Mission
Vision
Of, By, For and With the Deaf
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.
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.
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.
DEAF, Inc. Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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.
De Linda Brite
Director of
Community Programs
Leslie Brown
Interpreting Coordinator
LaShondra Gardner
Interpreting Coordinator
Marena Kaminsky Interpreting Manager
Lydia Kline
Interpreting Coordinator
Rachel Koch
Staff Interpreter
Matthew Lieberman
Administrative Assistant
Tony Nitko
Director of Marketing
Sarah Prechtel
Executive Director
Hope Shrake
Media Specialist
Alexandra Tweedy
Interpreting Coordinator
Devon Whitmore
Community Advocate
Stephanie Wilcox Community Advocate
Forrest Booth
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
Career Opportunities
When you become member of the DEAF, Inc. team, you will have an unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing community in the St. Louis Metro area. Through our workforce dedicated to our mission and core values, DEAF, Inc. is committed to empowerment, raising awareness, and bridging a sustainable foundation of communication and equal access.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE - YOUTH & FAMILY
If interested, please submit a cover letter, completed DEAF, Inc. Application and a resume. Send the contents to careers(at)deafinc.org for consideration.
Independent Contractor Opportunities
DEAF, Inc. is seeking certified and qualified interpreters to work with us as independent contractors. If you are interested in working with DEAF, Inc., please contact us at careers(at)deafinc.org.
Internships
DEAF, Inc. offers internships that provide associate, undergraduate and graduate students or recent graduate student an opportunity to work with a diverse team and gain valuable hands-on work experience. Our organization seeks energetic and self-motivated student interested in working with the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind community. Areas of focus include office administration, human services, communication access advocacy, communications/public relations and media outreach. Internship opportunities are available in St. Louis, MO. To be considered for an internship with DEAF, Inc., you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- A U.S. citizen
- Complete and pass a background check.
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program or have graduated within the past one year.
Please click the below button to submit an Internship Application. You will be asked to submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
Future Opportunities
If you wish to be considered for future positions, or to otherwise become involved in our mission, please feel free to forward your resume and cover letter to us. Please indicate in your letter the kind of assistance you want to provide, your salary requirements, and your contact information.
To apply, please download application: Employment Application(PDF)
Annual Reports
DEAF, Inc. is committed to transparency and accountability at all levels, including how and where grants and donations to the organization support our programs and services. Please take a moment to browse our annual reports.
Annual Reports
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2022 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2021 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2020 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2019 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2018 [pdf]
IRS Form 990
• 2022 [pdf]
• 2021 [pdf]
• 2020 [pdf]
• 2019 [pdf]
• 2018 [pdf]
Make a Donation
Did you know that your gift does much more than help deaf and hard of hearing people overcome their communication barriers, enabling them to become productive members of the mainstreamed community?
Deaf Empowerment Awareness Foundation, Inc.'s mission is to provide a diverse and affordable program of educational and supportive services designed to address communication problems experienced by children and adults who are deaf and/or hard of hearing and serve as an information and referral source for this population and the general public.
There are many ways you can gift to DEAF, Inc. Rest assured, our donation system’s security measures keep your personal information safe.
In advance, we thank you for your support. With it, DEAF, Inc. is transforming many
lives of deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals and their families.
25 E. Frisco Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119
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