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Mission Deaf Connection Center Preparing For Grand Opening - News Story - KHBS NW Arkansas
On Sept. 19, the Mission Deaf Connection Center will host its grand opening at Chaffee Crossing.
The center is part of an outreach program through Mission United Methodist Church in Fort Smith.
Dee Mathes, the center's executive director, said this will be the area's first center designed to help improving the lives of those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
"Many children who are deaf or hard or hearing, when they graduate from school they usually read on a fourth to sixth grade level," Mathes said.
The Mission Deaf Connection Center will feature after school programs, where children can take part in reading and sign languages classes. The center will also host seminars focused on deaf culture.
"In the school system or with family there's always the one left out," Mathes said. "They're always by themselves, because they don't always catch everything or family members don't sign to them."
Preparing the facility has meant getting a lot of help from sponsors, volunteers, family and friends.
On Sunday, book shelves were being put together and wallboards were going up in the building's future kitchen.
Mathes' parents, who are both deaf, are helping with the project.
"We're see it improving everyday, so that the deaf (and the) children can learn the sign language," James Moore signed. "And those that are seniors really have a place to come."
Mathes said all of the center's services will be free and open to not only the deaf but those who can hear.
"Oh, I'm so excited," Nadine Moore signed. "We want to see more here ... the seniors to have a place and classes for people to learn sign language. I really hope more people come."
The center is still looking for sponsors, volunteers and donations to complete a number of projects that have to be completed before the doors open.
Those interested in helping can contact Dee Mathes at 479-668-0972 or visit Mission Deaf Connection Center at Chaffee Crossing.
On Sept. 19, the Mission Deaf Connection Center will host its grand opening at Chaffee Crossing.
The center is part of an outreach program through Mission United Methodist Church in Fort Smith.
Dee Mathes, the center's executive director, said this will be the area's first center designed to help improving the lives of those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
"Many children who are deaf or hard or hearing, when they graduate from school they usually read on a fourth to sixth grade level," Mathes said.
The Mission Deaf Connection Center will feature after school programs, where children can take part in reading and sign languages classes. The center will also host seminars focused on deaf culture.
"In the school system or with family there's always the one left out," Mathes said. "They're always by themselves, because they don't always catch everything or family members don't sign to them."
Preparing the facility has meant getting a lot of help from sponsors, volunteers, family and friends.
On Sunday, book shelves were being put together and wallboards were going up in the building's future kitchen.
Mathes' parents, who are both deaf, are helping with the project.
"We're see it improving everyday, so that the deaf (and the) children can learn the sign language," James Moore signed. "And those that are seniors really have a place to come."
Mathes said all of the center's services will be free and open to not only the deaf but those who can hear.
"Oh, I'm so excited," Nadine Moore signed. "We want to see more here ... the seniors to have a place and classes for people to learn sign language. I really hope more people come."
The center is still looking for sponsors, volunteers and donations to complete a number of projects that have to be completed before the doors open.
Those interested in helping can contact Dee Mathes at 479-668-0972 or visit Mission Deaf Connection Center at Chaffee Crossing.