Variety – the Children’s Charity Awards Grant to HEAR Wisconsin
West Allis, Wis. (October 9, 2026) — HEAR Wisconsin has received a $5,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin to help create a dedicated newborn hearing testing room at its West Allis clinic. The room will support newborn hearing screenings, follow-up testing, and diagnostic evaluations through the organization’s newly launched Pediatric Audiology Program.
The grant will help fund room renovations and furnishings, including a rocking chair, an infant changing table, and a couch for family members. These improvements will create a comfortable setting for babies and families during long testing appointments.
“We are grateful to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin for helping us create a space where families can feel at ease during their baby’s hearing test,” said Jill Van Calster, president and CEO of HEAR Wisconsin. “This support will help us provide timely hearing care during the important early months of a child’s development. Whether families come in for an initial screening or follow-up testing, we want parents to understand their baby’s results and know what comes next.”
Getting answers early helps parents understand their child’s needs and take the next steps in care. When hearing loss is identified, HEAR Wisconsin’s trained audiologists provide specialized early intervention services that promote the development of a child’s communication, auditory, language, cognitive, and social skills. Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin's investment will strengthen these services and make them more accessible in the earliest months of life.
To learn more about Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin, visit www.varietywi.org.
View other stories from the HEAR Wisconsin October 2026 email newsletter:
HEAR Wisconsin’s New Audiology Clinic Director
HEAR Wisconsin’s New Board Chair
Protect Your Hearing This Fall
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