Nonprofits help nonprofits in Palm Beach County

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Nov. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Deaf & Hearing Resources of Palm Beach County, Inc. (DHR) was the grateful recipient of a $1,000 check presented by Palm Beach County Partnership for Aging (PFA) on November 14, 2014 at the Mid County Senior Center in Lake Worth, Florida.

PFA’s membership, which includes professionals in the aging network from both the private and public sector united in a shared interest in issues that impact the county’s seniors, gathered for their monthly meeting and to participate in presenting the check to Deaf & Hearing Resources.

“We all work with seniors, and we all understand how hearing loss can create daily challenges for this vulnerable population,” said PFA Board Vice President Pamela Wiener, Ph.D., before presenting the check on behalf of the dispensation committee, which includes PFA board members Wiener, Steve Delach (at large), Ralph Robbins (Secretary), and Mike Penn. The donated funds were specifically designated to be used by Deaf & Hearing Resources to fund their Hearing Aid Bank, which offers free hearing aids that have been donated, refurbished and fitted, along with audiology services and follow-up care to financially disadvantaged individuals. “Our hope is that these funds will help those seniors in our community who are in the most financial need by covering the costs to help fit them with much-needed hearing aids.”

Deaf & Hearing Resources Executive Director, Lisa Bruna, accepted the check and extended thanks and appreciation to the PFA board and membership, stating that there are currently 24 eligible Hearing Aid Bank recipients on the DHR waiting list, many of whom will be immediately helped by the PFA donation. “It’s wonderful not only that so many people will be given the gift of hearing thanks to PFA’s kindness, but it’s especially nice to see nonprofits helping other nonprofits with similar missions so that together we can make even more profound impact in serving the community.”

About Palm Beach County Partnership for Aging

The Palm Beach County Partnership for Aging is a not-for-profit local organization which focuses its energies on enhancing the life of older persons, their families and their communities through advocacy, information sharing and education. Members include professionals in the aging network from both the private and public sector, individuals interested in aging issues, geriatric care managers, elder law attorneys, acute and long term health care professionals, university personnel and many others. What unites the varied membership is a common mission, vision and purpose regarding older persons in Palm Beach County. PFA’s purpose is to function as a common meeting ground for community members, professionals and others interested in the field of aging in order to: provide a forum to network; foster the development of new and creative ideas which will enhance the delivery and coordination of services to the elderly; advocate on issues affecting older persons; provide information and education on issues concerning older adults; and promote the independence, dignity, health and well-being of older adults. More information can be found on the agency’s web site at www.pbcpfa.org.

About Deaf & Hearing Resources of Palm Beach County

Established in 1984 (under the name Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County, Inc.), Deaf & Hearing Resources is the only nonprofit agency uniquely designed to serve the county's population of more than 200,000 individuals with hearing loss, including 16,000 who are profoundly Deaf. Through innovative programs, services, and resources, the agency’s mission of “ensuring that quality of life will not be limited by hearing loss” is achieved. In addition to providing one-on-one assistance and advocacy for Deaf clients, the agency now also provides group activities, including life skills workshops, career counseling, ASL classes  (open to all), grammar and writing skills workshops for the Deaf, as well as social events, cultural outings, networking events, and support group  activities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients and their families. The agency’s Hearing Wellness Center, established in 1999, is a full-service audiology department and provides free hearing evaluations and patient consultations to help identify hearing loss or deafness and determine the best course of treatment (including hearing aids, if needed) based on an individual’s unique lifestyle. The agency’s doctorate-level audiologist is licensed in the State of Florida and does not receive commission. New in 2014, the Hearing Wellness Center is offering an expanded range of offerings, including pediatric audiology, dizziness testing, and other services, which are provided by highly skilled audiology professionals. More information can be found on the agency’s web site at www.mydhr.org.