ABOUT DEAF-REACH
A LIFELINE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Deaf Reach,Inc is a non-profit agency committed to maximizing the self-sufficiency of deaf and hard of hearing people who need special services. While the agency welcomes all Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, our programs focus on the specific needs of those who are experiencing behavioral health concerns, are developmentally disabled or socially and economically disadvantaged. Services have always included housing, information and referral to community services, counseling, housing placement assistance, life skills training and socialization activities.
OUR HISTORY
Although incorporated in 1972, the idea for Deaf Reach, Inc actually sprang from an ecumenical retreat in 1967 when a speaker failed to appear. This one event, improbable as it may seem, began a chain reaction that culminated in the establishment of the National Health Care Foundation for the Deaf, now known as Deaf Reach, Inc. At the retreat, the substitution for the absent speaker’s presentation was a round-table discussion of how deaf churches could maximize the effectiveness of their community outreach. When someone mentioned that the approximately 30 patients who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., a long term inpatient facility for those with severe behavioral health concerns were isolated from one another because they were housed randomly throughout the complex, a monthly social activity was proposed.
Fortunately, the Director of St. Elizabeths Hospital supported this idea, and eventually recognized the benefits of permanently moving all patients who were Deaf or Hard of Hearing into one building, thus creating the Hospital’s Mental Health Program for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The success of this program was obvious and the need for a group home outside of the hospital’s campus where patients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and are prepared to live in the community could live together while adjusting to their new life outside of the Hospital. Otis House, Deaf Reach, Inc’s first group home- also the first such home in the nation for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing with behavioral health concerns- was thereby opened to support the transition to life in the community.
Since then, Deaf Reach, Inc. has grown steadily and always maintained its base of operations in the heart of Northeast Washington’s Brookland community – a historic neighborhood that warmly welcomed us so many years ago. Deaf Reach Inc., continues to call Brookland its home with its offices, group homes, and programs within walking distance of one another.
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
TOGETHER WE CAN!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Join our Board of Directors!
Deaf- REACH is always looking to expand our Board of Directors.
We also strive for diversity in terms of deafness, racial, ethnic, class, and expertise members bring to the Board and Deaf-REACH, including fundraising, marketing, public relations, computer, web, and Internet technology. Deaf- REACH welcomes interested people to consider Board membership and to apply. As we seek to increase visibility in Metro Washington professional area, we are especially interested in individuals with strong business connections to help reach out to Washington, D.C. corporate/private sector. Women and members of communities of color (whether Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing) are also encouraged to apply. Deaf-REACH is governed by a Board of Directors that is reflective of the community we serve.
Board members serve a 2-year term, attend quarterly Board meetings (held evenings at Deaf-REACH main office, participate in a variety of Board committees (which have their own meeting schedules), and are strongly encouraged to participate in special agency events, such as the 5K Run and Walk, Silent Auction and other agency fundraising events. All meetings are ASL/English-interpreted. Board meetings can be always fun!
Interested in joining? If you would like to apply to become a member of Deaf-REACH’s Board of Directors or would like to get more information, please contact Michele May.