Loveland Center Receives Grant to Expand Sign Language Training for Staff

Loveland Center is excited to share wonderful news: we have been awarded a generous grant from the CCDHH Endowment Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This meaningful investment will help us further our mission of empowering individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through more inclusive, effective services.

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. With this new funding, Loveland Center will provide additional formal sign language training to staff members who work directly with participants who are deaf or hard of hearing. By strengthening our team’s skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and other communication techniques, we are deepening our ability to ensure every individual feels understood, respected, and supported.

Krystal Heater Witkowski, Chief Program Officer, shared the importance of this opportunity:

“When funding meets the right need, it becomes life-changing. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, this grant transforms access to formal sign language training for our staff into connection, learning, and greater independence.”

At Loveland Center, we believe communication is more than just words, it is a bridge to connection, independence, and opportunity. Expanding sign language training strengthens that bridge, helping us break down barriers and foster a truly inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

We are deeply grateful to the CCDHH Endowment Fund and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their commitment to our staff and the individuals we serve. Their support allows us to continue enriching lives, expanding access, and building a community rooted in understanding and inclusion.

Thank you for being part of our journey to create meaningful change for our participants.