As we move beyond the COVID disruption of 2020/21, I remain inspired and energized by the innovation, courage, determination, and grit of our community, leaders, partners, families, and staff. I admire the dedication and commitment that echoes throughout the halls of the Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center- a rally cry that indicates we are open to serve, treat, educate, and comfort our students and families, our patients, our senior citizens, and our most vulnerable individuals living in WNY. Throughout the pandemic chaos and beyond we continue to support all those who come to our door
in need of our help.

Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center like many businesses, was negatively impacted by the enormous changes that came to bear over the past couple of years. Despite that, this organization remains pointed forward with our mission to connect children, adults, and families to their world. Please join me in supporting this journey of bold defiance and innovation by making a gift to the Annual Fund.

Your donation will directly help us:

• keep our school doors open for our special needs children and their families
• allow us to deliver more speech therapy, contract services, and special programs to children throughout the area who require the support to meet their emotional and academic goals
• deliver hearing health care to all and especially our most vulnerable who are more isolated today and in need of attention for the health of their communication and cognitive functioning
• provide our services to children, birth through three years of age, and preschoolers for whom our services are essential for their developmental progress

With your help, we will remain oriented in a positive direction to assist the over 10,000 children and adults that we serve annually.

In 2022 we will continue to face societal uncertainties, but we remain committed to serving all those who may need us. JOIN US - We need your help more than ever before. Please make a gift to the Annual Fund today. Together we can make a difference for children, adults, and families in need who live in Buffalo and WNY.

With gratitude and appreciation, from all of us – teachers, therapists, staff, and the diversity of people we serve at Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center.

 Sincerely,

Joseph J. Cozzo

President & CEO

VICTORIA'S VICTORY

Our daughter Victoria was born with a condition called XXX Syndrome. The effects include muscle weakness, delayed development, and language problems among other things. As parents, we were unprepared, scared, and not sure what we would be able to do for our daughter.

Fortunately, we found Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center. At 3 years old and still unable to sit up by herself, Victoria started at the Sweet Home location. We wanted the best for our sweet little girl but truly did not know what to expect and what kind of progress she could make.

Within a year at BHSC, a team of teachers, speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists transformed Victoria’s life. She grew stronger and more mobile, and eventually learned to walk! She is non-verbal, but Victoria has learned how to communicate with alternative methods using computer technology and hand gestures. She went from a shy, small child who would not engage with anyone, to a laughing, giggling little girl who loves setting up her blocks and knocking them down.

The team at BHSC also helped to transform our lives. They understood we only want what is best for our child and they always gave us their best, whether in the classroom or during teleconferencing made necessary by the pandemic. They explained services and programs thoroughly and kept us involved and engaged so we could also support Victoria’s progress at every turn.

When it was time for Victoria to move on, we wished she could stay another year. Victoria is now in kindergarten at School 84 in Buffalo, in a class with other children with special needs. She is doing so well, and we know it is because of the hard work and dedication of the amazing people at Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center.

Thank you from Victoria and our family,

~Chris Learn & Natalya Singleton