The History of Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center
1959
The Junior Women’s Club conducts a phone survey to determine the community’s needs. The survey reveals a need for speech & physical therapy.
The Junior Women’s Club conducts a phone survey to determine the community’s needs. The survey reveals a need for speech & physical therapy.
1960
The Children’s Rehabilitation Ranch opens. Services were provided for 25 cents per half-hour.
The Children’s Rehabilitation Ranch opens. Services were provided for 25 cents per half-hour.
1960
Connie Bovay becomes the first volunteer Speech Therapist.
Lois Searl is named volunteer Executive Director.
A partnership with United Way begins.
Connie Bovay becomes the first volunteer Speech Therapist.
Lois Searl is named volunteer Executive Director.
A partnership with United Way begins.
1965
John Seamens becomes President.
John Seamens becomes President.
1967
New building on E. Bella Vista opens on land donated by the City of Lakeland.
New building on E. Bella Vista opens on land donated by the City of Lakeland.
1969
With the addition of audiology services, Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center is born.
With the addition of audiology services, Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center is born.
1970
Winter Haven Sertoma helps open the first satellite location.
The CEnter becomes the local Easter Seals Society for five counties.
Winter Haven Sertoma helps open the first satellite location.
The CEnter becomes the local Easter Seals Society for five counties.
1971
The first audiologist from USF is trained at the Center.
The first audiologist from USF is trained at the Center.
1975
Gay Ratcliff becomes President.
Gay Ratcliff becomes President.
1977
Local Sertoma Clubs sponsor the first speech/hearing truck.
Local Sertoma Clubs sponsor the first speech/hearing truck.
1982
Hearing testing for Occupational Health & Safety Compliance begins.
Hearing testing for Occupational Health & Safety Compliance begins.
1985
The Jeanette Chiles Ruthven Memorial Therapy Wing opens.
The Jeanette Chiles Ruthven Memorial Therapy Wing opens.
1986
CFSHC joins National Association of Speech & Hearing Centers.
The first preschool begins.
CFSHC joins National Association of Speech & Hearing Centers.
The first preschool begins.
1989
A new Sertoma Mobile Unit is dedicated and able to test four people at one time.
Sign Language classes are offered to the community.
A new Sertoma Mobile Unit is dedicated and able to test four people at one time.
Sign Language classes are offered to the community.
1992
The Truman & Marie Miller Audiological Suite is dedicated.
The Truman & Marie Miller Audiological Suite is dedicated.
1993
CFSHC began a partnership with Cleft Palate Clinic.
The First Stroke Support Group was established.
CFSHC began a partnership with Cleft Palate Clinic.
The First Stroke Support Group was established.
1994
CFSHC begins testing infants for hearing loss.
CFSHC becomes an FTRI Distribution Center.
CFSHC begins testing infants for hearing loss.
CFSHC becomes an FTRI Distribution Center.
1995
The first deaf Miss America, Heather Whitestone, visits the Center.
Lakeland Auto Dealers Association donates the use of a mini-van.
The first deaf Miss America, Heather Whitestone, visits the Center.
Lakeland Auto Dealers Association donates the use of a mini-van.
1997
The Center is awarded their first Disney Community Service Award.
The Lakeland Downtown Kiwanis Club donates a new playground.
The Center is awarded their first Disney Community Service Award.
The Lakeland Downtown Kiwanis Club donates a new playground.
1998
First Aviation Sertoma Club institutes the first endowment fund.
First Aviation Sertoma Club institutes the first endowment fund.
2000
The L. Gay Ratcliff Annex opens.
A.C.E. Charter School opens for preschool.
The L. Gay Ratcliff Annex opens.
A.C.E. Charter School opens for preschool.
2003
CFSHC is a recipient of Reva McClurg’s estate funds.
CFSHC is a recipient of Reva McClurg’s estate funds.
2006
Land is purchased on US 98 S. to build a new facility.
Land is purchased on US 98 S. to build a new facility.
2007
Amy Tyner creates the “Language is all around us” program.
Amy Tyner creates the “Language is all around us” program.
2011
Larry Stahl steps in as Interim President.
In lieu of building a new facility, the board commissions Lunz Prebor Fowler to renovate an existing building.
Larry Stahl steps in as Interim President.
In lieu of building a new facility, the board commissions Lunz Prebor Fowler to renovate an existing building.
2012
A.C.E. Preschool celebrates over 200 kids graduating.
The Center moves to a new building on Lakeland Highlands Road.
A.C.E. Preschool celebrates over 200 kids graduating.
The Center moves to a new building on Lakeland Highlands Road.
2013
The Ruthven Family Community Room is dedicated.
Mr. Lakeland (now Mr. Central Florida) is first held.
Hands & Voices Polk County Chapter is established.
The Ruthven Family Community Room is dedicated.
Mr. Lakeland (now Mr. Central Florida) is first held.
Hands & Voices Polk County Chapter is established.
2014
Roxann Bonta becomes President/CEO
The Center’s Kid Blitz program launches.
Roxann Bonta becomes President/CEO
The Center’s Kid Blitz program launches.
2016
The Iron Horse/Clark Family Foundation begins a 3-year grant program. The Children’s Lobby is dedicated to them.
The Harvey T. Hall grant launches programming for implanted devices.
The Center wins Best Hearing Aid Center and continues in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The Iron Horse/Clark Family Foundation begins a 3-year grant program. The Children’s Lobby is dedicated to them.
The Harvey T. Hall grant launches programming for implanted devices.
The Center wins Best Hearing Aid Center and continues in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
2017
The first Matter of Balance class is held.
The first Matter of Balance class is held.
2018
The John Hugh Shannon Scholarship Fund is created.
The John Hugh Shannon Scholarship Fund is created.
2020
The Florida Blue “Innovation in Health Care” C.A.R.E. grant program launches.
The Center launches a teletherapy program.
The Florida Blue “Innovation in Health Care” C.A.R.E. grant program launches.
The Center launches a teletherapy program.
2020
The Center wins its 5th consecutive award for Best of Central Florida Hearing Aid Center!
CFSHC celebrates 60 years serving our community’s communication needs!
The Center wins its 5th consecutive award for Best of Central Florida Hearing Aid Center!
CFSHC celebrates 60 years serving our community’s communication needs!
