The 2023–24 fiscal year was a remarkable period of growth and impact for BEGINNINGS. As a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children with hearing loss, we leaned into strategic planning, built stronger networks, and expanded services to more families across North Carolina. Below are some highlights from this transformative year.

Last year, we launched our Statewide Relationship Building Strategic Plan, which introduced “Community Connections” events across multiple regions, including

Durham, Asheville, and Raleigh. These events connected families, professionals, and local leaders, fostering greater collaboration and energy. Plans are underway to expand these events to Charlotte and Greensboro in 2025.

In FY 2023–24, we served 1,324 families across 89 counties in North Carolina. We provided 800 home visits and supported parents during 378 school meetings. These services reflect our commitment to ensuring families receive the support they need.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Ragland Family Foundation, the Junior League of Raleigh, and Sertoma Club of Raleigh, we enhanced our Grants to Parents program. We shifted to a more accessible online application process available in English and Spanish and increased grant distribution frequency to every two months.

We’re incredibly proud of the strides made in FY 2023–24, but there is more work to be done. Learn about our full impact, explore more success stories, and find ways to support our mission by viewing the complete annual report on our website.

On January 30th, we celebrate the power of diverse stories and the importance of representation for all children, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Books that feature DHH characters not only empower children but also help them see themselves reflected in the stories they love.

Here are some wonderful books featuring deaf or hard of hearing characters for you and your family to enjoy:

El Deafo by Cece Bell
This graphic novel memoir tells the story of Cece Bell’s childhood experiences with hearing loss and the hearing aid she calls “Phonic Ear.” It’s a funny and heartfelt story about finding strength and confidence in being different.

Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman
In this charming story, Moses, a young boy who is deaf, experiences a concert with his classmates, exploring how sound and music can be experienced through vibrations and sign language.

Love Sounds Like by Hannah Jessen Conway
This children’s bedtime book is about hearing loss and the different ways kids experience love. It features poetic rhyming text, creative description, and dreamy illustrations to captivate readers of all ages.

The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas
Although not specifically about hearing loss, this book explores themes of identity and self-worth, touching on how being different—whether through race, ability, or background—can be a source of pride.

I Am Not Deaf, I’m Different by I. C. Newberry
This book follows a young deaf boy as he learns to navigate the world with hearing aids, sign language, and his loving family’s support, showing the strength and resilience of the deaf community.

We Can’t All Be Rattlesnakes by Patrick Jennings
While not specifically about hearing loss, this fun story touches on themes of acceptance and understanding differences, which are important messages for kids learning about deafness and other abilities.

These books are fantastic ways to explore the world through the eyes of Deaf or Hard of Hearing characters and promote inclusion. Books play a vital role in shaping how children perceive themselves and others, and stories with deaf characters are a wonderful way to teach empathy, respect, and understanding.

This January, we are excited to share the inspiring journey of the Steffen family, especially Brooks, a determined 3.5-year-old who has faced a unique and challenging path to hearing health. His story reflects the strength of a child, the love of a devoted mother, and the support they've received from the BEGINNINGS community.

Brooks was diagnosed with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss in September of  2022. His mother, Kendall, knew something wasn’t quite right when he struggled with speech delays. Despite passing his initial hospital screening, his progress wasn’t where it should be. After countless appointments, tubes were placed in Brooks’ ears, and it became clear something was still off. Following further testing, Brooks failed multiple hearing tests. It was then that Kendall pushed for a sedated screening, leading to his diagnosis. For Kendall, receiving an answer brought relief – now they had a clear path forward.

Brooks quickly received hearing aids, but progress was still limited on his right ear. Further testing revealed the need for a cochlear implant. Just as things started to move forward, another challenge arose. An MRI revealed hydrocephalus caused by a cyst in Brooks’ temporal lobe. This required brain surgery, which delayed his implant. After several months of waiting and more appointments, Brooks was implanted in March of 2023, and activated a month later. By the time Brooks turned two, he had undergone seven sedations and three major surgeries.

On top of this journey, Kendall and Brooks have a special family dynamic. Kendall became a single mother by choice through fertility treatments, and they moved to Charlotte halfway through her pregnancy to be closer to her sister and family. From the moment Brooks was diagnosed, BEGINNINGS provided crucial support. Parent Educator Toni Malone quickly reached out, and Kendall still recalls Toni’s reassurance: “She made it clear she was here for me. Brooks had a team, but Toni was there to make sure I was okay.” These words stayed with Kendall throughout their journey.

Brooks’ journey is full of moments to be proud of, but one that stands out is his fearlessness. Despite the numerous medical procedures, he has never hesitated to go to appointments or shown any fear. In fact, Brooks remains happy and curious, often asking to visit his doctors by name. He is thriving in a mainstream preschool and excelling in activities like martial arts, gymnastics, and swimming.

Kendall’s advice to families just beginning their journey is simple: “Go with your gut.” She reminds families that every child’s path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “Take the help, listen, and know that you are not alone. It will be okay.”

Brooks’ story with hearing loss is one of resilience and determination. Despite challenges, he embraces every opportunity and faces each new step with confidence. The Steffen family is a powerful example of love, perseverance, and the importance of advocacy. Their journey reminds us all that every challenge can lead to growth, strength, and a brighter future.

