The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) celebrated an exciting milestone this fall with the unveiling of our new Westmoreland County office, located at 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200 in Greensburg, PA. The move marks a new chapter for HDS Westmoreland - one that reflects our continued growth, commitment to accessibility, and dedication to providing high-quality services for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. On Monday, October 20th, community members, partners, and staff gathered for an Open House celebration to tour the new space, learn more about our programs, and connect with the incredible team that makes this work possible. “Getting the chance to open a new office fills me with hope and opportunity,” said Dominique Godlewski, Director of the Westmoreland Office and Deaf Youth & Friends Program. “Our services will only get bigger from here!” Dominique and her team continue to expand opportunities for youth and families through programs like Deaf Youth & Friends, which fosters friendship, self-advocacy, and empowerment among Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people. The new office provides an accessible, welcoming hub for these programs and a space for community connection and support. As HDS continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to provide comprehensive services that enhance communication, promote independence, and strengthen communities. We invite you to visit our new Westmoreland location and learn more about our programs.

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) is proud to recognize Amy DeLuce, Assistant Director and Program Specialist, for her outstanding contribution as a special guest panelist at the ReelAbilities Pittsburgh premiere of Deaf on September 6 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Co-sponsored by Achieva and HDS, the event featured director Eva Libertad’s award-winning film, which explores the intersection of deafness, motherhood, and identity. Following the screening, Amy joined a distinguished panel of advocates from the Deaf community to discuss accessibility, inclusion, and representation in today’s world. With more than a decade of service at HDS, Amy has been a driving force in advancing accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Deaf Education, she leads programs that foster independence, build confidence, and encourage self-advocacy. We deeply appreciate Amy’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive community. Her work reflects the mission of HDS - to break down barriers, champion accessibility, and empower individuals to thrive.

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services, Inc. (HDS) invites you to our Westmoreland Open House - a special celebration marking the opening of our new office space in Greensburg. Join us on Sunday, October 20, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200, Greensburg, PA 15601 for an afternoon of connection, learning, and community. This open house is an opportunity to explore our new space, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about the wide range of services we provide to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. Whether you are a current client, community partner, or visiting us for the first time, there will be something for everyone. What to Expect Visitors can look forward to: Interpreting and certification information Life skills programs and job opportunities Crafts and games for clients and families Deaf youth programs and details about our upcoming toy drive Light refreshments and snacks Opportunities to support HDS through donations Building Community, Together The opening of our new Westmoreland office expands HDS’s presence and strengthens our ability to serve the local community. This event is not only a celebration of a new space but also a reflection of our continued commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home and celebrating this exciting milestone together. Event Details Date: October 20, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200, Greensburg, PA 15601

