News and Events

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund and their Cornerstone Partners Makes Donation to Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:46:45 GMT

Grant will Expand Hearing & Speech Programs in Southwest Florida

( New Port Richey, FL) July 2, 2024- Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a grant from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and their Cornerstone Partners. This grant will be used to expand hearing and speech programs to children and adults in Southwest Florida.

“We are so thankful for this grant. Because of the grant, we will be able to reach more children and adults in Southwest Florida and provide them with hearing and speech screening as well as programs to assist them and make a big difference in their lives. We thank the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and their Cornerstone Partners for this generous donation, and we can’t wait to expand our programs in Southwest Florida,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund is a non-profit organization founded following the 1991 World Series to lead the ballclub’s charitable efforts. The Twins Community Fund and its programs are supported in part by their Cornerstone Partners: Target, U.S. Bank, Treasure Island, and Nike.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation Makes Donation to Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:42:34 GMT

Donation will Provide Hearing Loss Screening Throughout Florida

(New Port Richey, FL) October 5, 2023 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a donation from The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks William Foundation.. The Foundation’s donation will be used to assist the hearing screening, speech, and hearing aid fitting and dispensing for individuals throughout Florida.

“We are so thankful for this donation. Being able to travel throughout Florida and screen adults and children for hearing loss as well as, provide and correctly fit hearing aids can make a big difference in so many lives. We thank the Foundation for this generous donation and will be visiting reaching out to so many more in Florida because of it,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation was established in 2001. It was the desire of Mr. & Mrs. Williams that the foundation be used exclusively for contributions to organizations, including governmental bodies, operated for religious, charitable, educational, veteran rehabilitative service, literary or scientific purposes or for the prevention of cruelty to children.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. is a 501(c )3 charitable organization that provides quality developmental and rehabilitative services, products and education to the hard of hearing throughout Florida.

Media Advisory

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:16:02 GMT

Sertoma Holding a Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate the First Recipient of Florida's Children's Hearing Aid Program

MEDIA ADVISORY

Background:
The Children's Hearing Aid Program is provided by the Florida Department of Health and managed by Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida. This program is designed to provide assistance in obtaining hearing aids and other hearing technologies for children residing in Florida aged 0-18 who do not have private insurance or have insurance that does not cover hearing technologies.

“We have worked extremely hard on this program and to see if come to fruition is so rewarding. Being able to provide children with hearing aids at an early age will make a huge difference in so many lives and allow children to succeed in life,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

What: Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation will be holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate the first child to receive a hearing aid under Florida’s new Children’s Hearing Aid Program. The 11-year old child and her Audiologist will be there along with executives from Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, who administers the program.

Florida’s Children’s Hearing Aid Program (CHAP) provides free hearing aids and other hearing technologies for children residing in Florida aged 0-18 who do not have private insurance or have insurance that does not cover hearing technologies.

When: July 20, 2023 at 4:30pm

Where: Advance Audiology & Hearing Aids, LLC
Dr. Hyo Arnold, AuD, CCC-A
1860 SW Fountainview Blvd, Suite 100, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
www.hearbetterlife.com

Who: The 11-year old patient and parents, Audiologist Dr. Hyo Arnold, and Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation will be available for interviews and photos.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. is a 501(c )3 charitable organization that provides quality developmental and rehabilitative services, products and education to the hard of hearing throughout Florida.

West Pasco Sertoma donates Portable InfoLoop System to New Port Richey Library and New Port Richey Police Department

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:12:32 GMT

A Portable InfoLoop System directs sound in a certain area for people who use hearing aids.

( New Port Richey, FL) May 12, 2023 – The West Pasco Sertoma Club recently donated Portable InfoLoop Systems to both the New Port Richey Library and the New Port Richey Police Department to help better communicate with hearing and speech impaired residents.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month and the donation was part of Sertoma’s National Service Project.

Portable InfoLoop Systems direct sound in a certain area for people who use hearing aids. The systems are a completely self-contained, one-on-one induction loop assistive listening system. It’s compatible with all telecoil equipped hearing aids, cochlear implants and induction loop receivers. With the Portable InfoLoop, listeners receive the signal at a distance of up to 3 feet from the unit. They are especially useful for the hard of hearing who can switch directly into the system by using the T-coil position on any equipped hearing aid. For individuals with Cochlear implants, the Portable InfoLoops work automatically.

