Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all! 🎧

This year’s theme encourages us all to take action for better hearing health, today and for the future. Whether you’re young or old, it’s time to empower yourself to protect your hearing and help others do the same! 🦻✨

Together, we can drive change and ensure a future of healthy hearing for everyone. Let’s change mindsets and create a world where ear and hearing care is a reality for all!

Are you weather-ready? 🌧️💨

Although Severe Weather Preparedness Week has passed, it’s never too late to be prepared for the next storm! The National Weather Service worked alongside emergency management, local officials, and the community to help improve readiness, responsiveness, and resilience.

Stay informed. Have a plan. Be weather-ready!

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, 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: March 31, 2025

💙 Thanks to the Ragland Family Foundation, SERTOMA Club of Raleigh, HLAA, and The Junior League of Raleigh for their generous donations to this program!

Meet the Crawford Family—Daniel, Daphne, and their beautiful 3-year-old son, Tristen James Crawford. Their journey as parents of a child with hearing loss has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with moments of growth, challenges, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring Tristen receives the best support possible. Their story is a reminder to all families that no matter the obstacles, love, determination, and the right support can lead to a bright and fulfilling future.

At just six months old, Tristen was diagnosed with progressive sensorineural hearing loss bilaterally, ranging from mild to moderate but trending toward severe to profound. While the diagnosis was initially overwhelming, the Crawford family found strength in the knowledge that they were not alone. They quickly turned to BEGINNINGS for guidance, and with the support of their Parent Educator, Gheydis Paredes, they began the journey of understanding how to best support Tristen.

"It felt suffocating at first," Daphne recalls. "But we are thankful for every person and resource that has come our way since the diagnosis. The support has been invaluable, and we’ve learned so much along the way."

From the beginning, the Crawfords worked hard to ensure that Tristen had access to the best technology and services available. They chose to fit him with hearing aids, which have been a vital tool in his journey so far. Additionally, they made the decision to invest in a Roger FM System, a piece of technology that has significantly enhanced Tristen’s ability to hear and communicate. While they are considering cochlear implants in the future, the hearing aids and FM system have given them the support they need right now.

“We’ve learned that sometimes the best decisions are the ones that feel right in the moment,” Daniel shares. “The Roger FM System has been a game-changer for us—it was an investment that has helped us so much.”

One of the greatest blessings the Crawford family have experienced on their journey is the support they've received from their Parent Educator, Gheydis Paredes. Even during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits were limited, Gheydis was there to provide comfort, guidance, and a reassuring presence. Daphne remembers how Gheydis's warmth and support during their initial visit made all the difference.

“Gheydis came to us during a time when everything felt uncertain. Her visit was like a breath of fresh air—she explained everything so clearly and comforted us when we needed it most. And since then, she’s been there for us every step of the way. We’re so grateful for her constant support and encouragement.”

While the family hasn’t yet had the chance to attend community events, they look forward to participating in the future. “We’re excited to connect with other families and continue building this wonderful network of support,” says Daphne.

One of the greatest accomplishments that fills the Crawford family with pride is Tristen’s natural ability to connect with others. Despite all the appointments, tests, and challenges, Tristen has always been a sociable child. His warm smile and ability to light up the room have earned him the hearts of everyone he meets.

“As parents, we’ve seen him face challenges with such grace,” Daniel reflects. “Tristen always warms up to people so easily—he smiles his way into everyone’s hearts. Through every obstacle, he’s excelled and continues to amaze us.”

When asked what advice they would give to a new family just receiving a Deaf or Hard of Hearing diagnosis for their child, the Crawford family is quick to offer words of wisdom and encouragement. “Take a breath,” Daphne advises. “This may feel overwhelming at first, but take it one step at a time. Get connected with early intervention services, and don't hesitate to reach out to organizations like BEGINNINGS—they’ve been such a blessing to us. Ask questions, find a team you trust, and always remember that as parents, you are your child’s strongest advocate.”

Reflecting on their journey, the Crawford family is filled with gratitude for the resources and support they’ve received. While they didn’t have a history of hearing loss before Tristen’s diagnosis, they’ve learned to take each day as it comes, relying on their faith and the strength of their family.

“Tristen is a true blessing in our lives,” Daphne says, her voice filled with love. “We see him lighting up the world in every way as he grows and changes. It’s been a journey of faith, but we’re so thankful for every moment.”

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 8th, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. and get ready for an afternoon of great food, refreshing drinks, live music, and family-friendly fun at Steel Hands Brewing in Greensboro! 🍻🎸 Whether you're coming to connect with families, network with professionals, or just enjoy a fantastic afternoon out, this event is for YOU!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families, we’ve got something special for you! Enjoy a 20% discount—just email Joanna Chantemerle for your exclusive code.

