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May 2024 

Agency Newsletter
DEAF, Inc.’s staff & board, community members, and Darian Gambrell gathered around taking a group picture for the $675,000 won from The Boston Foundation “Movement Leaders” ceremony.

DEAF, Inc. is incredibly honored and grateful to be the recipients of two major awards and honors as of last month.


DEAF, Inc. has been awarded a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call.


For more information, read our press release or learn about Yield Giving and their impactful work!


Darian Gambrell has been selected as one of The Boston Foundation’s movement leaders.


Meet the leaders and learn more about this partnership here: https://bit.ly/3U94HKc

Hello everyone!


I am sure you have noticed there have been a lot of news happening with DEAF, Inc. lately and I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you.


You know that expression, "Anything is possible"? When we first saw the application for the Yield Giving award, we thought it was impossible for us to even be recognized among so many other applicants.
Thumbnail of Darian Gambrell, DEAF, Inc.’s Executive Director. She is wearing a navy blue DEAF, Inc. long-sleeved shirt, black glasses, and has her arms slightly crossed.

Click here to watch in ASL

Our grant writer was optimistic and creative with her approach on how to apply. Thanks to her hard work we were able to receive the 2 million gift! A lot of you have asked what we plan to do with this gift. One of our board members said it beautifully. He said this is a gift that is so rare and we want to be sure we protect that gift and use it wisely. That is exactly what we are doing. We are meeting to discuss the best way to use our gift and be intentional about it. Of course we are still applying for other grants and funding sources. This is just another one we receive that we will be sure to invest in wisely.


The award from The Boston Foundation is to address social justice and how we can best be sure that people are aware of our intersectional identities. Many of us are Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened but we also have many rich identities, such as Black, Latine, Asian, female, male, trans, not to mention those who moved here from different countries, and those living in many other cultures and identities. We want society to be more educated about our needs and contributions, and not to continue to exclude us.


We will continue to advocate for our human rights in different ways and we hope you will do the same. Your support is always needed whether it is in person at our events, zoom meetings, or donating to our agency, we thank you!


We hope to see you at our 5k event on June 1st! See you there!

AGENCY NEWS

JOB OPENINGS

DBCAN Provider

Local American Sign Language (ASL) Instructors

Darian Gambrell Selected as One of The Boston Foundation's Movement Leaders
DEAF, Inc.’s Executive Director, Darian Gambrell on stage amongst five other organization leaders who won $675,000 each from The Boston Foundation, the six recipients were dubbed “Movement Leaders” during the award ceremony
DEAF, Inc.’s staff & board, community members, and Darian Gambrell gathered around taking a group picture for the $675,000 won from The Boston Foundation “Movement Leaders” ceremony.
A large slide “Investment” “$625K per leader/org. over three years. $225k Annual Investment per Leader/Org. General Operating Support, Wellness Funding, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, Emergency Funding. 3 years of sustained support for 5 regional Movement Leaders vital to the social justice ecosystem. Partner with Nonprofit Sector Infrastructure team for holistic wrap-around “beyond the grant” support. Collaborative journey and on-boarding process | non-transactional partnerships.”

DEAF, Inc. is thrilled to share that our organization and executive director Darian Gambrell has been selected as one of The Boston Foundation’s movement leaders.


Each nonprofit organization and movement leader will receive $675,000 over three years as part of the Shifting Power, Advancing Justice focus area. The funding would support general operations, wellness, technical assistance, capacity building, and can be used for emergencies.


“These six movement leaders each play a central role in their organizations and in the broader community. They are difference makers, shaping collective action that improves lives and drives social and economic change,” said M. Lee Pelton, president and CEO of the Boston Foundation.


Meet the leaders and learn more about this partnership here: https://bit.ly/3U94HKc


Our deepest gratitude to The Boston Foundation for this support, recognition, and incredible opportunity. Handwaves!!

DEAF, Inc. Receives $2 Million Gift

From the Yield Giving Open Call
Video thumbnail with a blue gradient background. PRESS RELEASE and DEAF, Inc. logo both in the center. A red play button is in the middle.
Video Thumbnail: A still gallery of DEAF, Inc. staff looking at the camera. The red soft rectangle with white arrow representing “play the video” is on center of the video placeholder. On bottom of the picture, it has a caption saying 'Thank you!'
A rectangular graphic with an off-white background and thin green lined flairs on the top and bottom corners. “LEVER FOR CHANGE” logo at the top right. “Yield GIVING OPEN CALL” logo in the center with a thin dark blue divider line and “AWARDEE” in green next to it.

