By Addie Rising, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
My parents could have easily named me Cathy. Chatty Cathy, to be precise. I’m rarely at a loss for words and have passed the gift of gab to my children. May is Better Hearing and Speech month and being able to speak and hear is something I try not to take for granted as communication is essential to survival. 
It’s hard to believe my nearly 8-year-old, talkative, songbird of a son did not speak much until his second birthday. His lack of speech at the time gave me pause and had we needed assistance at that time, we would have most likely incurred the high costs that go with those services, simply because we were unaware of the Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center (CSHC).
For those families in Mecklenburg County that do require speech and hearing services but are unable to pay the out-of-pocket expenses, CSHC is a wonderful resource. But they are also a great resource for all families in Mecklenburg County as CSHC offers a sliding fee scale and assistance fund which makes certain that revenue from those who are able to pay helps those who have a very limited resources. Any hearing or speech-language client not only receives a price discount (compared to for-profit centers), but is also provided the opportunity to give the gift of communication to low-income individuals.
A few facts about CSHC:
– Profits from CSHC’s private pay hearing aid sales and services for speech-language therapy help support our community programs for the underserved.
– CSHC is the only resource in the area that provides discounted, state-of-the-art hearing aids based on income.
– CSHC’s speech screenings for preschoolers identify children who need help with speech and language needs to help ensure a successful life.
CSHC works to make Charlotte a better place, but they need items to keep doing that great work. You can be a part of their story by visiting the SHARE Charlotte Give Shop and purchasing items off CSHC’s wish list.
Visit SHARE Charlotte to learn more about CSHC and their works in our community.
