CCHAT Alum Miller Inspires Community with his Bravery

It is not uncommon for CCHAT children with hearing loss to exhibit an impressive level of resilience and strength as they take on and overcome obstacles on a daily basis.

Battling a rare neurodegenerative disease, Miller Greenfield is no exception. The CCHAT alum lives his life to the fullest and has become a true community hero, teaming up with his family to inspire and provide opportunities to others battling disabilities.

Beginnings at CCHAT

Miller’s hearing loss initially led him to the CCHAT Center at the age of 9 months. Miller enrolled, and the Greenfields began benefiting from the vast line of services provided by the program.

“CCHAT was an incredible resource for our family,” said Jessica, Miller’s mom. “They understand the challenges that children with hearing loss face in school and the world. Preparing the kids for these challenges is what prepares them to live exciting and meaningful lives.”

Though Miller mainstreamed out of CCHAT at age 3, he continued receiving CCHAT speech therapy services through age 6. However, as Miller worked toward developing his listening and spoken language, he was facing additional health issues in relation to his disease.

Overcoming Health Obstacles

Miller has battled through 16 surgeries and countless hours of therapy as a result of his diagnosis: Dystonia Deafness Syndrome. Miller’s perseverance earned him a life-changing opportunity through Make-A-Wish, which helped him become an honorary Lieutenant with the Sacramento Police Department.

With Miller showing an unreal determination as he moved toward his teen years, Jessica knew she wanted to help him find a niche within the community.

“After Miller's unexpected recovery from multiple brain surgeries, it became apparent that he wanted to get back out in the world,” Jessica said. “But a traditional educational environment was not the right setting for his amazing skill set and incredible work ethic.”

Jessica’s cousin had an Ace Hardware store in Arnold, and Miller even spent time working at the store as a young child. The idea of starting an Ace Hardware locally began taking shape.

“Ace provided the model for a community-based business where Miller's hard work would be celebrated, and we could contribute directly to the causes that we felt were most impactful,” Jessica said.

Making an Impact with the New Business

Jessica and her family opened Miller’s Ace Hardware in Citrus Heights in August 2023. While providing top-level products and home-improvement resources is a key part of the business, there is a bigger component to the company’s mission that is leaving a more lasting impact.

“Miller's Ace Hardware actively employs people with both physical and cognitive disabilities,” Jessica said. “Instead of spending traditional marketing dollars, we contribute directly to causes in our community.”

Fortunately for CCHAT, the Greenfields made it a priority to give back to the program where Miller got his start. Miller’s Ace Hardware served as the CCHAT Bike 4 Fun presenting sponsor, and Miller returned to campus to serve as the event’s grand marshal.

“Bike 4 Fun was a blast,” Jessica said. “It was so rewarding for Miller to return as an alum. Seeing all of the students and their parents was very powerful.”

Bike 4 Fun 2023 raised more than $47,000 for CCHAT children with hearing loss. The event was just one of many that Jessica, Miller and Miller’s Ace Hardware were a part of in support of community causes. In its first 12 months of business, Miller’s Ace Hardware contributed $46,846.14 to local organizations and events.

While Miller settles into his role as hardware expert, Jessica knows that CCHAT will always be a memorable piece of his journey. Her family’s commitment to continue its support of CCHAT comes from a strong belief in the power of early intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, like Miller.

“CCHAT changes the trajectory for children with hearing loss,” Jessica said. “Miller is living proof of CCHAT's impact as he uses his digital radio, answers the phones and can hear people’s Ace Reward phone number at the register, all utilizing his cochlear implants. Those are things we only dreamed of while he was at CCHAT.”

To learn more about Miller’s Ace Hardware, visit their website or stop by the store at 8077 Madison Avenue in Citrus Heights. To join Miller’s Ace Hardware in support of CCHAT Bike 4 Fun, CLICK HERE for sponsorship information.