DEAF, Inc. has been awarded a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call. Selected from over 6,353 applications, this generous award will allow us to focus on unmet needs in our Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened communities, including:

  • Increasing the capacity to provide services and engage in the community by providing self-advocacy training and improving access to information across underserved language and educational backgrounds

  • Providing awareness of the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened communities, which are historically excluded and overlooked due to unintentional access barriers

  • Reducing misconceptions by fostering a more inclusive society through resources, training, classes, and community events

For more information, read our press release or learn about Yield Giving and their impactful work! Handwaves!

Join us at DEAF Inc.'s

Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run!
5k Walk/Run Postponement Announcement
[Image description: Purple background. White DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. Yellow text reads “Accomplish with us!“. Two white hands signing GOAL is below it. In white and yellow text, GOAL GETTERS 5K Walk/Run. People at the bottom walk and run, one is in a wheelchair, one has a guide and a cane, and one is pushing a stroller. A peach colored rectangle contains expectations of the event and a map of the route. Event is on June 1, 2024, 9:00 am to 1 pm, starts at 50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA 02472. NEW DATE: June 1 - $30 Register! www.bit.ly/5KGoalGetters]

Click above to view the flyer

Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run

Saturday, June 1, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 1:00PM

DEAF, Inc. Watertown Office 

50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA


Lace-up your sneakers for a day filled with community spirit and movement!
Participants can look forward to an enjoyable experience, whether walking or running, alongside fellow community members. Everyone will receive DEAF, Inc. souvenirs as a token of participation, and refreshments will be provided to keep you energized.


The event goes beyond the 5K with face painting, vendors, and activities, a day of fun and engagement.


Register today at bit.ly/5KGoalGetters!
A vibrant and colorful flyer advertising a volunteer opportunity for a 5K walk/run event organized by DEAF, Inc., titled "Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run." The event is set for Saturday, June 1, 2024. The flyer features a lively illustration of diverse individuals participating in a walk/run; these include people of different races and abilities, such as a person in a wheelchair and another using a walking stick. Key information on the flyer includes: Event Name: Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024 Location: DEAF, Inc. Office, 50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA 02472 Volunteer Hours: Needed from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM Activities: The flyer highlights opportunities to learn some ASL, support DEAF, Inc., have fun, and give back to the community. Application: Potential volunteers are encouraged to fill out a short interest application by visiting a provided URL or scanning a QR code. The flyer also provides a contact email for inquiries: volunteer@deafincma.org.

Click above to view the flyer

VOLUNTEERS - We are looking for you!


Learn some ASL! Support DEAF, Inc.! Have a fun day! Give to our community!

  • Volunteers needed from 7:00 am - 1:30 pm

  • Variety of roles available

  • All are welcome

Fill out our short interest application: bit.ly/deafinc5kvolunteer
A flyer promoting an "EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITY" for the "Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run" organized by DEAF, Inc. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024, and it emphasizes an invitation for exhibitors to share their information with the community. Key details include: Location: The event will take place in the parking lot of the DEAF, Inc. Office located at 50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Time: Exhibitors are asked to check in at 7:30 AM, with exhibits open from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The flyer features a lively illustration of diverse individuals participating in a walk/run; these include people of different races and abilities, such as a person in a wheelchair and another using a walking stick. The environment is described as outdoors in fresh air. A QR code for exhibitor sign-up is prominently displayed, along with a shortened URL (bit.ly/deafinc5kexhibitor) that likely leads to a registration or more information page. For any questions, the flyer provides a contact email: volunteer@deafincma.org.

Click above to view the flyer

EXHIBITORS - We are looking for you!


Share your information with the community!

