MEET NOVIE…

At HEAR Wisconsin, we see every day how generosity can
change lives, and this month, we’re honored to share the story
of Novie and her incredible parents, Laiza and Beau Benner.
Novie is two years old, and from the beginning she has always
had a bright presence and has been curious, expressive, and
full of personality. But in the summer of 2023, when she was
just a few months old, Novie was diagnosed with bilateral
sensorineural hearing loss. Laiza and Beau were suddenly
overwhelmed by this news and unsure how their daughter
would communicate, learn, or connect with the world.  

Looking for guidance during those uncertain days, the family
joined HEAR Wisconsin. Through the Kellogg Child & Family
Services, an early intervention program that helps infants and
toddlers who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing build communication, language, and listening skills, Novie and her family received the guidance, tools, and support they needed. The HEAR Wisconsin team taught Laiza and Beau how to encourage Novie’s listening with her cochlear implants, how to support her communication at home, and how to begin learning ASL together as a family.  

Today, the Benners drive from Madison twice a week, so Novie can attend the Toddler Communication Group, where she continues to grow every day. And Novie has flourished. Fearless and spirited, she embraces every new sound with joy, engages people with warmth, and always makes everyone around her feel welcomed and seen.  

With a desire to help children like Novie, the Benners organized a book drive through PaperPie, a children’s book and educational resource retailer, to benefit the children and families of HEAR Wisconsin. PaperPie’s Literacy for a Lifetime program matches 50% of all donations made through the company, so the Benners’ goal of $1,000 grew even more. Thanks to their hard work, dedication, and the 50% match of donations, they collected an incredible $1,700 worth of new books.  

We are so grateful to Novie, her parents, and everyone who supported the book drive. Their generosity will help the children and families we serve, discover the joy of reading and learning together.  

At the heart of it all - Novie is growing, learning, and showing the world every day exactly who she is.  

To learn more about hosting your own book drive for HEAR Wisconsin, please contact fundraising@hearwi.org, and for more information on PaperPie’s Literacy for a Lifetime program, visit: https://www.paperpielearning.com/LFL