In 2024, Sertoma International assumed stewardship of Hear2Help, a long-standing program serving Missouri and Kansas that provides financial support to children in need of hearing aids and related care. When Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) approached us late last year for assistance, we knew this program would be an awesome fit to meet their needs.

Children’s Mercy found itself in a challenging position as it worked to support children living with hearing loss but were facing lengthy delays due to insurance coverage. The hospital needed loaner devices to meet the immediate needs of its pediatric patients, and while Sertoma’s hearing aid bank did not have devices available at the time, we knew Hear2Help could step in to help fund this critical need.

This support also strengthened a long-standing relationship between Children’s Mercy and the Kansas City Sertoma Club. The club provided a generous upfront donation to help jumpstart Sertoma’s work with Hear2Help back in 2024 without knowing it would later benefit Children’s Mercy. Now, that funding is making a meaningful impact on one of the club’s most cherished community causes.

Sertoma Executive Director Jason Camis recognized that Sertoma would likely only be able to fund one device through Hear2Help but that the hospital needed more. He reached out to fellow community philanthropic partners at the Overland Park Rotary Club Foundation to explore whether they could match Sertoma’s contribution with grant funding. They agreed, ensuring the hospital would receive two devices to meet their need.

However, our impact did not stop there! When the manufacturer (Cochlear) learned how the two organizations were working together, they offered to match our combined donation. This allowed the hospital to then secure four devices for the price of two.

“These devices will help dozens of kids over the next few years begin learning and communicating immediately, rather than waiting for insurance issues to work through,” Camis said.

This amazing success story highlights the critical role collaboration plays in the service world. It is also a great example of how relationship building can take our philanthropic and mission work to the next level. Without Sertoma’s foresight, the hospital may have only received one set of loaner devices, greatly diminishing the number of Kansas City area children that CMH can help.

For more on the topic of collaboration, check out this recent blog from Director of Programs and Membership Janice Martin. She shares insights into how collaborations can play a huge role in what Sertomans do locally and on the international stage.