Our Story
Founded in 2008, DEAF, Inc. is a deaf-centric, community-based nonprofit organization located in St. Louis, Missouri. Dedicated to promoting communication access, DEAF, Inc. serves the deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing community. We are committed to empowering individuals through a range of programs and services tailored to your needs. We believe in creating a supportive, accessible and inclusive environment for all. Whether you're seeking resources, support, or simply a sense of community, this is YOUR place.
Our Team
De Linda Brite
Director,
Community Programs
Leslie Brown
Lead Interpreting Coordinator
Kirsten Collier
Interpreting Coordinator
Daymion June
Community Advocate
Marena Kaminsky
Manager,
Interpreting Department
Debbie Kendall
Community Educator
Lydia Kline
Interpreting Coordinator
Rachel Koch
Staff Interpreter
Rebecca Lackey
Staff Interpreter
Matthew Lieberman
Administraive Assistant
Tony Nitko
Director, Marketing
Sarah Prechtel
Executive Director
Hope Shrake
Media Specialist
Roberta Thompson
Interpreting Coordinator
Devon Whitmore
Community Advocate
Stephanie Wilcox
Community Advocate
DEAF, Inc. is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. Our vision and mission reflect our fundamental belief that all people belong and deserve equity and inclusivity. Our strength comes from our diversity and we celebrate the visible and invisible qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity, and other identities. We commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all people.
At DEAF, Inc.:
-
We will foster and maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for staff, volunteers, and members of the communities we serve.
-
We will educate our staff to be social justice advocates, creatively providing support services and environments that reflect the diversity of our communities and elevate cultural awareness.
-
We will ensure fair and inclusive access to our facility, programs, resources, and services, and ensure that all of our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.
-
We will advance and build our workforce by assessing hiring practices and developing performance reviews to attract, retain, and develop talented staff from diverse backgrounds.
-
We will address intergroup disparities in areas such as representation and service outcomes.
-
We aspire to attract and build a diverse volunteer, donor, and advocate base.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Forrest Booth Jr.
President
Director since 2021
Ante Colić
Vice President
Director since 2021
David Wasserman
Secretary
Director since 2021
Valerie Mondesir
Treasurer
Director since 2023
Linda Baker
Director since 2023
Michael Boyd
Director since 2023
Robert Crowell
Director since 2023
Becky Davis
Director since 2023
Laura Shapiro
Director since 2023
William Sheldon
Director since 2020
Art Silverman
Director since 2023
Board of Directors
Career Opportunities
Joining DEAF, Inc. means being part of a team with a singular opportunity to uplift the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind community in the St. Louis Metro area. Our workforce, driven by our mission and values, is committed to empowerment, awareness, and building a sustainable framework for communication and equitable access as well as inclusion.
If interested, please submit your resume, cover letter and a completed DEAF, Inc. application. Send contents to careers(at)deafinc.org for consideration.
Independent Contract Opportunities
Join our team as an Independent Contractor! DEAF, Inc. is looking for certified and qualified ASL interpreters and ASL Instructors to collaborate with us. If you're interested in partnering with DEAF, Inc., please reach out to us at careers(at)deafinc.org.
Annual Reports
At DEAF, Inc., we prioritize transparency and accountability in all our operations, ensuring that grants and donations directly support our programs and services. We invite you to explore our annual reports for more information.
IRS Form 990
• 2023 [pdf]
• 2022 [pdf]
• 2021 [pdf]
• 2020 [pdf]
• 2019 [pdf]
Support Our Mission
Your contribution goes beyond breaking communication barriers for deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind individuals; it empowers them to thrive in mainstream society.
DEAF, Inc. is dedicated to offering diverse and affordable educational and supportive services, addressing communication challenges faced by children and adults in the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities. Your gift makes a meaningful impact.
Donate securely today to help us continue our vital work.
In advance, we express our gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution enables DEAF, Inc. to positively impact the lives of countless individuals in the deaf. hard of hearing and DeafBlind community and their families.
About DEAF, Inc.
Mission
The mission of Deaf Empowerment Awareness Foundation, Inc. is to Empower, raise Awareness, and bridge a sustainable Foundation of communication and equal access for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and the Hearing communities.
Vision
The organization’s primary vision is to provide services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Hearing individuals, and the community as a whole to ensure effective communication and cultural awareness. This purpose is accomplished through a meaningful unity of community outreach, training, education, advocacy, media, visual arts, and interpreting. The vision reflects a strong sense of community where the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Hearing communities are empowered and aware of the importance of equal access to all.
Of, By, For and With the Deaf
DEAF, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by deaf individuals. DEAF, Inc. provides high-quality interpreting services at low cost in an effort to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Hearing society. Any net income generated from our services is reinvested into programs promoting awareness of issues related to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind communities.