
About GCDHH

About GCDHH

About GCDHH
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.

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
• 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

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

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
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
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.


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
1992
Founding of Camp Juliena
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.
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
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
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.
2019
2019
30 Years Strong
30 Years Strong
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.
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.





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
2023
GCDHH Launches First DEAFestival
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.
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.
Meet our GCDHH Team
Meet the team that helps make a difference in our community.
Meet our GCDHH Team
Meet the team that helps make a difference in our community.

Jimmy Peterson
Executive Director

Jimmy Peterson
Executive Director

Jennifer Frew
ICC Manager

Jennifer Frew
ICC Manager

Darnita Williams
Outreach & TEDP Manager

Darnita Williams
Outreach & TEDP Manager

Andrea Kemp
TEDP Trainer

Andrea Kemp
TEDP Trainer

Dan Bowland
Outreach Specialist

Dan Bowland
Outreach Specialist

Philip Sublett
Outreach Specialist

Philip Sublett
Outreach Specialist

Elaina Hinton
Community Program Coordinator

Elaina Hinton
Community Program Coordinator

Deana Gasbarro
Bookkeeper

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

Elaina Hinton
Community Program Coordinator

Deana Gasbarro
Bookkeeper
Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors of GCDHH
Cheryl Shaver, President
Bryan Raynor, Vice-President
Jonathan DiMarco, Secretary
Janet Myers, Treasurer
Brian Leffler, Board Member
Barbara Blakeman, Board Member
Anne McQuade, Board Member
Stayce Michelle, Board Member
Arabella Okwara, Board Member
Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors of GCDHH
Cheryl Shaver, President
Bryan Raynor, Vice-President
Jonathan DiMarco, Secretary
Janet Myers, Treasurer
Brian Leffler, Board Member
Barbara Blakeman, Board Member
Anne McQuade, Board Member
Stayce Michelle, Board Member
Arabella Okwara, Board Member
Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors of GCDHH
Cheryl Shaver, President
Bryan Raynor, Vice-President
Jonathan DiMarco, 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?
For any comments or concerns, you may contact the board at board@gcdhh.org
Address:
2296 Henderson Mill Rd #115
Atlanta, GA 30345
125/126 Stop; Kensington Marta
Contact:
VP: 404-381-8448
1-88-297-9461
Fax: 404-297-9465
Info@gcdhh.org
© 2025 Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. All rights reserved.
Designed & Developed by Ta-Da Studios
© 2025 Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. All rights reserved.
Designed & Developed by Ta-Da Studios