Resources
Did you know?
Every 23 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as the invisible or hidden injury. It is estimated that 90 percent of TBIs are mild and often go under or misdiagnosed. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 5.3 million Americans have a need for long-term assistance to help them lead normal lives after their initial treatment has come to an end. Over 65,000 Georgians’ lives are significantly affected as a result of TBI.
That is where Side by Side (SbSC) Brain Injury Clubhouse comes in. The organization has assisted its members in reaching their goals since 2000, whether those goals included returning to work, improved self-esteem or the simple ability to perform daily tasks. SbSC embraces all who have been affected by acquired brain injury (ABI) including survivors of stroke, tumors and other brain related illnesses.
Side by Side is a founding member of the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance.
Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
If your brain injury happened from trauma, like in a car accident, fall, or assault, you may qualify for funds from the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund. You can use these funds to pay your membership fee or for other needs. www.gatrustfund.org.
Brain Injury Association of America
Promotes awareness, understanding and prevention of brain injury through education, advocacy, research grants and community support services. www.biausa.org. The Georgia Chapter is www.braininjurygeorgia.org
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
To serve active duty military, their dependents and veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) through medical care, clinical research and educational programs. www.dvbic.org
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
Rehabilitation Services operates five integrated and interdependent programs that share a primary goal – to help people with disabilities become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. www.vocrehabga.org
Medicaid Waiver – Georgia Medicaid
Waiver programs help people who are elderly or have disability and need help to live in their home or community instead of an institution such as a nursing home or ICF-MR. Each program offers several services, including Long-Term Care and Independent Care Waivers. dch.georgia.gov
Testimonials
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Today I am going to try and share the Clubhouse’s excitement about our fundraising hoops battle on March 16 2013 less than a week after my Birthday. If you’re wondering what you should get me let it be known I will gladly accept cash and donations to my Side by Side Clubhouse to fund the day to day operations of my favorite place in the world where I enjoy working in the business unit a couple of days a week. While I’m in my Blog I feel it necessary to remember my good friend Mike McCord who was the first man that I spoke to at Emory after awaking from my coma and then I followed him up here to Side by Side. My man Mike and I got along so well because like me he was a Dawg fan but now he works in the private rehab world with individuals who are sure of returning to the work force. Sitting here talking about him is only making me miss him that much more. Frank F.
Fundraising Hoops Battle and Frank’s Shout Out to Mike McCord -
Well, my drivers evaluation out to Side By Side, from Spring Creek House, is less than 24 hours away! I’ve been preparing for this since the winter of 2012, and I feel that all of the hard work will definitely pay off! I’ve been plotting the route out on my phone, driving out here every night this week with my father, and writing down the route, on paper, every day this! I feel like this “homework” will benefit me greatly! I am very proud of myself for doing all of the “legwork”, needed in order to drive, independently, outside my allowed radius of 3 miles. I am also very thankful of my father for putting his life, in Northern VA on hold, to come down here and help me with this! It is very re-assuring to know that he is there to support me in my endeavors! Tomorrow’s result could turn out to be a huge accomplishment for me! We’ll see how it goes.. Shep
Inch by Inch, Mile by Mile- The Long Road to Recovery -
Side by Side Clubhouse has been an invaluable resource for our research on usability and accessibility of wireless technology by people recovering from brain injury. The staff and members have provided critical feedback and insights on existing technologies and proposed new solutions. The data and insights we gather at Side by Side Clubhouse is used to inform designers and developers of wireless technology about the needs and wants of people living with the effects of brain injury.
John Morris, Ph.D. Research Scientist Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) Shepherd Center
John Morris, Research Scientist, thanks members for critical feedback and insight -
Our Stone Mountain Woman’s Club began our relationship with Side by Side when the Clubhouse moved to Stone Mountain Village several years ago. We recently held our 6th Annual Christmas Brunch honoring the SxS members and staff, an event during which we celebrate the season with food, fellowship, and singing. We are moved by the stories of the members whose lives have been forever changed by brain injury, the hope and resilience they demonstrate, and the compassion and professionalism of the wonderful staff there. Volunteering with Side by Side always provides us more blessings than those we are able to impart.