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) is proud to co-sponsor the Pittsburgh premiere of Deaf at this year’s ReelAbilities Film Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. ReelAbilities celebrates the lives, stories, and creativity of people living with disabilities. This year, we’re honored to support an evening that brings Deaf experiences to the forefront - and we’re especially proud that our very own Amy DeLuce will join the post-screening panel discussion. About the Film Directed by Eva Libertad, Deaf has earned international recognition, winning the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival. The film follows Angela, a Deaf woman preparing for the arrival of her first child with her hearing partner, Hector. After their daughter’s birth, Angela faces new challenges - balancing motherhood, shifting family dynamics, and her place within a world that often isn’t built for her. What sets this film apart is its authenticity. Angela is played by Miriam Garlo, Libertad’s Deaf sister, bringing a lived experience to the role that makes the story deeply personal and moving. Deaf offers an honest, layered look at the intersections of Deaf and hearing cultures, identity, and belonging. Amy DeLuce Joins the Panel Following the screening, a panel of Deaf advocates will discuss the themes and impact of the film. Among the panelists is Amy DeLuce, Assistant Director and Program Specialist at HDS. With over a decade of experience, Amy leads programs at HDS that empower individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. Her work focuses on building self-advocacy, confidence, and independence, while helping to create opportunities for individuals to thrive in their communities. Her perspective on the panel reflects HDS’s mission to advance accessibility and inclusion for all. Recognizing Leadership The evening will also include the presentation of the 7th Annual Richard Meritzer Award, honoring the memory of Richard Meritzer, who served as ADA Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh and was a champion for accessibility. This year, the award will be presented to Nancy Murray for her outstanding contributions. Why HDS is Involved At HDS, we believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and create change. By sponsoring ReelAbilities Pittsburgh and supporting the premiere of Deaf, we’re helping bring visibility to Deaf culture and ensuring these important conversations remain part of the broader community dialogue. Event Details Location: Pittsburgh Playhouse Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM - Screening of Deaf Followed by: Panel Discussion and After-Party Learn more about the festival here and get your tickets at ReelAbilities Pittsburgh.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, HDS Erie joined nonprofits across the region for Erie Gives - a powerful day of community generosity and shared commitment to making a difference. Thanks to you, our supporters, friends, and partners, this year’s Erie Gives was a meaningful success. Your contributions will directly support our mission to serve individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in Northwest Pennsylvania. From interpreting services and advocacy to ASL classes and community programs, your generosity ensures that these vital services remain accessible, inclusive, and life-changing. We are deeply grateful to every donor who gave, spread the word, or shared encouragement. We also extend our thanks to The Erie Community Foundation and its generous sponsors for providing the prorated match that amplified each donation’s impact. Your support means: Expanded accessibility so individuals have the tools and resources they need to fully participate in all aspects of life. Sustained and growing programs that foster connection, education, and empowerment. A stronger local Deaf community with more opportunities for independence, inclusion, and advocacy. Erie Gives is more than just a day - it’s a reminder of the power of community. You showed up, you gave, and you helped us take another step toward a world without communication barriers. From all of us at HDS Erie - thank you for believing in our mission and making this day unforgettable.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, HDS Erie will join nonprofits across the region for Erie Gives, a powerful day of giving where every donation makes a bigger impact thanks to a prorated match from The Erie Community Foundation and its generous sponsors. For over a century, HDS has been dedicated to serving individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, offering vital services that break down barriers and create opportunities for connection, communication, and independence. At our Erie location, we continue this legacy by providing interpreting services, advocacy, community programs, and educational initiatives like ASL classes. Why Your Support Matters Your donation during Erie Gives helps us: Expand accessibility. We ensure that individuals have the tools, resources, and communication support they need to thrive in every part of their lives. Offer life-changing programs. From interpreting and captioning to community education and advocacy, every dollar goes directly toward programs that foster inclusion and understanding. Empower the local Deaf community. With your help, we can create opportunities that build confidence, independence, and equal access to services. When you give through Erie Gives, your contribution is amplified through matching funds - meaning your impact is even greater. How to Participate On August 12, visit ErieGives.org between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to make a secure online gift to HDS Erie. Every dollar makes a difference, and together, we can continue to create a more accessible, inclusive world for all. Thank you for standing with us, and for supporting our mission during Erie Gives and beyond.

