CCHAT Opens Windows of Opportunity with SMUD Support

The CCHAT campus received a massive facelift last month, thanks to a boost from one of the program's most committed community supporters.

CCHAT was one of a select number of local organizations to receive grant funding from SMUD, as part of SMUD’s Community Impact Plan. This support enabled CCHAT to replace all of the windows at its Rancho Cordova campus. 

CCHAT’s project titled, “Windows of Opportunity for Children with Hearing Loss,” was proposed to align with SMUD’s 2030 Clean Energy Vision. With the newly installed windows, CCHAT is joining SMUD in its goal of being more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. 

For CCHAT, the fresh windows will provide a secondary benefit as well. Sound quality is always at the forefront of CCHAT’s mind when considering building upgrades and modifications. CCHAT consulted with Steve Pettyjohn, a local acoustic engineer, to determine ideal specifications for a window that would help with both energy efficiency and acoustic quality.

As a result, the new windows will not only reduce CCHAT’s carbon footprint by lowering energy output, but also create better acoustics inside our classrooms and educational offices. Helping CCHAT children with hearing loss increase their access to sound will lead to better outcomes as they work to develop listening and spoken language skills. 

Upon approval from SMUD, the project came together quickly. Hall’s Window Center, based in Rancho Cordova, worked with CCHAT to expedite the window replacement, and windows were installed while children were off campus for spring break.

SMUD’s generosity through “Windows of Opportunity” is yet another example of the company’s commitment to supporting CCHAT and the children who are deaf and hard of hearing being served. SMUD has been a long-time sponsor of CCHAT fundraising events, including CCHAT Uncorked and the Holly Jolly Holiday Celebration. 

To learn more about SMUD’s 2030 Clean Energy Vision, click here. To learn more about CCHAT’s recent program accomplishments and partnerships, read our Impact Report.