS was doing and the impact it was having on families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It really resonated with me,” she shared. That moment stuck with her—and eventually led her to join our team.

In her current role, Cristina supports Spanish-speaking families with warmth, empathy, and expertise. “What I enjoy most is building strong, trusting relationships with families. When I can communicate with them in their native language, it creates a deeper connection. It helps them feel seen, heard, and supported—and that’s what drives me every day.”

No two days are the same for Cristina, and that’s exactly what she loves. Most days, you’ll find her out in the community visiting families in their homes. “Meeting families in their own space helps build trust from the very beginning,” she says. “It’s meaningful work, and I feel honored to be a part of their journey.”

Cristina’s calm presence and genuine care make her an invaluable part of our team. We’re so glad she followed that spark of interest at a community event—BEGINNINGS is better because she’s here.

Lead Parent Educator Wilma Rivera represented BEGINNINGS at Child Summit 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center—and it was an energizing experience! She connected with professionals, advocates, and leaders who are passionate about supporting children and families across North Carolina.

Wilma shared the mission of BEGINNINGS and how we walk alongside families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It was an honor to hear from Governor Josh Stein and NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, whose leadership and words of encouragement reminded us of the power of community and collaboration. 💙

Bilingual Parent Educator, Gheydis Paredes, snapped this awesome photo on her way to a home visit in Surry County to capture this beautiful view of Pilot Mountain. 🌄💙

Every drive is a reminder of how lucky we are — not just for the scenic routes, but for the amazing families we get to support along the way. 💬🏡💕

We are proud to serve communities big and small all across this incredible state.

This month, Parent Educator Erin Lucas attended the very first Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day with Sampson County Schools—and what a wonderful day it was!

A huge shoutout to Wendy Smith, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Sampson County, for organizing such a meaningful event, and to Daisy Wooten, Deaf Services Specialist with the Wilmington Regional Center, for playing such an integral role. 👏

Several families from Sampson County and nearby areas came out to connect, learn, and have fun! There were games and activities for the kids, educational resources for parents, and even a delicious lunch for everyone. We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year! 💙

As Parent Educator Rhonda Jones rides the train to celebrate her niece’s graduation, she’s reflecting on something deeper than just the tracks ahead.

“There are so many ways to reach a destination,” she shared. “Trains, cars, virtual meetings—every route has value, as long as it gets you where you need to go.”

That’s the heart of what our Parent Educators do every day. They travel across North Carolina—by highways and back roads—to meet families where they are. Whether it’s in-person visits or virtual support, our team is committed to making sure every family has access to the guidance, education, and connection they deserve.

Because no matter the journey, one thing’s for sure: you're not traveling alone. 💛

Pictured Left to Right: Diane Doak, Executive Director of BEGINNINGS and Deedy Neville, Raleigh Sertoma Club President

BEGINNINGS is proud to recognize the Sertoma Club of Raleigh and their national parent organization, Sertoma Inc., for their continued generosity and unwavering support. As longtime partners, Sertoma has played a vital role in funding our Grants to Parents program, which provides financial assistance to families facing hearing-related expenses.

We are honored to share that Diane Doak, Executive Director of BEGINNINGS, was recently presented with a $4,000 donation from both organizations. The check was given by Raleigh Sertoma Club President Deedy Neville in recognition of their ongoing commitment to helping families thrive.

With partners like Sertoma by our side, BEGINNINGS can continue making a difference in the lives of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and the families who support them. Thank you, Sertoma, for being part of our mission!

Joanna Chantemerle
Associate Executive Director

BEGINNINGS launched its Community Connections program last year to engage professionals, families, and community stakeholders, while also increasing visibility and securing funding for our programs and services. We will have our first Greensboro Community Connections event at the Steel Hands Brewing Company June 8th from 2-5 pm!  

There will be live music, food, beverages, children’s activities, a silent auction, community vendors and more. We hope to see you there and BEGINNINGS families get 20% their tickets-join us for a great day of fun and friends!

We are excited to announce that for the 2025-2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), we will be hosting four Community Connections events across North Carolina. These will include Raleigh, Charlotte and Wilmington where we are focused on building stronger relationships across North Carolina.

We will be offering annual statewide sponsorships for these events and encourage companies and foundations to partner with us, helping BEGINNINGS make a meaningful local and statewide impact. Sponsorship benefits include website recognition, social media visibility, tickets to each event, and much more. For more information, please contact Joanna Chantemerle at jchantemerle@ncbegin.org.

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