Mary Ann Jividen

Mary Ann Jividen

Mary Ann Jividen is the visionary founder of the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance (EPDA), established in 2017. The idea for EPDA came from a shared recognition of the significant gap in services for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Alongside a dedicated group of co-founders, Mary Ann worked tirelessly to create an organization that would advocate for and support the local Deaf community.

A transplant from Ohio, Mary Ann brought valuable experience to the board, having served on the board of trustees and with other organizations before relocating to the Panhandle region of West Virginia. EPDA’s mission was born out of Mary Ann's deep understanding of the needs of Deaf individuals, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. She and the founding team observed the lack of access to essential services such as medical care, transportation, and communication in the region. With a clear vision in mind, the team decided that EPDA must become a reality.

The organization's official launch on June 1, 2017, marked the beginning of an impactful journey. The original team focused on offering advocacy for Deaf rights, providing a team of volunteers to assist with transportation, and offering vital support to Deaf individuals. They also worked to raise awareness of Deaf culture and community needs, especially in areas like mental health and emergency services.

Although the original team members moved on from the organization, except Kaye Peacock, Mary Ann remained committed to its cause, continuing to lead EPDA through the challenges of building and sustaining the organization. After transitioning from her role as President, Mary Ann is now enjoying her time visiting family, traveling, attending her church, and quilting. Although she has stepped back from day-to-day operations, she remains deeply involved in the mission of EPDA and continues to be a key supporter of the organization's goals.

Mary Ann’s vision laid the foundation for the work EPDA does today, and her impact is evident in the lives of countless individuals who have received support through the organization’s services.