Services

Decades Of Support For Brain Injury

Stories Services Decades Of Support For Brain Injury

In 1999, Communitas expanded its services to support people who live with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Drop-In Centres were created in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, creating social and recreational opportunities in each community.

Esther (far left) celebrates with supporters of the ABI Walk-a-thon in 2018

Esther Trembley has managed the ABI Drop-In in Chilliwack since it opened in January, 2000. She has found this work to be extremely rewarding.

“I love being able to support people as they rediscover their potential,” Esther says. “I have met extraordinary people during the course of my career.”

Kathy Penner (kneeling) enjoyed the opportunities she had to connect with people

Kathy Penner managed the ABI Drop-In in Abbotsford in its early years and says it was one of her favourite jobs.

“The people we served were just so willing to tell you their stories,” she remembers. “They knew this was a safe place for them to be themselves.”

Having that safe place is vital to the well-being of people living with ABI. A person’s life can change significantly depending on the degree of their injury. For some, it has physical implications and they have to learn to do the most basic functions all over again – like walk or talk, or feed themselves. Others may not have these physical challenges but have been impacted cognitively and are unable to do things they were always able to do before their injury happened. Often, people feel isolated and lonely because their lives have been impacted so deeply. ABI Drop-In groups make a difference because everyone who attends understands what the others have experienced.

Francis is a published author and says the ABI Drop-Ins have been important in her progress

Frances’ brain injury came as a result of a car accident. The resulting concussion drastically altered her life, impacting her career as a writer and speaker, as well as her relationships with family and friends. A friend introduced her to the ABI Drop-In group in Abbotsford. For Francis, the group has been a way for her to stay connected and engaged, something she says is essential to her progress.

“It’s important for people to know that in order to heal, we need a positive environment,” Francis says. “Having these connections has been fantastic and I’ve made some great friends.”

Jason with a recent painting of his

Jason agrees. He lives with mental health challenges and an acquired brain injury. He says that through Communitas, he’s found the support he’s needed to grow. He has attended art classes at the Chilliwack ABI Drop-In for years and recently began teaching them. The classes have been a way for him to develop both his skills and his confidence.

“The fact that I am here and realize that I am more than my struggles, that didn’t happen until I came to Communitas,” Jason says.

Sheral (right) manages the ABI Drop-In in Abbotsford, where Judy is a participant

Sheral Jones manages the Abbotsford ABI Drop-In today. What strikes her most about the people she serves is their resilience, especially because their experience could be anyone’s.

“It’s important to remember that this isn’t something they were born with, it’s an acquired brain injury,” Sheral says. “Most of the people I serve remember their lives before their injury and they have to grieve a loss. And then they adapt! They are just amazing people.”