About Us

Family Learning Vacation: Our Story

In the summer of 2024, Candace Jones presented a full week of family-centered workshops at Holley Family Village in Brooklyn, Michigan. During that time, meaningful conversations unfolded with staff and families who were deeply moved by the spirit of connection, learning, and joy that families experienced together.

As Candace shared that the Family Learning Vacation (FLV) concept originally stemmed from Gallaudet University, the Holley Family Village team felt inspired to imagine what a similar summer experience could look like for local families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children across Michigan. The idea sparked excitement, possibility, and hope.

That moment planted a seed.

Witnessing the power of families learning, growing, and building community together reignited Candace’s long-held vision: to bring FLV at Gallaudet back to life. Rooted in language access, cultural affirmation, and family empowerment, FLV is more than a program—it is a space where families come together to learn, connect, and thrive.

Together, we continue this journey—honoring the past, inspired by community, and building a future where Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families are fully supported.

Community Partnerships that Brought FLV to Life

FLV was envisioned through collaboration with Gallaudet's Nuestra Casa and the Center for Black Deaf Studies, following an invitation from the Heritage Sign Languages Center under the Office of the Chief Bilingual Officer.

This early partnership centered on uplifting underrepresented Black and Brown families with Deaf and hard of hearing children by prioritizing early language access, cultural identity affirmation, and community-rooted resources. As FLV has grown, the same foundation of equity and belonging now extends outward, welcoming families of all backgrounds and lived experiences. FLV remains grounded in its original purpose while embracing a broader, diverse community of families learning, connecting, and thriving together.