Hearing loss affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans - and it’s not just a concern for older adults. With rising exposure to loud environments and everyday noise, more and more young adults are experiencing hearing challenges earlier in life. That’s why prioritizing your hearing health with regular evaluations is more important than ever. At HDS, we’re proud to offer expert audiology services led by the highly experienced and compassionate Kristen McCabe, M.S., CCC-A, who joined our team in March 2025. Meet Kristen McCabe Kristen brings over 25 years of expertise in audiology, with a career that spans clinical, corporate, and community settings. A proud graduate of Bloomsburg University and the University of Pittsburgh, she has built a reputation for excellence in patient care and a deep commitment to community health. Before joining HDS, Kristen served in one of Pittsburgh’s leading ENT practices and held key roles in sales and training with a major hearing aid manufacturer. She also holds a specialized certificate in Tinnitus Management and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). A Commitment to Community Kristen’s impact doesn’t stop at the clinic doors. In 2011, she co-founded the North Allegheny Women’s Association, a volunteer-led group supporting local community initiatives. Her passion for helping others and improving lives continues to guide her work today. Kristen resides in McCandless, where she remains actively involved in community engagement. Why Hearing Health Matters While age-related hearing loss is still the most common cause, loud noise exposure from concerts, headphones, work environments, and even household tools is leading to earlier onset hearing issues. That’s why audiologists like Kristen recommend annual hearing evaluations, especially for: Adults over age 50 Individuals regularly exposed to high noise levels Anyone experiencing symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or sudden changes in hearing Early detection and intervention are key to preserving hearing and improving quality of life. Schedule Your Evaluation Whether you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or simply want to take a proactive approach to your health, Kristen is here to help. Her expertise, empathy, and community-minded approach make her an outstanding resource for patients of all ages. Contact Kristen directly at kmccabe@hdscenter.org Your hearing matters. Let us help you protect it - every step of the way.

We’re excited to share some wonderful staff updates at the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services! As we continue to grow and strengthen our team, we’re thrilled to welcome new members to the HDS family and recognize some recent transitions. Tazi Hughes will officially join us on July 8th as the new Assistant Director of the Advocacy & Development Center (ADC). Tazi will work closely with Sharon to amplify HDS’ message and lead efforts to raise public awareness about hearing loss and related services. In our Westmoreland office, we’re pleased to welcome Jenna Cumming as our new Program Specialist for Life Skills. Jenna brings a strong passion for supporting clients and enhancing program impact. In our Erie office, we’re proud to announce Marcella Sullivan’s promotion to Program Specialist for Life Skills, where she’ll be collaborating with Kylie Carpenter. Marcella has already made a meaningful impact at HDS, and we’re excited to see her thrive in this new role. Also in Erie, Makayla Kidder has joined as a Life Skills Counselor, bringing fresh energy and dedication to the team. Jaiden Hamilton has stepped into the role of part-time Life Skills Counselor, supporting our clients with compassion and care. Last but certainly not least, Kristen McCabe has joined HDS as our Audiologist, and many of you may have already had the chance to connect with her. We’re thrilled to have her expertise and warmth on board. Please join us in welcoming these amazing individuals and celebrating the continued growth of our HDS team!

At the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS), we believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported - especially in their formative years. That’s the heart behind our Deaf Youth & Friends Program (DYFP), a dynamic initiative designed to empower deaf and hard of hearing youth by fostering meaningful social connections and inclusive communication. A Space to Belong and Thrive Growing up can be challenging - but for deaf and hard of hearing youth, those challenges are often compounded by communication barriers and feelings of isolation. DYFP creates a welcoming environment where young people can interact with peers who share similar experiences and form lasting relationships within the Deaf community. Whether through group activities, cultural events, or informal hangouts, DYFP is a space where young Deaf individuals can be themselves, celebrate their identity, and gain confidence in their communication skills. Friends, Family, and the Power of Language True inclusion means bringing everyone to the table. That’s why the DYFP goes beyond programming for youth - we also offer American Sign Language (ASL) classes for family members and friends. When parents, siblings, and peers learn ASL, they open the door to deeper relationships and break down the barriers that can prevent full participation in family life and social activities. Language builds bridges - and at HDS, we’re making sure those bridges are strong, inclusive, and built to last. Partnerships That Make It Possible The Deaf Youth & Friends Program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible community partners. These organizations share our commitment to youth empowerment, accessibility, and equity - and together, we are creating pathways for young people to connect, grow, and lead. We are proud to collaborate with: Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf University of Pittsburgh Western PA School for the Deaf Join the Movement Whether you’re a young person looking for connection, a parent seeking support, or a community member wanting to learn ASL, there’s a place for you in the DYFP family. Interested in learning more about the Deaf Youth & Friends Program? Contact us today to get involved or sign up for an upcoming ASL class.