Completion of the interior of a new building awarded to DHHC by Mueller Helping Hands.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) is a non-profit agency created in 1978 by Susan Tiller. She was the mother of a deaf daughter who desperately wanted to find resources to help her child, and provide her with the best possible opportunities in life. There was no facility in the Coastal Bend area that met this need, so she made it her mission to create this unique and exceptional organization. The Center provides vital resources for people of all ages experiencing all levels of hearing loss in a 23-county area of South Texas.  The services offered include hard of hearing programs, sign language classes, advocacy assistance, interpreter services, employment training, life skills training, recreation events, senior activities, and much more. 

In July, the DHHC was awarded the 2013 Mueller Helping Hand Award, which is given to one deserving charity in the state of Texas each year. Mueller, Inc. manufactured and assembled a free 3,750 square foot metal building adjacent to the DHHC’s existing facility. The new building was completed on October 3, 2013 and is ready for the next phase - to finish out the interior space with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, walls, paint and other interior finishes. Charity League’s goal is to raise the funds the DHHC needs to complete this project, allowing them to further expand their programs and services as well as create an area to store and display historical items that will be important to the deaf culture and tradition for generations to come.

The DHHC has become a haven for people in our community experiencing hearing loss and struggling to communicate in a hearing world. The deaf and hard of hearing communities now have this wonderful resource to help them work, worship, celebrate, and mourn alongside their families. The Center is now filling the need for services that Susan Tiller vocalized on behalf of her daughter back in 1978. We think it is important to help them grow even further. Susan Tiller lost a battle with cancer two years ago. It was her dream that the DHHC expand its building and its services. This year, all the pieces have come together to make that happen. Her dream is becoming a reality.

Please take a minute to visit www.deafhhcenter.org to learn more about the positive impact The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center is making in South Texas. We are excited to announce that the television program “Texas Country Reporter” will feature the DHHC and the Mueller Helping Hands project on November 30th. The entire episode will be dedicated to this project, so be sure to tune in!

Each year Charity League, a non-profit organization comprised of 40 women, selects a charity in the Coastal Bend area to be the recipient of our annual fundraising campaign. We receive many requests from many organizations. After a long selection process we choose a charity to raise money for in a given year. This year, the DHHC was a real stand-out. They do great things in our community and partner with other charities to assist them in success, as well. They take care of themselves well and have never asked us for money before. We would greatly appreciate any help that you could provide this worthy organization so that they can continue to help those in need in South Texas.