Brain Injury Association Quinte District (BIAQD)

Nominated for:

COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

The Brain Injury Association Quinte District (BIAQD) was founded in 1992 by Carole Vincent because she discovered a need for support in the community after her son, Randy Vincent, was injured in a motor vehicle accident. It was initially named the Head Injury Association – Belleville District. The Association was incorporated in 1995, and the mission statement was established. The mission statement says “The Brain Injury Association Quinte District is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with acquired brain injury, their families, and their communities by promoting awareness through education, information, and outreach services.” The name was changed from Head Injury Association to Brain Injury Association Quinte District in 1997. The incorporation was finally complete on January 28, 2002.

The Brain Injury Association Quinte District signed an affiliation with the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in 2005, and has maintained affiliation since that time. At that time, BIAQD became involved in the Peer Support Program, where people with lived experience and their caregivers are matched with others to share experiences and provide support in a safe, anonymous environment.

We also have an affiliation with the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward which began in January 1998. United Way funded staff development, and office space. Then, they funded rehabilitation programs such as art programs, youth programs, recreation programs and conferences. United Way also provides workshops on governance and management, and donates gifts for the children at our holiday party, and provides some healthy snacks for our programs.

We run 10 weekly programs. Our programs are facilitated by individuals with knowledge and experience in working with people with ABI. All of our programs are aimed at rehabilitation, and recovery, by focusing on community inclusion, developing social skills, exploring their creative side, and learning new skills. We provide a safe space where the members of our community with ABI can participate in programs at their own pace, and their own capacity. Our members have also started an online Market Place store. They create wonderful items such as crafts, quilts, wooden items, jewelry, cards and more. All of their items are for sale, and the money earned from the sales goes back into the program.

The Association has survived for 27 years on fundraising efforts, and the support of the community. We have no government funding or supports. We pride ourselves on offering free supports and services to all members of our community that are living with the effects of Acquired Brain Injury, and we could not make this happen without the generous ongoing support of our friends in the community; professionals, companies, and individuals for this Association.

For more information, please visit www.biaqd.ca