“We are extremely grateful to the West Pasco Sertoma Club for this gift. It will make it much easier to communicate with the hard-of-hearing and speech impaired citizens. Thank you for thinking of us for this donation,” said the New Port Richey Police Department.

“The New Port Richey Library very appreciative of this gift as well as for the time and care you took to give the library staff training and ensured all their questions were answered. It is no doubt that this device will help expand uninterrupted access to library resources and information, and our staff looks forward to using it with anyone who might find it helpful to communicate with us,” said the New Port Richey Library

The West Pasco Sertoma club was chartered June 30, 1970 and is just one of over 300 Sertoma clubs across the country. Sertoma is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of those in need. Their core focus is assisting individuals with hearing healthcare needs.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Awarded Contract to Administer Florida’s Children’s Hearing Aid Program

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 21:08:54 GMT

Program will provide for the cost of hearing aids for qualifying families with children ages 0-18

(New Port Richey, FL) March 1, 2023 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has been awarded the contract to manage Florida’s Children’s Hearing Aid Program which will provide for the cost of hearing aids for qualifying families with children ages 0-18. This program covers the cost for families with health insurance that does not provide hearing aids and whose family household income is not higher than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines and are not eligible for Florida Medicaid and/or the Children’s Health Insurance program.

“We are very proud and excited to have been awarded this contract. We have worked extremely hard on this program and to see it come to fruition is so rewarding. Being able to provide children with hearing aids at an early age will make a huge difference in so many lives and allow children to succeed in life,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

SERTOMA FOUNDATION BATTERY GIVEAWAY SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:36:34 GMT

First of Four Battery Giveaways Scheduled for 2023

(New Port Richey, FL) January 26, 2023 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida has scheduled a battery giveaway for Wednesday, February 8th from 8am to 12 noon at its office in New Port Richey located at 5211 US Highway 19, Suite 200. The Foundation will offer free hearing aid batteries in the most common sizes while they last: 10, 13, and 312 and 675.

“The batteries can be picked up at our office 8am – 12 noon while supplies last,” noted President & CEO, Debra Golinski. “We are very pleased to be able to offer free batteries on February 8th,” she added.

Ms. Golinski also reminds hearing aid users that the Foundation heads up the Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program as well. Please bring along any used or old hearing aids when you come. They may also be dropped off anytime at the Foundation’s office in New Port Richey. Through this program, Sertoma clubs collect hearing aids in any condition to provide recycled and refurbished hearing aids available to clients who need them.

Hearing Loss is the most common birth defect nationally. Early detection and intervention is vital for an infant to have the opportunity to access speech and other sounds for learning and brain development. Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation assists hard of hearing babies, children, and adults to avoid a life of isolation and hear the world around them so they can succeed personally, academically, and socially.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Adds A Fifth Van To Serve More In Florida

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Van was made possible through donation from Sertoma Club of Bradenton

(New Port Richey, FL) January 6, 2023 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is excited to announce the addition of a fifth Van to it’s fleet of Vans that are used to serve the needs of those with hearing loss throughout the state of Florida. This Van was made possible through a generous donation from the Sertoma Club of Bradenton and will be used to serve the children and adults in Manatee County.

Sertoma’s Vans allow screening and testing for hearing loss to be mobile and serve more of those in need throughout the state. All Vans are equipped with the necessary equipment to provide audiology services and screening.

This fifth Van brings Sertoma one step closer to their goal of having the "Magnificent Seven" of Vans constantly traveling throughout Florida and serving more counties.

Sertoma helps children, senior citizens, and low-income families get the hearing help they need. They would like to screen all children at Daycares in Florida. Sertoma also now accepts most insurance for hearing aids.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Receives Support From Suncoast Credit Union for Support of Children’s Early Intervention Hearing Services

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Financial Support from Suncoast Credit Union provides for more children’s early intervention hearing loss screening and literacy program

( New Port Richey, FL) December 16, 2022 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received financial support from Suncoast Credit Union for support of children’s early intervention hearing and literacy services in Florida.

