Brief History
In-school screenings revealed that the founder of half Helen, Chelsea Elliott, was blind in her left eye and deaf in her right ear. As a kid, Chelsea learned about Helen Keller and surmised that since she was half-blind and half-deaf, she was “half Helen!”
After graduating from St. Edward’s University in 2013, Chelsea founded half Helen, a nonprofit organization that exists to improve children’s vision and hearing through innovative screenings, research, and advocacy. In doing so, she hopes to prevent other children from winding up “half Helens”.
In the News
CBS Austin: July Community Partner: half Helen transforming vision care for Texans
The Maui News: Screening device will help Lions detect eyesight issues
CNN Hero: Helping school-age children ‘see’ their future
Lions Club International Magazine Article, “Half Helen, Whole Heart”
St. Edward’s University Magazine Article, “Setting Her Sights”
KEYE TV: Austin woman making sure other kids never have to face what she did
Austin American Statesman – What Caused All The Excitement At Austin Nonprofit Pitch Fest?
Videos
Awards
CNN Hero: In 2015, Chelsea was recognized as a CNN Hero. The CNN Heroes program honors individuals who make extraordinary contributions to improve the lives of others.
Community Woman of the Year: In 2016, Texas Women in Business recognized Chelsea as Community Woman of the Year.
ChangeMaker: In 2017, the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce recognized Chelsea as a ChangeMaker.
Heroes for Children: In 2017, Texas State Board of Education recognized Chelsea for her vision and hearing program serving Austin and San Antonio
Philanthropitch 2018: Record award for $64,100 for hH to scale C-MORE software, reducing time spent on the health screening process by 50%.
Impact Austin 2019 Health & Wellness Community Partner: hH was awarded $100,000 to launch a portable optometry clinic.