VOICES OF HOPE FOR APHASIA INC
Aphasia - Loss of language, NOT intellect
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
A 2019 research study (Aphasia in North America, Simmons-Mackie) increased the estimated number of people living in the United States from 2 million to greater than 2.5 million, possibly closer to 4 million. Aphasia is a communication disorder acquired from stroke or other brain injuries. An estimated 20,000 people in our local area (Tampa Bay) live with aphasia, but only 10% of our population knows what “aphasia” is and few services exist for this population. Aphasia was reported as the largest negative impact on health-related quality of life out of 60 diseases and commonly results in depression and other health-related conditions. Conversely, greater community participation resulted in a higher quality of life for people with brain injury.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Living with Aphasia
This is an ongoing day program that provides 4 hours of programming each day to help re-connect people with aphasia to their previous activities and to the community.
Aphasia - now what?
This family-focused two-day workshop helps people with aphasia and their families learn strategies for effective communication at home.
Family & Friends Program
This bi-monthly program provides caregivers the opportunity to get information, share experiences, and gain social and emotional support, and interact with industry experts.
STARS Technology Program
The STARS Technology program provides hands-on training and support for people with aphasia and their families in the use of technology in a fun and social environment.
Max Adventures
Outings chosen by our members or staff, will provide new and exciting activities for those with aphasia to get out and explore in a supportive and aphasia-friendly environment. These activities will not only provide an opportunity to attend events and enjoy new activities but also give Voices of Hope for Aphasia members the chance to give back to our community.
Aphasia Gives Back
Just like everyone else, people with aphasia want to feel productive and useful, they want to give back to their community, but frequently their language disorder can prevent them from returning to work or participating in most volunteering positions. The Aphasia Gives Back program at Voices of Hope for Aphasia establishes a network of volunteering opportunities in our community for our members. Members can volunteer in groups or individually.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2017
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our organization strives to increase the quality of life and participation of people with aphasia in our community. Aphasia is an isolating disorder that affects not just the individual, but also their family, friends, and community. We work to reconnect people with aphasia with their lives and to increase their participation in their life’s interests and activities. We rebuild self-esteem through successful experiences, improve the communication accessibility of our community, foster communications in groups, provide training and tools to improve relationships with family and friends and educate the public about aphasia. We are building a community for our members where they improve their confidence and their ability to participate in their everyday world.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our strategies are aimed at providing positive experiences for those affected by aphasia, their families, and the local community through innovative, high-quality programs developed by Speech-Language Pathologies who are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about aphasia and the people who live with it daily. Our programs include:
* activity-based group programs such as Aphasia Book Club, Current Events Discussions, Gardening Club, and other activities based on our members' interests delivered in-person and virtually for the safety of our members,
* educational workshops for patients and health-care professionals,
* training and access to technology such as speech-generating devices and apps on tablets to augment the communication of people with aphasia,
* aphasia-friendly and accessible outings in our area that engage both our members and our community (museums, sports venues, restaurants, and more),
* training and collaboration with community, government, and health organizations for greater communication accessibility, sensitivity, and adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act,
* and family support groups to celebrate their successes and receive comfort for their challenges.
All programming is designed and delivered by experienced Speech-Language Pathologists and all our staff and volunteers undergo training. The programs leverage established best-practices enhanced by innovative techniques.
We currently provide over 15 hours of group communication activities weekly in three locations around Pinellas County and online. Our educational, 2-day workshops are scheduled 4-6 times annually in local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Our members and families participate in community outings twice per month allowing them to have experiences they may not otherwise attempt. Additionally, we provide four hours of family support monthly, in two locations.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Our organization is led and staffed by recognized experts in the field of aphasia and speech/language therapy. Debbie Yones, M.S., CCC-SLP, our Executive Director, has over 10 years of experience providing services to people with aphasia. She opened a private practice focused on delivering personalized, evidence-based aphasia therapy, and is a member of the most recognized aphasia organizations in the US. Ms. Yones also has over 15 years of experience in the corporate sector working in strategy and technology consulting.
Our program staff are licensed Speech-Language Pathologists focused on aphasia therapy. Many of our volunteers are students working toward degrees and advanced degrees in the speech therapy field. Our inspirational founder has battled with severe aphasia and is a role model for all of our members. Our Board of Directors consists of highly credentialed leaders from both business and academia and take an active role in the operations and transparency of the organization.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
We have made a significant impact on the lives of those we have served by reconnecting them with their lives, communities, and building their self-esteem. However, an estimated 23,000 people with aphasia reside in the Tampa Bay area; our biggest obstacle is reaching those who could benefit from our services. To grow, we need to increase awareness of aphasia and our services, and to provide those services in more locations through our area.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
VOICES OF HOPE FOR APHASIA INC
Board of directorsas of 10/19/2022
Stephen Miller
NBC Securities, Inc.
Term: 2021 - 2023
John Valavanis
Affluence Corp
Des Welch
retired
Gary Panaro
Autodesk
Mary Catherine Daughtry
Waterstone Mortgage
Stephen Miller
NBC Securities
Steve Blum
Autodesk
Ken Bado
GMB Consulting
Jeff Renzulli
SackLaw
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
Transgender Identity
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data