Mark your calendars because Community Connections Charlotte is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with YOU! 🎉

📅 When? Sunday, March 2, 2025
🕐 Time? 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Where? Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Ballantyne
15025 Bowl Street, Charlotte, NC

This isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of families, community, and connection. 💙 Your participation directly supports BEGINNINGS and helps us provide free resources and personalized guidance to families raising children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

🎟️Special Offer For BEGINNINGS Families!
We’re giving families like yours an exclusive discount code for your ticket purchase! Email Joanna Chantemerle for your exclusive discount code. Your ticket includes a delicious lunch buffet, two drink tickets, and access to all the fun activities. 

🌟 Here’s what’s waiting for you!

🍽️ Yummy Lunch Buffet: Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes prepared fresh. From savory bites to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone!

🍻 Handcrafted Beers: Enjoy two complimentary drink tickets to sip on Olde Mecklenburg’s finest brews. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, you’re in for a treat.

🎁 Silent Auction Magic: Bid on incredible items and unique experiences that could be yours—all while supporting a great cause.

Come for the fun, stay for the impact. This event is all about making memories, connecting with others, and creating lasting change. We’re counting down the days to share this amazing experience with you. See you there!

BEGINNINGS is thrilled to share the NCDSDHH January 2025 Events Calendar! Whether you’re looking to connect with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, access resources, or learn something new, these events have something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. 

The LatinX Support Group, hosted in collaboration with UNC, Duke, Med-El, Advanced Bionics, BEGINNINGS, and Triunfa Caracol Latino, invites you to an engaging session on "Speech and Language Strategies for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss."

FEATURED SPEAKER:
Sarah Spencer, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical strategies, connect with experts, and strengthen your child’s communication skills. Don’t miss it!

I first learned about Beginnings after my youngest child was diagnosed with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. My husband and I were overwhelmed by the mix of emotions that come with having a child born with medical challenges—especially the NICU experience followed by the hearing loss diagnosis. On top of that, we were trying to make sense of the overwhelming amount of information about our sweet baby.

Our family was referred to Beginnings, where we received emotional support, education, and a deeper understanding of our son's needs. Beginnings also helped us learn how to advocate for him more effectively.

My last name is Jolly, and I like to think it suits me! I absolutely love the holidays—snow, twinkle lights, music, festivals, food, traditions, and, most importantly, spending time with family and friends. For two months, my brain is filled with Cozy Christmas Mysteries, holiday-themed jigsaw puzzles, and sappy holiday movies. If it has "Jolly" on it, I’m a fan! If it’s Santa, I’ll add it to my collection! Much to my oldest child's dismay, I start decorating as early as November. I’m also a huge fan of Jim Bombicino. He is a fantastic, kind man and a lifelong learner. As an educational audiologist, school psychologist, and author, he dedicated his career to helping Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children—and the hearing people who love them—understand that access is crucial for creating successful outcomes.

As a Parent Educator, I feel truly honored and privileged to provide emotional and educational support to families. I help them process their feelings, gain knowledge, and develop advocacy skills. One of the things I enjoy most is spending time with parents in environments where they feel comfortable. Home visits allow me to connect with families, listen to their concerns, and offer education, resources, and emotional support. I’m also enjoying getting to know the Beginnings team. Since we’re located across the state, the time we spend together is precious. Everyone on the team is incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help a newcomer like me. It’s truly beautiful to know that you are not alone in this work.

As a sponsor of Community Connections Charlotte, your organization will play a key role in transforming the lives of families raising children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Your partnership directly supports BEGINNINGS in providing essential resources, workshops, and personalized guidance to over 1,300 families each year. By sponsoring this event, you’re not only showing your commitment to the community, but also gaining meaningful visibility among professionals, families, and community leaders. 🌟

Why Sponsor? By sponsoring Community Connections Charlotte, you’ll align your business with a cause that resonates deeply within the community. Not only will you show your dedication to supporting families and children with hearing loss, but you will also gain significant exposure and brand recognition among a diverse and engaged audience. Your sponsorship helps us continue the important work of ensuring all children have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their hearing ability. 🌍💡

Joanna Chantemerle 
Associate Executive Director

As we enter the new year, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation. We’re welcoming new staff members and planning several Community Connections events across North Carolina.

In preparation for the year ahead, we also want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments from the past fiscal year. We served 548 new families and 776 returning families, reaching a total of 1,324 families across North Carolina. Our Parent Educators conducted 800 home visits and supported 378 school meetings.

We also made significant improvements to our Grants to Parents program, making our online application process more accessible and user-friendly in both English and Spanish. Additionally, we transitioned from quarterly to bimonthly grant distributions, allowing us to provide support more promptly to families in need.

Throughout the year, we hosted several Community Connection Events to raise awareness, engage families, and strengthen our professional network. Highlights included our BBQ, Blues, and Brews event in Durham in June, as well as a similar event in Asheville in August. Our 5th Annual Raleigh Oyster Roast/BBQ event in November was a huge success, with over 100 participants joining us on a beautiful fall day filled with delicious food, great networking, and loads of fun.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the upcoming Charlotte Community Connections Event on March 2nd and hope you’ll be able to join us. We’re also already planning more events for spring, summer and fall across the state, and we’ll keep you updated.

We welcome your collaboration and participation this year and look forward to sharing more about BEGINNINGS' mission and services. If you have any questions or need support, please contact Raleigh@ncbegin.org  We’re happy to assist you!

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