Strength in Community: HLAA Los Angeles Unites to Support HOH Members After Devastating Fires

Two hands holding a hope sign against an ocean sunset

On Saturday, January 25, HLAA Los Angeles held a special Zoom gathering in response to the recent LA fires, shifting the focus to supporting our members and community during this difficult time.

The meeting provided a space for connection, conversation, and resource-sharing for the hard-of-hearing (HOH) community. Attendees discussed available resources, shared personal experiences, and explored ways to better prepare for disasters. Many expressed a strong interest in helping one another and ensuring that the HOH community remains informed and supported. The meeting reinforced the importance of preparedness, advocacy, and community support.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful discussion. Let’s continue to stay connected and support each other!

 

Please see below for helpful resources and sharing:

Save Your Seat for Our Upcoming HOPE Meeting!

Do you struggle or have challenges with your hearing loss? Do your loved ones or friends just don’t “Get It?”. Have you been impacted by the recent devasting fires?

This is an opportunity for you to connect in our Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) gathering with members to talk about hearing loss and how it affects you. You can also ask questions and share information. This meeting will be in person and will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Note: If you have a loved one or friend who could benefit, they are welcome to join us.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 12 PM (Please arrive by 9:45 AM to give time to set up)

Location: Beverly Hills area

Note: If you have any trouble registering or have questions, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Register by Wednesday, February 19

 

 

 

 

Rising From the Ashes: Supporting Lisa Beth and Joseph’s New Beginning

Lisa Beth Davis and Joseph Snyder, longtime members of the chapter, are facing the unimaginable loss of their Altadena home of 21 years, destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire. As proud U.S. Army veterans, they have generously offered their home for chapter events and providing support. Though they escaped with their lives and their beloved two kitties, they’ve lost everything and now need our help to rebuild.

This is our chance to give back to a couple who has given so much to others. They need essentials like temporary housing, clothing, and basic necessities to start anew. Even their 30-year-old truck, the only salvageable item, serves as a symbol of their strength in the face of adversity. Let’s come together to help them rise from the ashes and rebuild their lives with hope and security. Every GoFundMe contribution—big or small—will make a meaningful difference in their journey forward.

PLEASE HELP

Los Angeles Chapter Celebrates 20 Years with a Joyous Holiday Party

The Los Angeles Chapter marked a significant milestone this holiday season by celebrating its 20th anniversary with a festive gathering that brought together over 50 members and guests. Held at the beautiful home of Heather and Frank, the event combined the spirit of the holidays with a heartfelt tribute to two decades of supporting the local hearing loss community

Honoring Two Decades of Dedication

Chapter presidents - Heather, Wendi (current), Valerie, and Malik.

Chapter presidents – Heather, Wendi (current), Valerie, and Malik.

The party celebrated past presidents, notable chapter members, supportive families, and our 2024-25 Young Adult Ambassador. Collectively, the gathering was perfect to honor the chapter’s rich history and its contributions over the years. Everyone who attended underscored the enduring impact of the chapter’s work and its ability to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the hearing loss community.

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Welcoming Fabiola Ramirez: Our 2024 Young Adult Ambassador Award Recipient

Young Ambassador Award winner Fabiola RamirezWe are thrilled to announce Fabiola Ramirez as the second recipient of the Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) Award! This chapter award recognizes exceptional young adults who are making an impact in the hearing loss community.

Please watch Fabiola’s inspiring video below to learn about her and her future aspirations to serve in the hearing loss community. She is studying at California State University Fullerton in the audiology field. As a Young Adult Ambassador, she will have the opportunity to further connect with the hearing loss community, share her unique experiences, and amplify her voice as a leader and advocate.

» Read more

HOPE Halloween Gathering

People discussing their hearing loss storiesWe want to thank our wonderful hosts, Valecia & Vince, for generously hosting our Halloween themed HOPE gathering at their beautiful home. A big shout-out to Tim Browning for setting up the loop system and Wendi Washington for leading the insightful discussion, and to everyone who shared their personal hearing loss stories. This gathering was a true example of what it means to find strength and connection within a community of caring individuals.

Our HOPE meetings are always a safe space where we can share experiences, offer support, and provide valuable information. We are all on our unique hearing loss journey, but through these shared stories, we find understanding and solidarity in each other’s struggles, triumphs, and growth. Thank you to all who attended for your openness with those who get it. And, of course, a special mention to the delicious spread of food—because who doesn’t love a good bite during Halloween month (with no calories, of course!)? We are grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️

 

If you would like to learn more about our HOPE gatherings or want more information about how the chapter can help you or a loved one struggling with hearing loss, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Are you Hearing Spooky Sounds? Join our Next Chapter Presentation

When: Saturday, September 28
Time: 10-11 a.m PT
Place: On Zoom

Topic: Musical Ear Syndrome and Audio Pareidolia—Unraveling the Mystery of the Phantom Voices, Ethereal Music & Other Spooky Sounds Many Hard of Hearing People Secretly Experience

REGISTER
Note: You will receive the meeting link after you register

Please put on your calendar to join us on Saturday, September 28, for an interesting and unique presentation on the unusual “spooky” sounds hard of hearing people experience.

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Embracing the Journey – Watch Today!

Embracing your hearing loss journey

Embracing the Journey: Conquering Hearing Loss with a Growth Mindset held on May 25, 2023

We had many in attendance who attended our “Embracing the Journey: Conquering Hearing Loss with a Growth Mindset” presentation with Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn. It was an engaging and empowering experience for all who attended. But if you were not able to attend or who like to watch the recording, please watch below or from our HLAA-LA YouTube channel. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Overview: This Zoom meeting explored the challenges and triumphs associated with hearing loss. We all know the struggles and challenges faced with hearing loss and it can be overwhelming at times. Dr. Porter-Vaughn shared how you can learn to build a growth mindset leading to mastery over such challenges.

Don’t forget to forward and share this with your family and friends. Everyone is impacted by hearing loss and could benefit from this recording!

» Read more

About our College Scholarship and Young Adult Ambassador

Young black woman college graduate

The Los Angeles Chapter is proud to provide an annual college scholarship opportunity to a deserving hard of hearing HOH/deaf graduating high school student or a freshman/sophomore enrolled in college in the greater Los Angeles area who will be returning to school in the fall of 2024. We have a new recipient winner for the upcoming school year soon to be announced so stay tuned!

The recipient of this award serves as the chapter’s Young Adult Ambassador (YAA). This offers a great opportunity to experience more about the hearing loss community. Please see the video below from our 2023-24 YAA award winner, Erin McClain, to learn more.

Learn About YAA Responsibilities

From Erin McClain – our 2023-24 YAA scholarship award recipient.

 

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