The Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) is a non-profit organization that connects people with information and resources they need to make an educated decision about cochlear implant surgery, and offers guidance and support to recipients. The Foundation does not provide financial assistance for cochlear implant surgery. Through our Hear Again™ campaign, we accept gently used cochlear implant equipment such as cables, processors, batteries and more from individuals who are upgrading equipment. We also partner with members of our Hearing Health Family like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Colorado Institute for Hearing. All equipment received by CIAF is cleaned, processed, and cataloged into our massive database, so when a request comes in, the correct equipment can quickly be found for the individual in need. Cochlear implants are expensive, and an average gift of equipment to a deserving individual costs around $8000. Michelle knew that to help more people hear through CIAF, she needed a consistent means to support the efforts of the Foundation—enter District 23 Boutique. Michelle opened the District 23 flagship store in 2013 on MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois. This visually appealing boutique sells on-trend women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, gifts and more. To keep up with the growth of District 23, the Springfield store moved to The Wardrobe building in 2018.

Michelle Tjelmeland: The “Powerhouse” Behind CIAF

While pregnant with her daughter Ellie, Michelle Tjelmeland became profoundly deaf after struggling with moderate hearing loss most of her life. A few months after giving birth to Ellie, it was discovered that Ellie was also profoundly deaf. About that time cochlear implant technology was just being introduced. Michelle and Ellie both received bi-lateral implants, which has proven to be life-changing, but still carries challenges. In 2005, Michelle founded the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) to help guide families through their cochlear implant journeys.

District 23 & CIAF – 100% Committed to Helping People Hear

A cochlear implant is revolutionary for people who cannot hear, as it is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or hearing-impaired. An implant does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it can give a deaf person a useful representation of sounds in the environment and help him or her understand speech. While this technology gives a new lease on life to many, unfortunately the process for getting a cochlear implant can be extremely complex as well as costly.

The Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) is a charitable organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. District 23 Boutique operates as a for-profit business that proudly supports CIAF through shopping experiences, store events, community engagement, and fundraising efforts that promote awareness, education, and advocacy for cochlear implants.

Together, our goal is to expand access to hearing resources for cochlear implant recipients, provide meaningful support to individuals and families, and help more people experience the gift of sound.