Grantee spotlight: GiveHear

This month, the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation is excited to spotlight GiveHear, a nonprofit that embodies the spirit of listening—both in providing hearing care and understanding community needs. Since 2011, GiveHear has worked tirelessly to ensure individuals have access to essential hearing healthcare while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.

Hearing loss affects around 48 million Americans, including many older adults, and can hinder children’s learning and social skills. GiveHear provides hearing tests for babies and follow-up care for children, partnering with organizations like Brightpoint, Head Start, and local schools to ensure kids receive the help they need.

GiveHear’s commitment to reducing barriers is evident in their wide range of services, including hearing screenings, tests, hearing aids, and ongoing maintenance. They utilize a sliding fee scale based on family size and income, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit access to vital care. Their “Circle of Giving” program promotes community engagement by allowing patients to earn services through volunteer work with local nonprofits.

An example of GiveHear’s impact is the story of a preteen refugee referred to the organization in fall 2023. Born deaf and with no language skills, the child was evaluated by GiveHear’s pediatric audiologists, who confirmed profound hearing loss in both ears. The child was fitted with loaner hearing aids, and consultations with an otologist began to explore options for developing meaningful language skills.

Countless stories like this make the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation proud to support nonprofits like GiveHear. In the spring of 2024, the Foundation awarded GiveHear a $35,000 grant to support hearing clinics for low-income and underserved children in Northeast Indiana, helping to ensure that all children can access the healthcare they need to thrive.

By actively listening to individuals and families, GiveHear empowers the community to take an active role in their healthcare journeys, ensuring that everyone’s needs are recognized. The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation celebrates GiveHear’s dedication to accessible hearing healthcare and their belief that every voice matters. In a world where listening can be undervalued, GiveHear stands out by ensuring that no one is left unheard.