Recipient of the 2024 COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Brain Injury Association of Niagara

Brain Injury Association of Niagara

Nominated For: COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Thank you OBIA and PIA Law. We are honoured to be nominated for an Award of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation in the Community Brain Injury Association of the Year category for the fourth consecutive year. Congratulations to all that have been nominated!

The Brain Injury Association of Niagara (BIAN) was established in 1986 by families impacted by acquired brain injury (ABI). Today, our registered non-profit organization exists with a mission to maximize the quality of life for individuals in the Niagara region who are living with the effects of ABI through support, advocacy, awareness, and education. BIAN takes pride in being a Member-driven organization, where individuals with lived experience are always included in our organizational decisions.

BIAN provides a range of services, including free educational workshops and a?ordable access to social, community, and peer-oriented activities. The Oasis Clubhouse acts as a communal space for people living with brain injury. It’s a place where people get together to share their ideas, skills, and interests. It fosters a proactive environment where Members can broaden their horizons, build friendships, and reach their potential. Among the Clubhouse’s programs are activities like Meal Preparation, Art Therapy, Neurological Music Therapy, and Horticulture. BIAN facilitates peer support through monthly Brain Injury Support Groups and involvement in OBIA’s Peer Support Program. Additionally, BIAN conducts monthly educational workshops led by service professionals in brain injury rehabilitation.

Through successful grant acquisitions, we have enhanced our presence in the Niagara region, amplifying awareness of brain injury within various community service organizations. Throughout the year, BIAN attended local businesses and fairs with Members with lived experience to provide resources to the general public. We are very proud of the work we have done collaborating with local brain injury service providers and building new partnerships. Our objective has been to collaborate with our partners to enhance assistance for individuals a?ected by brain injuries. Out of our partnership with Brain Injury Community Re-Entry, we hosted a free community event during Brain Injury Awareness Month. BIAM Event in the Park brought together over 10 community booths, live music by Melody Minds and an adaptive Tai Chi demonstration by Experience Physical Activity.

Without core funding, BIAN relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and proceeds from fundraising events. We extend our gratitude to all who support our cause.

Stay updated by following us on social media @bianiagara or visiting our website at www.bianiagara.org.

17 Comments
  • Christine Baillie says:

    BIAN has a member driven newsletter produced bi monthly. They have committee meetings to organize and create articles that provides a “voice” from brain injury survivors. Its’ content highlights survivors stories, activities at the clubhouse, The Brainy Traveller, games and information regarding brain injuries.
    As the editor and creator of this amazing newsletter, our committee provides excellent insights on the topic. We are celebrating our 2nd anniversary in October and looking forward to our year end review issue!
    Thank you BIAN board and members for your ongoing encouragement and support!

    • Brooke Hamilton says:

      Your work at BIAN is never ending, ever appreciated and hugely important Christine! Thank you for everything that you do to continue to support, advocate, educate and thrust BIAN forward!

  • Colleen Boyce says:

    Well done BIAN on another successful year and this nomination. You do such incredible work for clients and families, supporting your members and the professionals.

  • Eden Dales says:

    Congrats to BIAN on this nomination. I became aware of the excellent work done by BIAN this year, and learned of their unique programs for clients with ABI. I was impressed with the leadership, the personal touch by leaders (Melissa, Jennifer, Katie) reaching out to donors directly, and the transparency of this organization. Transparency and relationships are extremely important in this very delicate line of work -so well done and keep it up!! Best of luck to you all.

  • Marie Pickles says:

    Excellent program – my son is involved in one of the programs and he wouldn’t miss a scheduled day – It is important for routine and positive stimulation.
    Thank you

    • Brooke Hamilton says:

      Thank you for your kind words Marie, it’s so wonderful to hear the benefit your son finds BIAN brings to his life. We are fortunate to have him in the BIAN community!

  • Nicole Galeotalanza says:

    Congratulations on your nomination! Best of luck!

  • Biplob Mazumder says:

    Great job done by OBIA

  • Katie Schinkel says:

    As Past President of BIAN, and a Board member x 8 years, I have witnessed the incredible work BIAN has done over the years to support individuals living with brain injury in Niagara! The advocacy, community outreach, collaboration with other brain injury organizations is incredible and the staff, Board and volunteers are so dedicated to helping members thrive in their community, at home and at the Oasis Clubhouse. Congrats BIAN on your nomination!

  • Andrew Henkenhaf says:

    I have been a volunteer for BIAN for a few years and have witnessed the outstanding advocacy and hard work the Board and Staff put into each community and fundraising event, to raise much needed funds for our brain injury survivors in Niagara. They also provide education about brain injury at events and are recruiting new members from all ages. This is a very much deserved award for BIAN, as one of the grassroots organizations in the Province.

  • Wally Jaroslawski says:

    Katie is very passionate about Volunteering her time along with her Better Half ? with BIAN Brain Injury Association Niagara. She actually recruited myself to assist with running BIANs inaugural Event to assist with Brain Injury Victims. Katie after being President of BIAN for 8 years stepped down 2 years ago yet has been a Volunteer for BIAN and attends meetings religiously.

    I must say after volunteering for 40 years myself, it is quite refreshing to see someone with this passion Katie has for the betterment of people.

  • Rebecca Gabriele says:

    I love BIAN. Tamara is a wonderful contributor to our community. I I have a Traumatic Brain Injury, and this community has become a part of my daily and weekly routine. Without their support I wouldn’t know where I’d be. I recommend them always.

    • Brooke Hamilton says:

      Your words are so kind Rebecca, thank you and we will ensure Tamara receives this glowing feedback! You make the BIAN community brighter!

  • gary schinkel says:

    I have participated in a few fundraising events for BIAN and I have been impressed with how much volunteer commitment there is among their staff. Congratulations on your nomination.

  • Marek Siekanowicz says:

    Congratulations on your nomination!

  • Brooke Hamilton says:

    BIAN is an incredible organization that I am proud to be a part of as a volunteer. The years of service that have gone into building safe spaces, places of connection, service navigation and a collaborative spirit with a peer to peer initiative driven by members is inspiring. BIAN is more than just an association or a resource, it’s a community driven by the people that access it and expanded by the power of the members and their ideas and initiatives.

  • Aaron Palmer says:

    Congratulations on this well deserved nomination. Your work is incredibly important in supporting and advocating for the brain injury community.

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