2025 COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington

Nominated For: COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

The Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington (BIAWW) is a charitable, non-profit organization recognized for its leadership in advocacy, education, connection, and empowerment for individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families. Our mission is to provide support, hope, and practical solutions that improve quality of life for survivors and caregivers in our community.

We are honoured to be nominated for OBIA and PIA Law’s Award of Excellence for Community Brain Injury Association of the Year, recognizing the meaningful difference our programs and partnerships make every day.

BIAWW continues to grow as a leader in community-based brain injury support, reaching over 300 survivors and caregivers each year. Through an innovative blend of peer support groups, wellness workshops, art therapy, technology training, tax clinics, and social enterprise opportunities, we deliver programs that not only respond to immediate needs but also build long-term resilience. With compassion, expertise, and creativity, BIAWW is redefining what community-based brain injury services can achieve.

Lidz on Kidz – Excellence in Prevention
Through our Lidz on Kidz program, BIAWW has distributed more than 6,500 helmets in the past five years, an investment of over $155,000 in preventing brain injuries among children. This initiative shows excellence in community prevention, combining education, safety, and outreach to protect young people and build lifelong awareness about brain health.

Education Programs – Excellence in Awareness
Our curriculum-based brain education program has reached more than 12,000 students in 530 classrooms. In the past school year alone, we presented to 6,300 students in 270 classes. By equipping children with knowledge and strategies to prevent injuries, BIAWW demonstrates excellence in early intervention and community education.

Brain Connect – Excellence in Innovation
Launched in 2020, our Brain Connect program has provided over 240 survivors and seniors with devices, training, and one-on-one support. This innovative program reduces isolation, enhances safety, and ensures access to essential healthcare, legal, and community resources. Brain Connect is recognized as a model of excellence in digital inclusion for survivors of brain injury across Ontario.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Program – Excellence in Advocacy
Established in 2021, our IPV initiative is one of the few in Canada addressing the link between intimate partner violence and brain injury. Reaching over 3,700 first responders, service providers, survivors, and community members, this program demonstrates excellence in advocacy, awareness, and survivor-centered healing. Our custom adaptive IPV Yoga program is a groundbreaking example of trauma-informed, brain-injury–specific wellness.

Brain Makers Social Enterprise – Excellence in Empowerment
Our Brain Makers program empowers survivors to showcase and sell their handcrafted work, from greeting cards and ornaments to ceramics, crochet, and candles. This social enterprise provides both purpose and income, with proceeds funding Camp Dawn bursaries. The program reflects excellence in survivor empowerment, creativity, and community engagement.

Community & Partnerships – Excellence Through Collaboration
The impact of BIAWW would not be possible without the dedication of over 60 volunteers and the generosity of our donors, members, sponsors, and grant partners. Relying entirely on community support, we have built a reputation for delivering programs that are compassionate and innovative. As we look ahead, BIAWW remains committed to expanding our services, championing new ideas, and leading with excellence to strengthen, inspire, and transform the brain injury community in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

biaww.org