  • Check-in at 7:30 am

  • Exhibits open 8:30 am to 1 pm

  • This event is outdoors in fresh air

Fill out our short interest application: bit.ly/DEAFInc5kExhibitor

EVENTS
This flyer is organized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). It announces the event taking place in the Southeast region on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Fall River Public Library, located at 104 N Main St, Fall River, MA. And also encourages participants to come and express their needs and suggestions to MCDHH regarding services and community support improvements. There is also a link for registration: https://massgov.formstack.com/forms/mcdhh_regional_listening_session_5_7. As well as 2 QR codes, one for an ASL video and another that must be accessed a week in advance so you can be properly registered if you can't enter the web link for any reason. The purpose of the handout is to engage the community and solicit feedback that could help MCDHH enhance its services and support for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Southeast region.
The flyer is for an in-person regional listening session organized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). It is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 7, at the Fall River Public Library, located at 104 N Main St., Fall River, MA 02720. The event runs from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. It also highlights that ASL interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services will be available. Attendees requiring other forms of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, are asked to contact MCDHH at least two weeks in advance via email at heather.l.daley@mass.gov or by phone at (857) 491-0750. Participants are required to RSVP one week before the event, and they can register through a provided email address or a link to an online form (https://massgov.formstack.com/forms/mcdhh_regional_listening_session_5_7). The session aims to gather feedback from attendees to shape the future of MCDHH's services and programs, emphasizing the importance of public input in fostering positive change.

Click above to view the flyer

Massachusetts Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional Listening Sessions: Southeast Region

Tuesday May 7, 2024 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Fall River Public Library
104 N Main St
Fall River, MA

Share Your Opinions With Us!


- What services do you need?
- What support is needed in the community?
- How can MCDHH serve you better?


Voice interpreting and CART will be provided. 


RSVP Required: Please RSVP one week before the event. Your confirmation enables us prepare for an inclusive and meaningful discussion.


ASL Interpreters and CART will be present. If you will be attending, and require any other form of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, please contact Heather Daley at heather.l.daley@mass.gov at least two weeks in advance.
A blue and red flyer with the DEAF Inc. logo and the words "Wellness workshop" at the top. Headline: Love your heart! Monday May 13, 2024. 6:00pm-8:00pm EST. Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357 Password: brainfood www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops English interpreters are provided. Presented in ASL. An illustration of a person hugging a red heart with an apple, water bottle, and exercise weight. At the bottom is a photo and bio of the presenter Dr. Carolyn R. Stern.

Click above to view the flyer

Love Your Heart!

Monday, May 13, 2024 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST


Join us for our next DEAF, Inc. Wellness Workshop "Love Your Heart!" with Dr. Carolyn R. Stern, the first female Deaf Family Physician in the U.S.!


Click the link to join: www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops or enter Zoom information below:


Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

Password: brainfood 

A purple gradient flyer with a white DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. Title below “The New Bedford staff invite you to our MONTHLY SENIOR SOCIAL For Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, older adults & seniors” with an illustration of various elderly people sitting at a table playing cards below. “Light refreshments & drinks will be provided. Hosted on every second Tuesday of the month” A light green box with “Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 10 AM - 12 PM EST” below. “New Bedford Office 888 Purchase St, Bay 1, New Bedford MA, 02740" below. A dark purple bar at the very bottom with “For more info, or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823” inside

Click above to view the flyer

New Bedford Office's Monthly Senior Social

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | 10 am - 12 pm EST

888 Purchase St, Bay 1 New Bedford, MA 02740


Join us for our monthly Senior Social hosted by the New Bedford staff!


For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823
This flyer is for a "Regional Listening Session" organized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). The session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Boston Metro Region. It will be held at Roxbury Community College, Building 3, Room 113G Commons 4, located at 1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, MA 02120. The flyer encourages people to join an in-person regional listening session where feedback will shape the future of MCDHH's services and programs. It stresses that input from participants is valuable and will contribute to positive change. RSVP is required for attendance and must be done one week before the event to ensure an inclusive and meaningful discussion. Accommodations for attendees include the presence of ASL interpreters and CART services. Those requiring additional accommodations, such as tactile interpreters, are requested to contact MCDHH at least two weeks in advance. For convenience, there is a QR code linking to an ASL video, as well as an icon indicating the possibility to "Register here," suggesting that the QR code may link to a registration page. Contact information provided on the flyer includes an email address, heather.l.daley@mass.gov, and a phone number, (857) 491-0750. The MCDHH logo is prominently displayed at the top left corner, establishing the flyer's official connection to the organization
This flyer is a monochrome design, featuring text and symbols for an event. At the top, the logo of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) is visible. The flyer announces a "REGIONAL LISTENING SESSION" and invites participants to join an in-person session in the Boston Metro Region to provide feedback on MCDHH's services and programs, emphasizing the impact of their input on positive change. The details of the event are as follows: Date: Tuesday, May 21 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Roxbury Community College, Building 3, Room 113G Commons 4, 1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, MA 02120 The flyer states that American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) will be available. It also requests that if additional accommodations are needed, such as tactile interpreters, attendees should contact MCDHH at least two weeks in advance. An RSVP is required one week before the event, and there are two QR codes: one that presumably links to an ASL video, indicated by the symbol of a video camera, and the other for registering for the event, marked with the text "Register here." Contact information is provided at the bottom of the flyer, including an email address, heather.l.daley@mass.gov, and a phone number, (857) 491-0750.

