About GCDHH

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About Us

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About Us

Strengthening community throughout the state of Georgia

Georgia Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a non-profit organization focused on centralizing and meeting the needs of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community through services, advocacy, resources, educational programs and camps, and assistive equipment programs.

Located in Atlanta, GA, the community centered office brings people together and allows services and support continue to expand and improve with a growing team.

Two performers on stage in front of an audience. The audience is cheering and raising their hands in the ILY sign. A large screen is behind the performers.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Vision: The Center of a thriving community

• Support our community

• Respect the rights, differences, diversity, and dignity of individuals

• Provide a gathering place for the deaf and hard of hearing

• Act with openness, accountability, and honesty

• Committed to excellence

• Foster and nurture partnerships in Atlanta and across Georgia

Our Vision: The Center of a thriving community

Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Vision: The Center of a thriving community

Mission, Vision, and Values

OUR STORY

Committed to growth for 36 years

Our organization began in 1989, and evolved throughout decades. We have met ever-changing needs and filled gaps for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community in GA, and continue to expand our impact, exposure, and resources for the next generation of Deaf leaders.

OUR STORY

Committed to growth for 36 years

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. sign on a wall.

1989

New Beginnings

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (GACHI) was founded in 1989 with the goal of providing representation for the hearing impaired population.

1989

New Beginnings

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (GACHI) was founded in 1989 with the goal of providing representation for the hearing impaired population.

1992

Founding of Camp Juliena

Eleanor Foshee and Pat Ford established Camp Juliena, the first summer program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in Georgia state in 1992 as a way to promote meaningful social interaction among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children.

2016

Organization Name Change

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired is renamed to the Georgia Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The name change is accompanied by a new logo with hands embracing in the sign for solidarity.

2016

Organization Name Change

2019

30 Years Strong

Georgia Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019! A gala for community members, staff, and stakeholders was hosted to commemorate the milestone.

Image of a program cover for GCDCHH's 30th Anniversary Celebration.

GCDHH staff members stand excitedly outside their new office building, which large numbers 2296 are visible on the right.

2020

New Office for GCDHH

It’s official! GCDHH has the keys to the new office building! The address is 2296 Henderson Mill Rd #115 Tucker, GA 30345.

2020

New Office for GCDHH

It’s official! GCDHH has the keys to the new office building! The address is 2296 Henderson Mill Rd #115 Tucker, GA 30345.

2023

GCDHH Launches First DEAFestival

DEAFestival launched in 2023, with the goal of celebrating Deaf culture, history, and art made for the Deaf community by the Deaf community.

2025

GCDHH Reveals New Brand

With a new website design, reworked to become more accessible and informative to our various audiences, GCDHH is excited to usher in a new chapter in the organization's journey.

2025

GCDHH Reveals New Brand

With a new website design, reworked to become more accessible and informative to our various audiences, GCDHH is excited to usher in a new chapter in the organization's journey.

Meet our GCDHH Team

Meet the team that helps make a difference in our community.

Jimmy Peterson

Executive Director

Jennifer Frew

ICC Manager

Darnita Williams

Outreach & TEDP Manager

Andrea Kemp

TEDP Trainer

Dan Bowland

Outreach Specialist

Philip Sublett

Outreach Specialist

Deana Gasbarro

Bookkeeper

Jimmy Peterson

Executive Director

Jennifer Frew

ICC Manager

Darnita Williams

Outreach & TEDP Manager

Andrea Kemp

TEDP Trainer

Dan Bowland

Outreach Specialist

Philip Sublett

Outreach Specialist

Deana Gasbarro

Bookkeeper

Board of Directors

Meet the Board of Directors of GCDHH

Cheryl Shaver, President
[VACANT], Vice-President
[VACANT], Secretary
Janet Myers, Treasurer
Brian Leffler, Board Member
Barbara Blakeman, Board Member
Anne McQuade, Board Member
Stayce Michelle, Board Member
Arabella Okwara, Board Member

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

Apply Now

For any comments or concerns, you may contact the board at board@gcdhh.org