As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded that gratitude often grows from the people who walk beside us. At BEGINNINGS, we’re especially thankful for the incredible families we serve. Families who show us daily what strength, love, and advocacy truly mean.

This season, we celebrate you, the parents, caregivers, and children who remind us that communication, understanding, and connection are what make every moment together so meaningful. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. 💛

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:

✨ Virtual Home Visits for Ages 0–3: Our Part-Time Contract Parent Educator now offers one-hour virtual home visits to support families of newly identified children with hearing loss.

✨ 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.

BEGINNINGS is honored to announce that we have received a generous grant from The W. Trent Ragland, Jr. Foundation to support our mission as we continue working toward full funding.

The Ragland Foundation champions organizations that promote self-reliance, independence, compassion, knowledge, and community, values that align beautifully with our work empowering families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Thanks to this support, we can continue walking beside newly identified families of children with hearing loss, providing the resources, guidance, and connection they need every step of the way. 💙

Thank you to The W. Trent Ragland, Jr. Foundation for believing in our mission and helping us strengthen the communities we serve across North Carolina.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for the 6th Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ! Thanks to your support, the evening was filled with delicious oysters and BBQ, great music, and the joy of connecting with our incredible community, all while raising funds to support families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. 💙

A special thank you to our amazing event sponsors for making this possible:
TowneBank, Comerica Bank, UNC REX Health, The Myo Project, The Care Project, Maynard & Associates, Kelly & Graham Day, Nancy & Mike Voiland, Kellie Falk & Joe Patterson, Duke Head & Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Hearing Loss Association of America – North Carolina, Sertoma Club of Raleigh, and Hearing Loss Association of America – Wake County.

We also deeply appreciate our in-kind sponsors for their generosity:
Total Wine & More, R&M Blue Pig BBQ, Joe Bunn/Bunn DJ Company, Earps Seafood Market, Longleaf Swine.

Because of your support, BEGINNINGS can continue providing guidance, resources, and connection to newly identified families, helping children with hearing loss thrive. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

November is Microtia and Atresia Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate children and families navigating life with these unique hearing differences. At BEGINNINGS, we honor the strength, resilience, and love that each family brings to their journey. With the right tools and support and a strong community, children with microtia and atresia can communicate, learn, and thrive.

We also know that emotional support is just as important as hearing technology. Connecting with other families, celebrating milestones, and fostering self-confidence helps children feel empowered and understood. You are not alone. BEGINNINGS is here to provide guidance, resources, and connection every step of the way. 💙

 Read the full blog and explore helpful resources by clicking the button below. 

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a dedicated time to recognize and thank the countless family members who care for loved ones with special needs. This month raises awareness of the important work family caregivers do and offers free resources, peer‑support tools, and encouragement to those stepping into caring roles.

For families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, your caregiver role takes on many layers: you’re an advocate, educator, communicator, listener, navigator of services, and emotional guide. You attend appointments and interpret recommendations, help your child try new technologies (like hearing aids or cochlear implants), support language development, and create a bridge between your child’s hearing world and their immediate environment. It’s a 24/7 kind of commitment, and you deserve to be seen.

Here at BEGINNINGS, we honor you, and we walk beside you, offering guidance, education, connection, and hope.

Thank you for all you do, today and every day.

🍂 November 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.

📅 Check out the full list of November events below.

💛 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.