Click above to view the flyer

Massachusetts Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional Listening Sessions: Boston Metro Region

Tuesday May 21, 2024 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm


Roxbury Community College

Building 3, Room 113G Commons 4
1234 Columbus Ave.
Roxbury, MA 02120

Share Your Opinions With Us!


- What services do you need?
- What support is needed in the community?
- How can MCDHH serve you better?


Voice interpreting and CART will be provided. 


RSVP Required: Please RSVP one week before the event. Your confirmation enables us prepare for an inclusive and meaningful discussion.


ASL Interpreters and CART will be present. If you will be attending, and require any other form of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, please contact Heather Daley at heather.l.daley@mass.gov at least two weeks in advance.

ASL Program

A white lady happily signing “friend” in front of a laptop. There is a large plant and a colorful painted canvas behind her on a brick wall.

Prepare for your upcoming ASL classes with this resource!

How to Grow in ASL as a New Signer


ASL is a much more visual and physical language, which is a big feat as a new signer because if you’re not already communicating with your hands, facial expressions, and body language, when you start it’ll take some getting used to.


Like most things, learning is done best when you’re going all in!
Read More

DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN)

DBCAN EVENTS
Image Description: Black and white BASH HOUR flyer with white DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. WHERE? Strawberry Picking at Wards Berry Farm. 614 S. Main St. Sharon, MA 02067. WHEN? Saturday, May 4, 2024. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Lets hope for a beautiful day to go out and walk around the strawberry farm! Please make sure you bring enough cash/money to do strawberry picking and buy whatever you would like there!

BASH HOUR


WHERE?

Strawberry Picking at Wards Berry Farm

614 S. Main St.

Sharon, MA 02067


WHEN?
Saturday May 4, 2024

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Let's hope a beautiful day to go out and walk around the strawberry farm!


Please make sure you bring enough cash/money to do strawberry picking and buy whatever you like there!
Image Description: Black and white BASH HOUR flyer with white DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. WHERE? 23rd Annual DBCAN BBQ. TBD. WHEN? TBD. Location, Date, and Time will be announced when we confirm the location. Look out for the next NL for more details!!

BASH HOUR


WHERE?

23rd Annual DBCAN BBQ

TBD


WHEN?
TBD


Location, Date, and Time will be be announced when we confirm the location.


Look out for the next NL for more details!!

Support Groups for DeafBlind and Providers

DBSG
May 1, 2024 TBA 


We will be providing 2 time slots of DBSG:


12:00 PM- 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM! 


12:00 PM – 2:00 PM will be held in different regions each month. Please look at which region each month will be held at. 


5:00 PM- 7:00 PM will be held virtually through ZOOM. We will provide interpreters!! Please book for a Communication Facilitator if you need one for ZOOM.


Touch you there!

Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services

Consumer Success Story: Crystal
Crystal, an ARES consumer, is standing in front of a yellow wall. She is giving a slight grin, wearing a maroon shirt, and has straight black hair.


Crystal Moore, a Deaf POC and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, has been utilizing DEAF, Inc. services since 1990. In 2020, faced with sudden eviction due to her apartment being deemed illegal, she found herself overwhelmed. Despite her initial efforts to find a new place independently, complications from a recent car accident and the COVID-19 pandemic made the task daunting. Turning to DEAF, Inc. for assistance, Crystal's staff tirelessly searched for resources, though many were unavailable due to pandemic restrictions. With her belongings in storage, she relied on temporary accommodations with friends during this period of uncertainty. 


