Anixter Center is pleased to announce a new deaf literacy program geared to the deaf and the hard of hearing community. The new program is made possible by the generosity of a grant funded by Rivers Casino. To facilitate the new program, Melissa Manak has joined Anixter Center as the Deaf Literacy 
Instructor.
“We are delighted to have Melissa as the Deaf and Literacy Instructor. Melissa grew up in the deaf community and is uniquely qualified to drive our new deaf literacy program” said Katie Yamashiroya, Director of Anixter Training Institute. “Everyone at Anixter Center and particularly those who serve the deaf and hard of hearing community are excited to add this program to the many services Anixter Center is proud to provide”.
Melissa Manak said “Our goal is to increase employment and self-sufficiency among the deaf and hard of hearing community through greater job, life, literacy and computer skills. We are also looking for volunteers for the program; a great teaching experience on a volunteer’s resume.”
As the Deaf Literacy Instructor, Melissa will work closely with the deaf community and the educators around the Chicago area to attract both students and participants in the program. For more information, please contact Melissa Manak at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 773-796-5809 (VP).
Donations accepted through midnight CT on Jan. 26, so donate now!
Sarah Spain of espnW and ESPN Radio and her mentee, 6th grader Eliza Peters of Geneva, IL, are proud to announce Eliza's Hear The Cheers Fund in partnership with Chicago Hearing Society. Unfortunately, hearing aids are not covered by most insurance plans and, at $2,500 or more per ear, can be a financial burden on some families. All of the money donated to the campaign will go to establishing Eliza’s Hear The Cheers Fund for young female athletes who can't afford hearing aids. Sarah and Eliza were inspired to make a difference by soccer legend Julie Foudy's "Choose to Matter" campaign. See their entry here!
Eliza knows firsthand how important this cause is—she can hear every whistle and cheer out on the basketball court and the cross-country course because of her hearing aids. Here's a bit of her story:
Hi, my name is Eliza Peters and Sarah Spain and I are friends. I am considered "legally deaf" in my left ear. My right ear isn’t as bad but I still need hearing aids in both. I was diagnosed with this hearing loss when I was five. After two unsuccessful restoration surgeries I was fitted for hearing aids. Do you know how frustrating it is to not hear everything that goes on in your day? I feel so blessed that my parents gave me hearing aids, but a lot of kids don’t have the opportunity to have them. As kids we can miss so much around our everyday life and if we can’t hear it takes extra work to try to understand people. I am so glad that I have an amazing community and environment where I am surrounded by friends, family, teachers, and coaches who understand my situation.
Please support our cause because every child deserves the opportunity to “Hear the Cheers!”
All donations can be made securely online and are tax deductible. Each dollar donated will go directly to purchasing hearing aids and related audiology services. Eliza's Hears The Cheers Fund will benefit children all across the Chicagoland area, with 10 percent of the dollars raised to go directly to children in Kane County—Eliza’s backyard!
Each person who donates at least $10 will receive a signed photo from Eliza and Sarah and will be eligible to win one of several raffle prizes, including a Charles Barkley signed basketball, a Jeremy Roenick signed jersey, a Starlin Castro signed All-Star Game ball, a Domino's Pizza gift card and other signed merchandise from the San Jose Sharks, the New York Giants, the 1999 Women's World Cup-winning team and more!
Those who donate more than $10 will have their names re-entered for each additional $10 given. So a $50 donation means five chances to win!
The fundraising window ends at midnight CT on January 26, so donate now!
Sincerely,
"Hear The Cheers" Co-Captains—Sarah Spain and Eliza Peters
People with disabilities build full lives with help of Anixter Center.
