The Foundation for Maine's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

The Board of Trustees The Foundation activities and resources are managed by a Board of Trustees comprised of residents of Maine. Board members are all volunteers and serve without compensation. Trustees bring to the Foundation a community perspective and high level of management and leadership skills. These individuals have a stronginterest in the well-being of students and families served by the Foundation. They are committed to using theirtalents, energy and influence to generate regional support for the Foundation.  Current Board Officers: Elisha Cicio- President Marsha Ames- Vice President Nora Antonio- Treasurer Miles Archer- Secretary  Board Members: Jolene MacDonald, Ralph Sprague, Karen Hopkins Â

About the FoundationThe Foundation for Maine’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation organized under the laws of the state of Maine. The Foundation was formed in 1994 and is an independent legal entity but a component unit of the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH).The Foundation exists to develop and provide support for programs that enhance the quality of education and expand opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children. Specifically, the Foundation supports: Maine’s deaf and hard of hearing children and their families providing educational activities to deaf and hard of hearing students as well as their families and allied professionals MECDHH and its programs the staff of MECDHH through educational and professional development activities nonprofit research and publications on deafness, hearing loss, and related issues  Mission StatementThe Foundation for Maine’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children promotes a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and initiatives for Maine’s deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. Guiding PrinciplesThe Foundation provides financial support to children and programs which support the following initiatives for Maine’s deaf and hard of hearing children and their families based on the following guiding principles: Innovative leadership development Social development Physical and recreational development The arts Independent living Community service  Foundation grants The Foundation provides financial support to enable Maine’s deaf and hard of hearing children to participate in programs and activities that are consistent with the Foundation’s mission and guiding principles. Applications can be awarded for individual grants or program grants. The Foundation does not provide funding for personal aid technology or related services. The Foundation does not normally award grants to supplement annual campaigns for regular operations or make multiple year gifts. The Foundation also acts as fiscal sponsor for MECDHH fundraising and grant awards. Â