Deaf Streetlight — Organization Profile
Deaf Streetlight is a Christ-centered ministry serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, families, churches, and communities. The ministry’s mission is to connect Deaf individuals with community, families, Jesus, and His church. It exists to connect, equip, and support people, families, and churches in bringing the gospel to the Deaf community.
Deaf Streetlight is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves the Greater Cincinnati / Tri-State area and beyond. The ministry was originally founded in 1968 as The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute for Christian Education, commonly known as Deaf Institute. Cecil Bennett founded the organization after he and his wife, Rena, saw the need for their Deaf daughter Cheryl and other Deaf people to connect with the church, the Bible, and a personal relationship with God.
The organization rebranded as Deaf Streetlight after Will Dickmann became director in 2021. The name reflects both a practical and spiritual meaning: Deaf people need light in order to see sign language clearly, and the ministry seeks to be a beacon of hope that guides people toward the Lord. Its work is shaped by the older motto, “Using hands to touch hearts.”
Deaf Streetlight’s four core goals are Go & Meet, Learn & Share, Connect & Support, and Equip & Empower. Through these goals, the ministry works to host and support events, develop relationships, create and share resources, train and equip local churches, remove barriers for Deaf people, and help Deaf people participate and lead within the church. Its work includes advocacy, community connection, family support, and church accessibility.
The ministry’s resources include a resource directory, ASL learning information, state and national resources, local events, interpreting and captioning services, educational resources, religious resources, mental health resources, articles, books, and videos. It also offers a Shared Reading Program developed by Gallaudet University to help parents and caregivers read with Deaf or hard-of-hearing children using American Sign Language, along with summer events that give Deaf children opportunities for social development and ASL practice.
People can engage with Deaf Streetlight by praying, volunteering, becoming a Deaf mentor, helping with events, giving financially, donating goods or services, sharing personal stories, subscribing to the e-newsletter, or contacting the ministry for resources and support. Donations may be made online or by check mailed to the Cincinnati post office box listed by the organization.
Key Links
- Website: https://deafstreetlight.com/
- About Us: https://deafstreetlight.com/about/
- Resources: https://deafstreetlight.com/resources/
- Resource Directory: https://deafstreetlight.com/resources/resource-links/
- Shared Reading Program: https://deafstreetlight.com/resources/shared-reading-program/
- Summertime Kids Program: https://deafstreetlight.com/resources/summertime-kids-program/
- Events: https://deafstreetlight.com/events/
- Get Involved: https://deafstreetlight.com/get-involved/
- Donate: https://deafstreetlight.com/donate/
- Contact: https://deafstreetlight.com/contact/
Contact Information
- Email: st***@*************ht.com
- Phone: 513-471-2990
- Address: Deaf Streetlight, 5064 Sidney Road, Suite 217, Cincinnati, OH 45238
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 58643, Cincinnati, OH 45258
Socials
Leadership
- Will Dickmann — Director
- Britney Garstka — Community Connections Coordinator & ASL Interpreter
- Danette Berninger — Administrative Assistant
