Growing up with United Way
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Growing up with United Way

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September 28, 2016

Written by Sara Blackburn, Brand Journalist Intern

Kristin Johnson has had a relationship with United Way since she was a toddler. Nearly 50 years ago, Kristin was enrolled in a hearing intervention program with HEAR Wisconsin after her parents learned that she had significant hearing loss. Kristin was featured in United Way materials and her mother fondly recalls United Way’s dedication in supporting the “Birth to Three” program. Now as an adult Kristin is a Development Associate with HEAR Wisconsin and an even bigger advocate for United Way by serving on their 2016 Speakers Bureau.

Q. How did you become affiliated with HEAR Wisconsin?

My mom suspected I had hearing loss when I was four months old because my older sister is hard of hearing. At 9-months old I was fitted with hearing aids. HEAR Wisconsin, which in the earlier years was known as the Milwaukee Hearing Society, provided therapists for me and tools and resources for my parents to teach me how to communicate.

What types of activities do HEAR Wisconsin families participate in?

HEAR Wisconsin offers several “FamilyLink” events throughout the year for the families. These events provide opportunities for these children to have full access to the activities and communication involved with other children with whom they can communicate. These activities also allow families to connect and support one another.

Why did you decide to join the HEAR Wisconsin team and be a speaker for United Way?

After working for nearly 20 years in the museum field, I decided it was time to “give back”. I am passionate about HEAR Wisconsin’s mission in eliminating communication and language barriers, because I was a client in the intervention program. Thanks to support from United Way, this organization has helped thousands of children and families for over 90 years.

Thanks to both these organizations, I have been blessed with many wonderful experiences throughout my life, from living overseas and traveling to other countries, working in the museum field for nearly 20 years, and having a wonderful husband and three beautiful children.

I want my story to bring hope to parents of children with hearing loss and to show others the incredible value that HEAR Wisconsin is for the community. I know I would not be where I am today without the support I received all these years ago from my parents, HEAR Wisconsin, and United Way.

 

Learn more about United Way’s work in Health.

About the Blogger

Sara Blackburn is the Brand Journalist Intern at United Way and a graduate student at Arizona State University. Sara enjoys writing stories of the programs and people making a positive impact on our community.

 

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