Funding

Membership Fees

The mission of Side by Side Clubhouse is to provide a bridge of support for the transition of a person with a brain injury from medical patient to contributing community member. After a brain injury, many people are unable to earn money for living expenses or assistance they may need. The instant financial effect is often devastating, yet the need to be valued and accepted, to be independent, self sufficient, employed or to simply enjoy contributing to a common cause remains.

Side by Side Clubhouse is a low cost answer to these needs. Since the clubhouse is a non-profit corporation, it doesn’t “make money.” Side by Side does not make or sell any goods; it simply provides a service to its members. Membership fees pay the cost associated with maintaining the clubhouse. These fees cover the cost of operation such as rent, equipment, supplies, and salaries. Side by Side strives to provide every opportunity for people with brain injuries to participate in the clubhouse by offering several options for membership fees.

If you are using the Clubhouse as a stepping-stone to employment, there may be outside resources to pay your fee. Health insurance policies do not fund clubhouse memberships because no medical services or therapies are provided. Neither Medicaid nor Medicare fund this program, however, Side by Side fees may be paid by the Independent Care Waiver Program of Medicaid. If your injury was caused by blunt trauma to your head, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund. Ask for more information on these options.

If you are not eligible for outside funding of clubhouse fees, you may qualify for a discounted daily fee. Discounts are based on the following:

• Availability of donated scholarship funds
• Household size and income
• Level of assistance needed
• Available space in the desired work units

If your brain injury was caused by a blow to the head (traumatic brain injury), such as in a car accident, fall or assault, you may qualify for scholarship assistance from the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund.

Contributions

Side by Side relies on contributions from individuals, and foundations to address the unmet needs of people living with brain injuries.

Contributions are used to provide services to those members who do not qualify for outside payer sources such as Vocational Rehabilitation or Worker’s Compensation, and rely on affordable sliding scale payment plans. These members attend for the primary purpose of socializing with others, working together to make a difference and to give caregivers a break.

Contributions are also used to provide employment services to those members with a desire to work in their communities. Some members have attained their goal of employment and rely on Side by Side for support to maintain their job and independence in the community.