DHHS is an independent 501(c)3 agency serving Grand Rapids and surrounding areas since 1996. We serve approximately 2,500 – 3,000 deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals and businesses each year through interpreter referral, job placement, mental health, ASL classes, hard of hearing assistance, and advocacy.
DHHS strives in creating a positive impact on deaf and hard of hearing individuals’ lives and helping them realize their full potential in society as productive, independent, capable and contributing citizens.
History
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services started out in 1996 as Deaf Services Center. It was founded by a group of people concerned about the needs of deaf people in West Michigan who worked to establish an agency, a place where deaf people could receive assistance and interpreter services, and where hearing people could get information about deafness and learn sign language. At that time, Deaf Services Center was a program under Life Guidance Counseling Agency. United Way provided funding to help us get started.
During the summer and fall of 1999, Deaf Services Center became DEAF, ETc., a program of the Grand Rapids Center for Independent Living. The acronym, DEAF, represented Deaf Education Advocacy Focus. The Advisory Board consisted of 16 members and answered to the CIL board. They hired three staff members: one coordinator, one billing clerk and one interpreter referral specialist.
The deaf community in Grand Rapids and the leaders of DEAF, Etc., had a dream that they would have their own agency and home. In the summer of 2002, the board applied for and was granted its own 501(c)3 status. That fall, they found an office of their own. As a new agency, they hired their first Executive Director. The mission and programs remained the same, although it expanded to fill the growing needs of the community.
The DEAF, Etc. name changed to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in 2006 to represent a better balance with the deaf and hard of hearing needs, and to bring more exposure to both populations. Today, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is overseen by 8 board members with 8 full- and part-time staff and programs that include job placement, behavioral & mental health supports coordination, hard of hearing services, interpreter referral, Kids Kamp, ASL classes, advocacy, and more!