Terry Ingwersen
Terry Ingwersen, Side by Side volunteer extraordinaire -
Upon reading an article about my traumatic brain injury, in the Shepherd Spinal Column magazine, I felt it very relieving to be past that fateful, tragic day back in mid-June, 2010. While reading about this experience tends to take me back, in a small way, to that fateful day that would come to change my life forever, it’s very comforting to know that it has changed my life for the better. Having spent a good portion of 2012 recovering down here in Atlanta, GA at Shepherd Pathways, my therapists and case managers have shown me that there is, indeed, a life after brain injury waiting to be explored. It has shown me that the old saying, “it’s not so much about what happens to you in life, as it’s all about how you deal with it,” is indeed a valid statement. I believe that that is what shapes us into being human.
-Chris
Chris Responds to his Article -
One of the things I enjoy most about the Clubhouse is the generosity of our members. I tell new volunteers that our members will share moving stories of survival and triumph with them and some of them even travel around the city with Cindi talking to groups about their experiences. Others are generous in giving their time to volunteer at various volunteer activities which can be adapted to use their talents. Debbie helps with publications at her church and Greg and Gary sing in the men’s choirs at their churches. Cynthia volunteers as a receptionist at a charity and Colleen serves meals at an older folks home.
The most generosity, however, can be seen in the way members help each other with their jobs during the work ordered day and with meeting their goals. Not too long ago Chris, our resident folk artist, got enough paint and canvas to start painting at home. This made a big difference in his life because he needed that creative way to express himself and he needed to spend more of his time in active, healthy ways. One thing missing was an easel. He had already gotten in trouble with his landlady for getting paint on the bead spread in his room. The very next week after this dilemma presented itself Marc appeared at the Clubhouse with 5 easels. He donated one for Chris to use at home and the others to be used here. Marc is a wood worker as is his grandfather. When he got home from his day at Side by Side he had designed a simple easel in his head and he and his grandfather found some discount wood to make it a reality.
Members with a brain injury don’t necessarily have a lot of resources but everyone has skills, and talents. Being able to provide something that another member might need whether it is help on the computer or a word of encouragement, makes life more satisfying and really fulfills the spirit of our name – Side by Side.
Virginia
Generosity -
Memorias de mi vida
Me llamo Manuel. Tuve un accidente de trabajo y estuve diez dias en coma. Ingrese a Shepherd Center y despues a Shepherd Pathways y de ultimo estoy en Side By Side donde e aprendido algunas cosas y ya me he recuperado muhco de mis lesions. Entre las cosas que me gustan esta sembrar flores y algunas verduras. Me gusta dedicarles tiempo a las plantas en espesial a las flores
My name is Manuel. I had an accident at work and I was in the hospital for 10 days in a coma. I then went to Shepherd Center and then to Shepherd Pathways. Ultimately I came to Side by Side where I have learned a few things and I have learned a lot of my lessons. Among the things that I like is planting flowers and some vegetables. I like to dedicate time to plants, especially flowers.
Memories of My Life -
Treat us like normal people! Don’t poke us. Don’t make fun of us. Try not to critique us. Don’t play loud and/or obnoxious music. Don’t run and scream. Try to be understanding. Let us live how we live.
Erin
Tips for Treating People with Brain Injury -
Just had to send you a note for sending Colleen our way. We have never had anybody as conscientious and dedicated to her work as Colleen. She is always on time and goes out of her way to accommodate others in the Office. Thanks for sending Colleen and the wonderful work done at Side By Side.
Candler Broom, CEO, Austin Brown Inc. -
The Clubhouse is a treasured and unusual resource. It provides experiences that I, as a professional, cannot. Working as part of a community, a person learns to value others, to value him or herself. The Clubhouse provides a safe and respectful space in which patients become people again.
Dr. M. Rusin, psychologist serving brain injured clients
