Northern Voices. If you look it up, you'll see it described as a school that teaches children with hearing loss how to communicate through the use of listening and spoken language. But we can tell you from personal experience, that it is so, so much more than that.
Livi was born with moderate to profound hearing loss due to damaged hair cells in her inner ears. As new parents having never known anyone with hearing loss before our new baby, you can imagine our fear, and honestly, our heartbreak, upon realizing what we were facing.
We were quickly thrust into this new and unknown world, with many different options, opinions, and paths to take. When we ultimately chose to work toward listening and spoken language for our girl using cochlear implant technology, we never in our wildest dreams imagined she would be where she is today. This incredible transformation of our daughter, of our family, is a result of this amazing school, Northern Voices.
What you won't find when you research the school, is that it won't just be the child who grows there. Her mom and dad will, too. Her brother and grandparents, and everyone who knows and loves her will also be touched by the work being done and the remarkable little person who flourishes as a result. What you won't necessarily see just by looking at the website are the devoted beating hearts on the other side of the program who wildly love your child, exactly as they are, and are so profoundly dedicated to celebrating her and her success in life. These people who have made it their mission to give these incredible children a voice to make our world better. Who build up your child and foster an environment of growth and confidence, and cheer on your family as they faithfully walk right along side you on this incredible, beautiful journey. Our daughter isn't the only one being transformed by this school and the people behind it. The lessons in life and love and listening and learning and speaking are extending far beyond our daughter, but are working in us, her family, too. What a gift.
Livi is a light. And this school, these incredible teachers, have enabled her little spirit to be even brighter. Livi and our family still have a lot of work to do, but feel so much more confident and at peace knowing we have this remarkable program laying down the foundation and carrying us along.
By diligently staying the course, putting forth the effort, and trusting the curriculum, Livi will walk out of the doors of Northern Voices and into the world equipped with not only the ability to join her brother and friends in their limitless mainstream academic and life endeavors, but with the resiliency, confidence, and self-advocacy skills to not just survive in this world, but to thrive.
What started out as heartbreak with the perceived "loss" of what our daughter didn't have, was quickly transformed into heaps of hope and determination as we took those first steps into the doors of Northern Voices, and in all that we realize our daughter, our family, have gained throughout our short time spent there.
In an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for this unmatched program in their largest annual fundraiser, we graciously ask for your support. If you are able, your donation to the Walk for Talk movement would support this school and all that these children are accomplishing, and would mean tremendous things for another child just like our Livi, another family, and an incredible school.
Here are a few videos to show Livi's progress over the last year!
By donating to this virtual event, you will help give a child with hearing loss a voice. These donations provide direct scholarships and program support so that ALL children can attend Northern Voices and reach their full potential regardless of income. With your help, we can ensure that each and every student is provided with the best listening and spoken language program in Minnesota.
WHAT: Virtual Walk for Talk, to support Northern Voices and its students
WHEN: Our family will be walking on May 22, 2021 - but you can choose a day that works best for you!
WHERE: Choose your own adventure!
Where do donations go?
Northern Voices is a non-profit organization that relies on tuition, donations, and grants for funding. We want to make sure that Northern Voices continues to give children their voice and need your help! Below is information on how your donation can help:
1. $50 - Program support for our students
2. $175 - Donate 1 Day of School
3. $300 - Donate 1 Month of Teletherapy
4. $500 - Donate 1 Week of School
5. $1,000 - Donate 1 Family Scholarship
THANK YOU!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting these incredible children and this amazing school!