Programs for Survivors
Support, Inspiration and Socialization
Survivors often feel isolated because of their physical limitations and can feel awkward in social environments. We provide a safe, supportive atmosphere where survivors and their loved ones can share their stories and build a network of friends. We ask our visitors to uphold a code of conduct that calls for the respect and safety of all who are present.
Speech, Cognitive & Memory Groups
Since our opening in 2015, we have welcomed graduate students from the University of Toledo Speech and Language Pathology department to lead group activities under the guidance of the clinical coordinator. This allows survivors to have access to strategic rehabilitative therapies that may assist them with navigating the difficult road to brain injury recovery. The group currently meets twice weekly with occasional breaks for holidays, summer break and other events.
Nutritional Support
We believe that feeding the body to nourish the brain is a key component to ongoing recovery and quality of life. Many brain injury survivors struggle with taste, smell, portion size and the textures of different types of food. In 2019 we added a kitchen designed to assist survivors, no matter what mobility issues they may have, how to become more independent in the home. We also have therapists available to help survivors learn to become more comfortable in the kitchen and learn to plan meals, shop for their food and prepare a meal. Proper hydration is also an integral part of brain injury recovery. We provide educational materials to teach both survivors and caregivers the importance of proper hydration and brain health. We have found that time in the kitchen also helps to redevelop social skills and reduce anxiety while working in a group setting.
Occupational Therapy groups
Our occupational therapist provides structured group activities in many areas including meal planning, proper social interaction, strategies to overcome specific neuro-cognitive deficits, crafts and games.
Transitioning Back to Work Stations
We have added three new transition to work stations to help survivors gain confidence and learn new skills that may assist them as they recover and strive to return to the workforce.
Education
The center was designed to be an educational facility that would support brain injury survivors, caregiver’ and healthcare professionals. We provide information to take individuals from the time of injury through reintegration into the community. We also offer continuing education programming for healthcare professionals and mental health professionals to learn more about brain injuries and neuro-cognitive deficits.