CCHAT Volunteers of the Year: Steve & Erika Fatula from McCoy Fatula, APC

The CCHAT Volunteer of the Year Award honors those whose efforts have significantly impacted the CCHAT Center and services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. The award aims to shine a light on volunteers, recognizing and thanking them for lending their time, talent, and voice to make a difference.

This year that award belongs to Erika and Steve Fatula from McCoy Fatula, APC because of the significant support provided by Erika, Steve and his firm.

Steve and his wife, Erika, were introduced to the CCHAT Center by a colleague and after being given a tour of the facility in 2014, they quickly fell in love with the organization and the people who work to make it so special. Steve shared that he was searching for a way to have McCoy Fatula’s annual Christmas party support a local nonprofit. Steve’s philanthropic desire became the Holly Jolly Holiday Celebration benefiting the CCHAT Center.

Six years and six events later, the event has generated over $60,000 in funding to help sustain CCHAT’s specialized services. Holly Jolly is an outstanding opportunity to promote awareness of the outcomes which are now possible for children who are deaf and hard of hearing in our community. 

Erika, Steve's wife, loves CCHAT so much that she decided to join our Board of Directors in 2020.

"For the past 6 years, we have continued to see the services that the staff provides transform these children into confident individuals ready to take on the world. They are able to find their voices and reach their full potential."

Erika & Steve’s Experience with Hearing Loss

Steve’s cousin was born with severe hearing loss that went undiagnosed for years. She was eventually diagnosed and fitted with cochlear implants. While there are still some signs of delay, the cochlear implants have aided in her verbal communication and cognitive development. 

Erika & Steve’s Favorite Part about Being Connected with CCHAT

Erika and Steve love that CCHAT improves the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

“CCHAT's services provide children who are deaf and hard of hearing an amazing opportunity to develop and mainstream [into their neighborhood schools]. We always love to hear the success stories of the alumni, who reconfirm CCHAT's impact and significance. They remind us of the importance of supporting such a great cause.” 

Their Words of Wisdom for Future Donors

For future donors, the Fatula’s tell them to take note of how wonderful the organization is and how donations help make such a big difference in the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

“CCHAT is a wonderful organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children. It is a community of caring, supportive people dedicated to the families and students who attend. Through their services, they help students with hearing loss develop communication skills that allow them to mainstream into society.”