📅 Friday, November 7 | 6–9 PM
📍 Maywood Hall & Garden, Raleigh

🦪 Fresh Oysters & Mouth-Watering BBQ
🎶 Live Music & a Lively Silent Auction
🤝 Network while supporting BEGINNINGS—helping families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing across NC.

💙 Your Impact:
Proceeds from your ticket or sponsorship help BEGINNINGS continue providing critical support and resources to families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing across North Carolina.

💙 Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Corporate: TowneBank • Comerica • HLAA Wake County • Sertoma Raleigh
Kellie Falk & Joe Patterson • UNC Health • The CARE Project •  Maynard & Associates
In-Kind: R&M Blue Pig BBQ • Longleaf Swine • Earps Seafood Market • DJ Joe Bunn

While BEGINNINGS continues working toward full funding, we’re currently able to offer the following services to families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

✨ One-on-One Support: Connect with a BEGINNINGS staff member via phone or virtual meeting for guidance if your child is newly identified with hearing loss.

✨ Email Assistance: Reach out with your unique family questions at Raleigh@ncbegin.org.

✨ Educational Resources: Explore our website for information on hearing loss, IDEA, and other helpful content.

October is Protect Your Hearing Month, a great time to celebrate and support hearing health for everyone, including children in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Children who are Hard of Hearing or who have late-onset hearing loss experience hearing in different ways. Some use hearing aids or cochlear implants to help them hear speech and sounds in their environment. Many also rely on visual cues like facial expressions and lip reading to fully engage in conversations and learning.

Technology plays an important role in supporting communication for children and families. Tools like CART captioning, speech-to-text apps, amplified or captioned phones, and hearing assistive devices can make school, therapy, and everyday life more accessible and enjoyable. 🖥️📱

Tips for protecting hearing at home and in daily life:
🔹Encourage ear protection in loud environments 🎧🔹Reduce volume on devices and TV 🔈
🔹Limit time in noisy settings ⏱️

Supporting your child’s hearing health helps them stay connected, confident, and engaged every day. 👂💙

October 10 marks World Audiologists Day, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible audiologists who help individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing connect with others, access sound, and protect their hearing health. 👂🎉

Audiologists do much more than test hearing. They educate, guide, and empower people to protect their ears, facilitate communication, and improve quality of life. They help prevent hearing loss, provide rehabilitation for those with hearing challenges, and offer strategies for balance and tinnitus concerns.

Thank you to all the audiologists who listen, educate, and empower. Your work changes lives every day! 👏💙 

This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (October 5–11, 2025) shined a spotlight on lithium-ion battery safety with the theme:

“Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” ⚡🏠

For individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, accessible safety tools are essential:
✅ Visual Smoke Alarms: Strobe lights alert when smoke is detected.
✅ Vibrating Alarms: Bed shakers or wearable devices alert those who cannot hear traditional alarms.
✅ Battery Safety Tips: Keep lithium-ion batteries in good condition, charge in safe locations, and monitor devices while charging.
✅ Practice Your Escape Plan: Make sure everyone knows exit routes and a meeting spot.

🍁 October is full of opportunities to connect and learn!

The NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDSDHH) is hosting events across the state this month for families, self-advocates, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. From workshops to social gatherings, there are plenty of ways to engage, connect, and access resources. Click on the button below to view events.

💛 Connect, Learn, and Grow with FSN

This month, the Family Support Network of North Carolina (FSN) is offering a variety of opportunities for families, caregivers, and self-advocates to connect, learn, and build community. From virtual workshops to interactive trainings, FSN events provide valuable resources, guidance, and support to help families navigate the journey of raising children with special healthcare needs. Click on the button below to view events.

Your generous support helps BEGINNINGS provide services to families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing every year. When you donate, you’re helping parents navigate their child’s journey, connecting families to community support, and empowering children to reach their full potential.

Ways to Give:
✨ Sustaining Gift – Set up a monthly gift and help us plan ahead for programs, projects, and family support.
✨ One-Time Gift – Support education, training, publications, and outreach for families and professionals.
✨ Memorials & Tributes – Honor someone special, like a Parent Educator who made a difference in your family.
✨ Matching Gifts – Double your impact! Many companies match employee donations.

Every contribution helps BEGINNINGS continue its mission and directly impacts families in meaningful ways.