“We are very grateful for Suncoast Credit Union’s support. Being able to screen children at an early age for hearing loss can make a big difference in so many lives. We thank Suncoast Credit Union for this support, and we will be visiting many daycares and providing hundreds of free books because of it,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $15.8 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 75 full-service branches and serves more than one million members in 40 counties across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $36 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:20:55 GMT

Grant made possible through the Kathryn H. Beach Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation for support of children’s early intervention hearing services in Sarasota

(New Port Richey, FL) September 12, 2022 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a grant from the Kathryn H. Beach Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation for support of children’s early intervention hearing services in Sarasota.

“We are very appreciative of this grant. Being able to screen children at an early age for hearing loss can make a big difference in so many lives. We thank the Foundation for this generous grant, and we will be visiting many daycares because of it,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The notion of a community caring for its own is written in Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s DNA. The foundation was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital, a community hospital that had been founded by local citizens more than four decades earlier. Today, Gulf Coast Community Foundation is the philanthropic home of more than 1,000 families who have created their own charitable funds here, and together with them have invested $490 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

### Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. is a 501(c )3 charitable organization that provides quality developmental and rehabilitative services, products and education to the hard of hearing throughout Florida.

### Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. 5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200

New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 312-3881 www.familyhearinghelp.org

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation and Sertoma Inc. Honor Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson for His Dedication to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:31:06 GMT

(New Port Richey, FL) September 7, 2022 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation and Sertoma, Inc. presented Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson with a plaque of appreciation for his dedication to the deaf and hard of hearing community and mankind.

“Senator Simpson has been a huge supporter of the deaf and hard of hearing community and has helped us get the legislative support we need to continue testing and provide services for children and adults. We thank Senator Simpson for all he has done and continues to do for all of the citizens of the State of Florida,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. “Senator Simpson’s character represents Sertoma’s mission of service to mankind.”

Service to Mankind. It's more than just how Sertoma, Inc. got their name; it's been their foundation for over 100 years. Sertomans across the country are unified with a single purpose: serve their communities and improve the lives of those who need help. Their mission and Sertoma’s passion is to improve the quality of life for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. 5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200, New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 312-3881 www.familyhearinghelp.org

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Receives Grant For Hearing Screenings for Children 3-7

Thu, 26 May 2022 21:26:17 GMT

Grant to provide Florida children ages 3-7 with no-cost hearing screenings and full evaluations of the level of hearing loss

(New Port Richey, FL) August, 2021 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a grant in the amount of $2500 from the Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation. Sertoma's goal for this program is to provide Florida children ages 3-7 with no-cost hearing screenings and full evaluations of the level of hearing loss for those who fail the screenings. The Florida statute requiring hearing screening of every newborn is not enforced. Many babies born at smaller hospitals and birthing centers are particularly at risk. Infants and children are highly susceptible to infections and fevers that may cause hearing loss.

Diagnosis and amplification make it possible for children with hearing loss to develop personal, cognitive, and social skills at the same rate as their peers of the same age without hearing loss. We have identified children in schools who have been completely deaf in one ear. They do not realize this disability because they have no comparison to normal hearing.

With the help of Sertoma Clubs and other donors, we have a soundproof mobile clinic that is equipped for screening and evaluations. The grant will be used for supplies (e.g., disposable ear tips) and operational costs. Three additional vehicles carry audiology equipment to be set up inside previously arranged host sites.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Holding Ribbon Cutting for Teachable Moments Learning Center in Bradenton

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 19:09:15 GMT

Ribbon Cutting to be held on April 26th at Teachable Moments Learning Center’s new location at 3005 26th St W, Bradenton

(New Port Richey, FL) April 21, 2022 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation announces that they are holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, April 26th for Teachable Moments Learning Center in Bradenton. Sertoma does all the Daycare hearing screenings for them and is excited about the new location and opportunities to supporting early Intervention for the detection of hearing loss in children.

“We are excited to hold this Ribbon Cutting for Teachable Moments Learning Center and enjoy our partnership with them in providing hearing screenings for all their Daycare students,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. “I would also like to extend special thanks to the Sertoma Club of Bradenton and Senator Jim Boyd who have always been instrumental in supporting early intervention for the detection of hearing loss.”

