Press Kit
Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse in Stone Mountain, Georgia, is a place where people living with the lifelong effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are respected and valued as contributing community members.
Each year an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury in the US. This is only the number reported; we know many more happen. Brain injuries have recently received media attention with increasing numbers of athletes suffering concussions, however, other causes such as accidents, falls, strokes and aneurysms also cause brain injuries.
The number of people surviving and living with brain injury is increasing, and TBI is a leading injury our military service members incur. In fact, more brain injuries occur every year than diagnoses of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, HW/AIDS and breast cancer combined!
Most people who suffer a brain injury have no place to go after their medical care and rehabilitation ends at facilities such as Shepherd Center and Emory. As a result, many languish and never reach their full potential or feel a part of their communities anymore.
Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 with the assistance of Shepherd Center and Emory Healthcare that strives to meet this need. As the next leg of the journey after medical treatments end and a new way of life begins, Side by Side’s day program provides people disabled by brain injury a place to:
- Belong and participate
- Develop meaningful relationships
- Find rewarding work
- Return for ongoing support
Our rehabilitation focuses on the abilities, strengths and volunteer efforts of members who work side by side with staff to manage all operations of the Clubhouse. In this supportive environment, members once again learn to contribute in meaningful ways that carry over to work, home and community.
Testimonials
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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 -
As regards staff and volunteers the Clubhouse offers a terrific opportunity for meaningful service to our fellow man. Families and society are well served when a member who was providing meaningful contributions to his family before his accident or set-back is re-empowered and regains his self worth.
Irvine, Clubhouse volunteer -
The Clubhouse produces winners on all sides. Those who provide service and those who receive service benefit from the Clubhouse. It provides a positive environment where every member is treated as an individual and where the member is invested in the therapy offered to get that member sufficiently functional for him to re-enter society as a functioning individual.
Irvine, Clubhouse volunteer -
Side By Side means so much to me and my family. As the wife of a member, I am so thankful for the role Side By Side plays in my husband’s continued growing and adapting to life with a brain injury. As a volunteer, my family is rewarded ten fold every time we do something for the clubhouse in smiles alone!
Laurie, wife of Clubhouse member -
Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse is a true gem within the field of rehabilitation and community support for adults with traumatic or acquired brain injury. Side by Side helps members regain their sense of self and move forward to become productive and contributing members of society, with the support, love and care of the other members, staff and volunteers, family members, and even the community.
Dr. D. Berens, rehabilitation consultant -
The Clubhouse has been a wonderful place for her to re-learn socialization skills that were lost due to her traumatic brain injury. The Clubhouse has been a lifesaver for my daughter.
Mother of a Clubhouse member -
My husband began attending Side by Side 1½ years ago, and after a long nine year journey with brain injury, Side by Side was a breath of fresh air. When he is helped, it benefits our whole family.
Wife of a Clubhouse member -
I found a place where I can belong. It means a lot to me to have friends, comrades who have been through similar experiences.
Richie, Clubhouse member -
The members and staff are steadfast support to me and I feel great on a day when I have accomplished my goals.
Frank, Clubhouse member
