Many children in Nebraska who are born with or develop hearing loss are likely to receive the life changing gift of hearing through a grant awarded to HearU Nebraska from Women Investing in Nebraska.

HearU Nebraska, a statewide program of the College of Education and Human Sciences, has been awarded $75,950 from Women Investing in Nebraska to help provide hearing aids for babies and children with hearing loss and help with cochlear implants for children whose parents’ insurance doesn’t cover the equipment.

“This grant award will change the lives of numerous children and their families across Nebraska,” said Stacie Ray, director of HearU Nebraska and associate professor of practice in audiology at UNL. “It will allow us to continue to provide the gift of hearing to children and will lessen the financial burden on numerous families.”

With the grant, HearU Nebraska expects to provide 30 or more children with hearing aids.

According to HearU Nebraska, 50 to 55 babies in Nebraska are born annually with permanent hearing loss, and numerous other children acquire hearing loss due to disease or genetic factors. HearU Nebraska was started to ensure children remain connected with the world around them, regardless of their family’s financial means. It also works with audiologists, educators and parents to ensure families are connected with other state and local resources to help support each child’s needs.

“Investing private support in HearU Nebraska means more children will experience the gift of hearing,” said Lisa Smith, chair of the Women Investing in Nebraska executive committee. “We offer our congratulations and are excited to witness the results of its incredible work.”

Woman Investing in Nebraska also awarded Third City Community Clinic of Grand Island a grant of $75,950 to support its work in providing healthcare and dental care for low income individuals.

Women Investing in Nebraska provides philanthropic support to Nebraska nonprofit groups that address critical community needs or wish to make a significant local or state impact. Established in 2011 by the University of Nebraska Foundation, it strives to connect women of influence and involve them in local philanthropy.