Throughout this time, DEAF, Inc. continued to provide support, checking in regularly and helping her navigate available options. Eventually, they aided her in entering an apartment lottery, and after months of waiting, Crystal received the news she had been selected. Although the new apartment required further construction delays, Crystal remained resilient, guided by DEAF, Inc.'s encouragement to stay positive. Today, she reflects on her journey with gratitude, now residing in a safe and legal home where she can welcome her loved ones. 


Crystal extends her heartfelt thanks to DEAF, Inc. ARES services and her dedicated staff for their unwavering support!

Wellness Workshop: Grow Your Own Food and Herbs with Angela Panks
A photo of Angela Panks from the Wellness Workshop, “How to Grow Your Own Food & Herbs” PowerPoint with the image of a plant at the center. The slide reads, “HOW TO START A GARDEN CHOOSE LOCATION WITH MOST SUN. AT LEAST 6-8 HOURS OF SUN VITH WATER SOURCE NEARBY OR WITHIN A HOSE DISTANCE. DO SOIL TEST START SMALL, YOU ALWAYS CAN ADD MORE. PLANT WHAT YOU LIKE TO EAT. BUY SEEDS/PLANTS FROM A RELIABLE NURSERY.” Angela wears a green top and has straight brown hair.
A photo of Angela Panks from the Wellness Workshop, “How to Grow Your Own Food & Herbs” PowerPoint. The slide reads, “BENEFICIAL BUGS” with a the image focused on tiny critters on top of the plant leaf. Angela wears a green top and has straight brown hair.
A photo of Angela Panks from the Wellness Workshop, “How to Grow Your Own Food & Herbs” PowerPoint. The slide reads, “SOIL BUILDING STRUCTURE: AIR AND WATER RETENTION AMENDMENTS (FERTILITIZER ) WORK WITH NATURE.” Angela wears a green top and has straight brown hair

Thank you to everyone who attended our DEAF, Inc. workshop, Grow Your Own Food and Herbs on April 23, 2024 with Angela Panks!


We learned a lot of valuable information about how to take care of our plants well and how to start a garden, ranging from the plant itself to the soil to the water!


We enjoyed this workshop and hope you all did, too!


This event was made possible by Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants.

Boston University's Deaf Space 2024
A crowd of people sit with applause for the DEAFinitely Crew on stage after a performance at the most recent Boston University DEAF SPACE event.
A DEAF, Inc. table booth draped with a cloth showing off the organization’s logo and two tablets advertising more about it on display. DEAF, Inc’s staff pose behind the table at the Boston University DEAF SPACE event.

We enjoyed participating in this year's Boston University event, Deaf Space 2024 on April 19, 2024. It was an honor for us to participate and we enjoyed meeting more of the community!

Northeast Community College

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Fair
An image of a DEAF, Inc. table booth draped with a blue cloth showing off the organization’s logo and displaying an assortment of its’ merchandise. With DEAF, Inc’s staff Linda, Ronald, and Marie posing behind the table for the event in dark blue DEAF, Inc. shirts.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Fair on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It was great to meet everyone who came out to support the community and gather resources!
DEAF, Inc. Contributions/Donation Appeal Video

Click to watch the video

Support DEAF, Inc.

Take this opportunity to support DEAF, Inc. with a voluntary donation!


Any amount helps us! Proceeds will be used to expand our services and advocacy for our community.


Your donation will be confidential. You will not be denied services if you choose not to donate.
Donate

STAY UP TO DATE WITH DEAF, Inc.

Follow us on our social media and website.

www.deafincma.org
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Any Questions? Feedback?

Please contact the front desk at
617-505-4823 or frontdesk@deafincma.org.

DEAF, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency funded through government contracts, private funding and donations. This newsletter developed with support from: MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, City of Boston’s Office of Jobs and Community Development Block Grant, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission, Cummings Foundation Grant and United Way Massachusetts Bay/Merrimack Valley (in the Greater Attleboro/Taunton Region), Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Coastline Elder Services, Inc., Federal Administration for Community Living, HRiA - MA COVID-19 Community Grants, USCIS Innovations in Citizenship Grant, Massachusetts Service Alliance, HealthCare for All, MassHealth, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Title VII Part B, Liberty Mutual, Sanofi Genzyme, Boston Evening Clinic, Bushrod Campbell, Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford