For Immediate Release
May 22, 2025

Media Contact:
Susan Hancock
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549
pr@abshirepr.com

SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah Speech & Hearing Center (SSHC), a nonprofit serving the community since 1954, is proud to spotlight its early intervention program, Sound Start, which empowers children who are deaf or hard of hearing to develop spoken language and thrive in mainstream educational settings.

Sound Start is an intensive auditory-verbal program designed for children with cochlear implants or hearing aids. SSHC ideally begins working with children and their families part-time as soon as the child is implanted or fitted with amplification devices. From ages 2 to 6, children attend full-time and receive comprehensive services including speech therapy, audiological oversight, and as needed, occupational and physical therapy.

In line with the Center’s mission to provide access to care regardless of financial means, Sound Start is offered entirely through scholarships. These are made possible by private donations and the Apogee Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), which allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income tax liability to fund scholarships for educational programs like Sound Start. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar Georgia state tax credit.

Apogee will begin accepting pledges for the 2026 tax year on June 1, 2025. Donors may support multiple eligible programs with their tax-credit contributions, allowing for broad and meaningful impact across educational needs in the state.

Due to recent funding losses and the cancellation of a key fall fundraising event, SSHC is inviting the community to consider supporting Sound Start through Apogee. To learn more or make a tax-credit contribution, visit:
speechandhearingsav.org/apogee-scholarships-for-sound-start

ABOUT SAVANNAH SPEECH AND HEARING:

Since 1954, Savannah Speech and Hearing has been committed to providing comprehensive speech, hearing, language and other therapeutic services that empower and transform the lives of both children and adults, regardless of financial abilities. SSHC offers a wide range of programs including audiology, speech, pediatric occupational and physical therapies, hearing aids, cochlear implants, informational resources, a stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors’ support group and other specialized programs. For more information, visit www.speechandhearingsav.org or call 912.355.4601.