Pictured from left to right: Alex Luck, Melanie Dietrich, Dr. Eminhizer, Megan Gustavson and Elise Drager.
Dr. Alyssa Eminhizer, audiologist for the Charles Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic in the Unified Clinics recently accompanied her Au.D. students to Project Connect 2017. The semi-annual event is sponsored by Kalamazoo County's Poverty Reduction Initiative and connects individuals and families in financial need with vendors offering services such as parenting help, employment assistance, medical screenings, housing assistance and personal items such as toiletries.
Dr. Eminhizer and her students conducted free hearing screenings and educated individuals about the services provided at the Unified Clinics. They also distributed free hearing protection and information.
Since 2009, Project Connect has been a one-day offering of free services, with over 65 service providing agencies and organizations serving low-income Kalamazoo County residents. Attendees have access to services such as health screeners, vision and hearing checks, Veteran and Disability services, housing, employment skills assistance, On-the-Spot interviews, budgeting, food security assistance, senior services and education assistance. Individuals and families will also be able to enjoy free haircuts, clothes and shoe giveaways, hygiene items, books, family photo opportunity and more.