We’re thrilled to bring the Greensboro Community Connections Benefit for BEGINNINGS to Steel Hands Brewing on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2–5 p.m. This fun-filled event will feature great food, beverages, live music, and family-friendly activities—all in support of families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

By becoming a sponsor, you’ll not only gain visibility for your business but also make a direct impact on families across North Carolina. Sponsorship levels include:

⭐ $250 – Friend of BEGINNINGS Sponsor: 2 event tickets; social media recognition
🥉 $500 – Bronze Sponsor: 4 event tickets; social media recognition; name on event signage
🥈 $1,000 – Silver Sponsor: 6 event tickets; social media recognition; logo on event signage; recognition at event by emcee
🥇 $2,500 – Gold Sponsor: event tickets; social media recognition; logo on event signage with good visibility; recognition at event by emcee; name on BEGINNINGS website
🏆 $5,000 – Platinum Sponsor: 12 event tickets; social media recognition; best visibility; logo on event signage; recognition at event by emcee; Logo recognition on BEGINNINGS website

Your support helps BEGINNINGS continue providing critical resources, referrals, and advocacy to families navigating hearing loss.

🏢 Calling all organizations! Want to share your services and resources with families from across North Carolina? For $500, you’ll get a dedicated table at the event plus free admission for two participants—the perfect opportunity to showcase what you do while supporting a great cause.

Don't miss out on this exciting afternoon of connection, community, and celebration! 

🎉 March is packed with exciting events from NCDSDHH! Whether you're looking to learn something new, connect with others, or just have fun, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out—check out this month’s calendar and join the community! 📅

Every child’s journey is unique, and when it comes to hearing technology, there are many options available to help support your child’s communication needs.

At BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, we are here to guide you through the process, providing information, support, and resources to help you make the best choices for your child.

From hearing aids and cochlear implants to assistive listening devices and communication access tools, there are many ways to enhance your child’s ability to hear and interact with the world around them. These technologies help improve communication, language development, and ensure your child has the support they need to thrive in various environments.

Whether you're just beginning to explore hearing technology or you're looking for additional resources, our Parent Educators are here to provide unbiased information and emotional support throughout the process.

Ready to learn more? Visit our blog for more detailed information on hearing technology options and how they can support your child’s journey.

At BEGINNINGS, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and compassionate team member who truly makes a difference in the lives of the families we serve. Meet Gheydis Paredes, Bilingual Parent Educator, who joined us in September 2020. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to empowering families makes her a wonderful member of our team.

For Gheydis, her role as a Bilingual Parent Educator is more than just a job—it’s a calling. She is deeply passionate about guiding and empowering parents as they navigate the often overwhelming journey of hearing loss. “My role is truly fulfilling,” she explains. “It’s about being there for families and ensuring they feel supported and informed. I actively listen to their concerns, address their fears, and empower them with the tools and confidence to make the best decisions for their children. I see it as a partnership. We learn from each other, collaborate, and strive to give children the best future possible.”

One of the most rewarding parts of her work is witnessing families grow and thrive. “It’s not just about giving information,” she adds. “It’s about truly being present with them on their journey and seeing the progress they make. Watching families succeed over time inspires me every day.”

Gheydis is especially proud of her work in creating a video library for Spanish speaking families, who may face challenges in accessing resources. This library, currently available in Spanish, features short 4-6 minute videos on important topics like IEP preparation, school readiness, and more. “This project was born out of a need for accessible resources,” Gheydis shares. “I wanted to ensure that parents, especially those who face language or literacy barriers, could access helpful information in an easy-to-understand format. Captioning, narration, and simple language were all important to make the content as accessible as possible. And I’m thrilled to say that it’s been a huge success! I hope to expand this library to include other languages so all parents can have the support they need.” Check out the video library here! 

When she’s not busy empowering families, Gheydis is a sunrise and sunset enthusiast. In fact, her phone is full of beautiful sky photos—because one just isn’t enough! She finds serenity in these breathtaking moments, often capturing the beauty of the world around her. But there’s one place that holds a special place in her heart: the beach. “The beach is my happy place,” Gheydis says. “There’s just something magical about the waves, the sand, and the sunsets coming together—it makes everything feel right.”

Gheydis is inspired by the powerful words of Maximus from Gladiator: “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Gheydis’s life philosophy. “It reminds me that the impact we have on others, the choices we make, and the work we do will echo through time, creating a lasting legacy,” she explains. “It motivates me to approach each day with purpose, knowing that my actions can make a difference that lasts for generations.”

Gheydis’s passion for her work and dedication to helping others make her an invaluable part of the BEGINNINGS team. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure families have the support they need, and her positive energy is contagious. We are so grateful to have Gheydis as a part of our team, and we know the families she supports are equally as fortunate.

Thank you, Gheydis, for your unwavering commitment to helping families and for being such an inspiring member of BEGINNINGS!

The Charlotte Community Connections Benefit for BEGINNINGS was a resounding success on March 2nd at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery-Ballantyne!  We welcomed over 100 participants, including families, professionals and community members for a day of delicious food and drinks, great conversation, crafts for the children and great silent auction items. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined us on the wonderful day and the dedicated staff and volunteers who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again in Charlotte next Spring!   

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. This month, we hosted our first Charlotte Community Connections event at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery-Ballantyne, and it was an incredible experience!

We welcomed over 100 attendees, including families, professionals, and community leaders. The event was supported by 19 generous sponsors, many of whom donated their tickets to local BEGINNINGS families. Attendees enjoyed a delicious Southern barbecue buffet, refreshing beverages, a children's craft table, a silent auction, and a raffle. We are already looking forward to returning to Charlotte next spring for another Community Connections event in the region.

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 two events in our major service areas, Raleigh and Charlotte, as well as two additional events in communities where we are focused on building stronger relationships.

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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