DeafLEAD

DeafLEAD’s journey began in 1995, sparked by a critical need to support Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind teens. Originally founded as the Youth L.E.A.D. Foundation, the organization started with a singular focus: to manage a substance use prevention camp that would provide a safe, communicative environment for young people often marginalized by mainstream programs. What started as a summer initiative quickly revealed a much deeper, unaddressed gap in services for the Deaf community—a lack of accessible, culturally competent crisis support.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Stephanie Logan, the organization evolved rapidly. Recognizing that Deaf individuals facing trauma, crime, or mental health crises had few places to turn where they could communicate directly in American Sign Language (ASL), the foundation expanded its mission. It rebranded as DeafLEAD to reflect its broader commitment to leadership, education, and advocacy. Over the decades, it has grown from a small local project into a national lifeline, establishing the Deaf Crisis Line and partnering with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that help is just a videophone call away.

Today, DeafLEAD stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. It is no longer just a camp but a comprehensive service provider offering 24/7 crisis intervention, mental health counseling, and victim advocacy. With a team that includes many Deaf and signing professionals, DeafLEAD ensures that every individual who reaches out is met with understanding, dignity, and direct communication. From its humble beginnings in Missouri to its current status as a nationwide leader in Deaf services, DeafLEAD continues to break down barriers, proving that with the right support, every voice—signed or spoken—can be heard and empowered to thrive.