Every day, Voices of Hope for Aphasia (VOH) helps people rediscover the power of connection—one conversation, one laugh, one shared moment at a time. Founded to fill a critical gap in post-stroke and brain injury care, VOH exists because recovery doesn’t end when insurance coverage does. Aphasia, a lifelong language disorder, often leaves people feeling isolated when traditional therapy stops. Their programs provide a bridge back to community, communication, and confidence.
How PCF Support Strengthens Voices of Hope
With support from PCF, the organization has been able to expand its reach and deepen its impact across Pinellas County. The funds received went directly toward its most essential program expense: compensating the skilled Speech-Language Pathologists who facilitate the “Living! with Aphasia” sessions. These professionals are the heart of VOH, ensuring that every participant—no matter how limited their speech—has a voice that’s heard and valued.
The “Living! with Aphasia” Program
The “Living! with Aphasia” program offers group sessions designed around participants’ interests, from book clubs and current events to games and travel discussions. Each session is carefully structured to be language-accessible, using visual aids, written materials, and adaptive tools to make communication easier and more meaningful. The goal isn’t just to improve speech—it’s to help people live fully again.
Growing Participation and Expanding Reach
VOH has seen incredible growth in participation recently. Membership is expanding faster than ever before, and to meet this need, the organization now offers sessions four days a week, often with multiple groups meeting at the same time. Yet even with this growth, the team reaches only about 2% of the estimated 7,000 people in the county living with aphasia. Continued support is essential to reach more people who need this vital connection in Pinellas County.
Member Story: T’s Experience
The impact of VOH programs is best expressed through the voices of its members. T, who joined Voices of Hope with her wife in late 2024 after experiencing a stroke, shared her story in her own words:
“Voices of Hope has meant a lot to me during my recovery from my stroke almost two years ago. It has helped me find a community of people to socialize with and participate in many activities. I feel welcome at the monthly luncheon where I can talk to others and share our experiences. We have gone on many outings together including bowling, dinner, and baseball games. We had the opportunity to explore our ancestry and discover our family tree. I would recommend Voices of Hope for Aphasia for anyone who has Aphasia. It has helped me with my confidence, and I feel like I can express myself with more freedom than I used to before I became a part of Voices of Hope for Aphasia.”
Why Continued Support Matters
Stories like T’s remind us why nonprofits like Voices for Hope must be supported. With every session hosted, facilitators witness people reclaiming parts of their lives once believed to be lost. With stable funding like the multi-year operating grant provided by PCF, Voices of Hope for Aphasia continues to turn isolation into belonging, and words into hope.
Support Voices of Hope and Other Impactful Organizations
Support impactful services and organizations like Voices of Hope at: https://pinellascf.org/give/donors/
Email: Giving@PinellasCF.orgto connect with our team today.
For more information on Our Grants Program.