The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Tuesday, April 26th, 10:00 AM at Teachable Moments Learning Center, 3005 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. The public is invited to attend.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

SertomaSpeech & Hearing Foundation Helped Get Amendment for New Born Screenings into Law

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 18:59:01 GMT

Effective July 1, 2022, congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) will be added to the newborn screening panel along with additional testing requirements.

( New Port Richey, FL) April 11, 2021 - Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is proud to announce that their lobbyist, Theresa Bulger, worked with Chair Vance Aloupis to get Amendment SB 292 into law signed and by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 7th.. This Amendment goes into law effective July 1st, 2022. Sertoma supports bills to help our precious children have a healthy and happy life.

SB 292 amends section 383.14, Florida Statutes, to require that each newborn be tested for congenital cytomegalovirus before becoming three weeks of age. Additionally, the bill amends section 383.145, Florida Statutes, to require a hospital or other state-licensed birthing facility to administer a urine polymerase chain reaction test, or other diagnostically equivalent test, on a newborn to screen for cytomegalovirus should the newborn fail his or her screening for hearing loss. The screening for hearing loss is required under current law to be administered prior to being discharged from the hospital or birthing facility. The bill also adds physicians to the list of facilities and practitioners to whom a parent may be referred to obtain the required newborn hearing screening after a home birth. Given the clarity issues detailed in the “Related Issues” section of this analysis, the Department of Health has provided a range of potential fiscal impacts on the state from $286,037 to $19,603,864. See section V of this analysis. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2022.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Adds A Fourth Van To Serve More In Florida

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Van was made possible through donation from Seaport Sertoma Club

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is excited to announce the addition of a fourth Van to serve the needs of those with hearing loss throughout the state of Florida. This Van was made possible through a generous donation from the Seaport Sertoma Club of Tampa.

This fourth Van brings Sertoma one step closer to their goal of having the "Magnificent Seven" of Vans constantly traveling throughout Florida and serving more counties.

Sertoma helps children, senior citizens, and low-income families get the hearing help they need. They would like to screen all children at Daycares in Florida. If you have a Daycare or know of a location that would like to have the screening services, please contact Sertoma at 727-312-3881.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

SertomaSpeech & Hearing Foundation Receives Grant From Gulf Coast CommunityFoundation

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Grant made possible through the CCDHH Endowment Fund and is designated for the Children's Early Intervention Hearing Help Program

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation in the amount of $5000. This grant was made possible through the CCDHH Endowment Fund and is designated for the Children's Early Intervention Hearing Help Program.

Together with our donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation transforms our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, we have become the philanthropic home of more than 650 families who have established charitable funds here, and we have invested over $240 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

The Plantation Community Foundation Gives Grant to Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Donation for Hearing Loss Screening Programs in the South Sarasota Area

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a donation from Plantation Community Foundation of Venice for $3500. The Foundation’s grant which will be used for hearing loss screening programs in the South Sarasota area.

“We are so thankful for this generous grant. Being able to screen children and adults or hearing loss can make a big difference in so many lives. We thank the Foundation for this generous donation and will be visiting and conducting many screenings in south Sarasota because of it,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The Plantation Community Foundation, located in Venice, is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of South Sarasota County residents by supporting organizations involved in social services, health care, educational, environmental and cultural activities.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation Makes Donation To Sertoma

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Donation for Children's Early Intervention Hearing Loss Screening Program

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation has received a donation from The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks William Foundation for $2500. The Foundation’s donation will be used for children’s early intervention hearing loss screening programs throughout Florida.

“We are so thankful for this donation. Being able to screen children at an early age for hearing loss can make a big difference in so many lives. We thank the Foundation for this generous donation and will be visiting many daycares because of it,” said Debra Golinski, President & CEO of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma Adds Third Van to Serve Florida

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Sertoma Foundation Adds A Third Van To Serve More In Florida

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is excited to announce the addition of a third Van to serve the needs of those with hearing loss throughout the state of Florida. Sertoma’s Vans allow screening and testing for hearing loss to be mobile and serve more of those in need throughout the state. All Vans are equipped with the necessary equipment to provide full audiology services and screening.

