Heart of CMB: Ohio Valley Voices

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Humor me for a moment and think of your favorite sound. Go ahead…what is it? Your baby laughing? The Ice Cream truck two streets over? Your pizza order ready for you to snag from the counter? The words “I love you” spoken so genuinely and sweetly? Now for a moment imagine someone telling you your child will never experience these sounds, things you take for granted each day.

 

Enter OVV…

At Ohio Valley Voices, they are helping deaf children speak. Their entire focus is oral language and creating a comfortable, loving environment that fosters confidence and a life-long love of learning. Ohio Valley Voices is an early intervention program that teaches children with hearing loss to listen and talk through the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants. At OVV, they believe all children have the right to reach their fullest potential, and it is their mission to provide every child who enters with a language-enriched environment and the tools to talk so they can have the brightest possible future.  

OVV’s History

In 1999, three families that had children with cochlear implants formed Ohio Valley Voices. They had been disheartened to learn that there were no local programs to teach children with hearing loss to listen and talk, and felt their only option was to start their own program. In 2000, Ohio Valley Voices opened their doors for the first time; serving children with hearing loss in the tri-state area.

In 2006, they moved from a rented property in Montgomery, Ohio to a state-of-the-art facility in Loveland, Ohio. Over 100 children have graduated from the program. These children are thriving today and have moved on to attend schools all over the United States.

How can we help?

Ohio Valley Voices is a not-for-profit school. They are a 501c (3) organization and rely on contributions to accomplish the mission: teaching deaf children to listen and speak. They host an annual giving fund, a fabulous yearly gala, and started a fashion show two years ago all in order to raise enough funds to support every child who walks through their door. 

If you can’t financially help,  they are always looking for volunteers. What a fabulous gift to give a child… your time. There are many opportunities to become a volunteer at Ohio Valley Voices. No matter what your skills or interests, there is a way to get involved! From nap time, crafts, outdoor gardening to administrative help like filing and mailing, OVV can always use your support. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

To learn more about the incredible work at Ohio Valley Voices, please check out their site.

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