This new third Van brings Sertoma one step closer to their goal of having the "Magnificent Seven" of Vans constantly traveling throughout Florida and serving more counties.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Sertoma in the News!

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 13:10:30 GMT

https://www.naturecoaster.com/sertoma-foundation-offer-drawing-benefit-childrens-fund/

https://www.naturecoaster.com/sertoma-foundation-offers-free-hearing-evaluations/

Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation at the Florida Capitol!

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:00:29 GMT

Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation is at the Florida State Governor's office today with Harvey Rhinehart of the Sertoma Central District advocating for our families!

Gulf Shores Sertoma Wobble!

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 15:05:08 GMT

Join us for a fun scavenger hunt event through establishments in Downtown New Port Richey!

Lutheran church supports Sertoma Foundation

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 13:41:59 GMT

Tampa Bay Times
08/04/2017 - Page M008

The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation recently received a $500 donation from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lutz. 'Holy Trinity's recent donation will help the foundation reach our goal of purchasing and retrofitting a transit van that will be used at schools, day care centers, fundraisers and events all around the area,' said Debra Golinski, foundation executive director. 'We truly want to thank Harvey Rhinehart for his amazing efforts in coordinating this exciting project.' With increased awareness, the van will also help the foundation collect used hearing aids, increase donations from the public,

and provide screening training for Sertoma club members and volunteers throughout Florida. From left are: Golinski and Rhinehart, church board member. For information, visit familyhearinghelp.org .

Sertoma Volunteer Wins Service to Mankind Award

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:59:21 GMT

Congratulations Art Miller!

Gulf Shores Sertoma Club presented local resident Art Miller with the Service to Mankind Award in appreciation for his voluntary community service. Mr. Miller has continuously supported Sertoma, Rotary and other community service organizations by always being ready to roll up his sleeves and dig into the necessary work on a variety of fundraisers. This recognition of Mr. Miller’s volunteer work in the community now makes him eligible for district and regional Service to Mankind Awards.

Mr. Miller has been a member of the Pasco community since 1985 after moving to Florida from Massachusetts. His wife, Beverly, often works by his side supporting Sertoma club fundraisers.

He was employed at Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) for more than 30 years, and worked on the annual Hudson Seafest under the WREC banner. His other volunteer work includes assisting at fundraisers for the New Port Richey and Hudson Rotary clubs, Chamber of Commerce, the RAP House, and helping with bowl-a-thons, casino nights, the Chasco boat parade and cooking funnel cakes for Gulf Shores Sertoma Club’s at Chasco Fiesta.

He and his wife are also involved with the “Sharing Our World” therapy dogs organization with special attention for patients in nursing homes, hospitals and school children. Art often helps with the organization’s charitable events which includes the participation of their own Yorkies.

In addition, he often dresses as Santa Claus and, in the spirit of the season, makes appearances at nursing facilities, schools, WREC events, Boys and Girls Club and the Pasco Pediatric Society. His jolly old St. Nick performance is also enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages at Pasco public libraries with a reading night sponsored by the “Sharing Our World” therapy dogs organization.

Many individuals, both children and adults with hearing issues, are reached through financial support given to the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation. A portion of the funds raised with Art’s assistance at the 2017 Chasco Fiesta will help support the Speech and Hearing Foundation with its new initiative of purchasing a van equipped for hearing testing to better offer state-wide screenings to families that do not have the means to come to a screening location.

Gulf Shores Sertoma Club of New Port Richey sincerely appreciates Art Miller as a deserving recipient of the Service to Mankind award. The club has its majority of members that are working women which restricts the number of hours available to give to fundraising activities. Art is a community volunteer who has proven time and again his reliability and willingness to make suggestions for improving fundraisers based on his personal and actual hands-on experience. Art Miller plans to continue his community work especially with West Pasco’s Chasco Fiesta where the club raises most of its funds for community needs.

Hearing Loss is the most common birth defect nationally. Early detection and intervention is vital for an infant to have the opportunity to access speech and other sounds for learning and brain development. Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation assists hard of hearing babies, children, and adults to avoid a life of isolation and hear the world around them so they can succeed personally, academically, and socially.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

https://www.naturecoaster.com/sertoma-volunteer-wins-service-mankind-award/

Las Vegas Casino Night 2017

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 17:49:40 GMT

Join us for a night of fun-filled fundraising!

We are very excited for our annual event at the Seven Springs Golf and Country Club! This year will be one to remember with silent/chinese auctions, casino style gaming, music, 50/50 and much, much more!

A big THANK YOU to Shawna from George's Wholesale Tire, our generous Presenting Sponsor!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE SPONSORS! If you'd like an opportunity to be a part of this exciting event to benefit hard of hearing children, please contact us at (727) 312-3881 or courtney@familyhearinghelp.org.
Sponsorship levels available range from $2,000-$200!

Capital City Bank supports Sertoma Foundation

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 12:37:16 GMT

Tampa Bay Times 06/23/2017

Sam Shrieves, left, market president of Capital City Bank, recently presented a check for $250 to Debra Golinski, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation executive director. 'Capital City Bank has been supporting Sertoma program services in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties for the nearly 20 years, and we are very grateful for their continuing financial assistance,' said Golinski. The foundation assists hard-of-hearing babies, children and adults, helping them avoid a life of isolation so they can succeed personally, academically and socially.

Risky Listening Habits Threaten Hearing in Younger Generations

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 14:46:37 GMT

Risky Listening Habits Threaten Hearing in Younger Generations

This holiday season, Sertoma Foundation of Florida is sharing important information with the Tampa Bay area that concerns long-term hearing and health challenges that can create a lifetime of problems for younger people.

According to Valerie Laberta, a freelance medical writer, today’s modern society is posing a serious threat to the younger generations. Too much use of earbuds, exposure to loud volumes and concerts, and excessively loud music in clubs can cause long-term injury to ears and hearing, and pose serious threats to ones health.

In her article “Address Youth Risky Listening Habits to Prevent a ‘Deaf Generation,” Ms. Laberta noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has already raised a red flag, stating that “some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones and exposure to damaging levels of sound. Quantifying the global breadth of hearing loss, WHO reported that 360 million people have moderate to profound hearing loss, but estimates that half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable.”

It has already been found that the prevalence of tinnitus is now higher in teens than in the general population at more than 54 percent, much higher than experts expected, which was about 30-40 percent until extensive testing showed a much higher number of teens effected.

While headphones are better to use than earbuds, the concern is with the number of hours listening to music at unsafe volumes. Labera’s article, which appeared in the October 2016 issue of the Hearing Journal , scientifically addresses the escalating danger of risky listening habits to younger generations and provides background information that may be helpful to parents concerned about the long-term effects on their teens and younger children’s hearing.

Hearing Loss is the most common birth defect nationally. Early detection and intervention is vital for an infant to have the opportunity to access speech and other sounds for learning and brain development. Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation assists hard of hearing babies, children, and adults to avoid a life of isolation and hear the world around them so they can succeed personally, academically, and socially.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.

Link to article: http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2016/10000/Address_Youth_Risky_Listening_Habits_to_Prevent_a.1.aspx

2016 Las Vegas Casino Night Sponsors

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 20:45:00 GMT

Thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us make this a successful event!

Royal Flush Sponsor- George's Wholesale Tires
Straight Sponsor- Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point & Medical Center of Trinity
Full House Sponsor- Community Service Council of West Pasco
Three of a Kind Sponsor- Roof Hugger, Inc.

Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation is looking for volunteers!

ian@familyhearinghelp.org (Ian David) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:18:00 GMT

We are in need of volunteers for our Pasco County Schools Hearing Screenings!

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP IN THIS REWARDING

Please pass this invitation along to anyone, age 18 or older, male or female, who would like to help in screening the hearing of children in Pasco County Schools.
We are shorthanded and could use all the help we can get!

Please call Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation to express your interest in volunteering at (727) 834-5479.

An application process is required to volunteer in Pasco County Schools. You can submit the application online at
http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/comm/volunteer/ by clicking the “Submit your Volunteer Application today!” link at the top of the page.

You can check the status of your application by calling the School Board at (813) 794-2207.
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