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Volunteer

Join BIS in empowering Virginians impacted by brain injury. Through structured programs, BIS volunteers develop enriching friendships with survivors of brain injury. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the growth of BIS programs through event support, advocacy, fundraising, and outreach.

Providing a Link for Survivors

PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) is a one-to-one friendship program for survivors of brain injury. The program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. The volunteer commitment is at least one year. PALS see one another one-on-one at least once a month (community outings, at each other’s homes, etc.), attend group activities at least once a year, and communicate weekly by phone, email, or text.

Person-Centered Program

The PC (Person-Centered) program provides an opportunity for volunteers to build friendships with BIS clients through goal-oriented activities. BIS helps clients to identify a goal that may be reached within a six-month period of time. Volunteers then meet with clients every week or every other week depending on the goal. Goals could include gardening, cooking, exercise, or any activity that has been difficult for the client due to their brain injury. Friendship and connection are established through the shared experience of working toward reaching the goal.

AmBISsadors

BIS AmBISsadors are volunteers who share their time, enthusiasm, and expertise to support our organization in these areas:

  • Administrative support
  • Advocacy
  • Fundraising
  • Guest Speaking
  • Intern with Brain Injury Services
  • Outreach
  • Special Events
  • Volunteer at the ADAPT Clubhouse

Speaker's Bureau

The mission of the Brain Injury Services Speaker’s Bureau is to educate and inspire audiences through sharing survivor stories. The program provides an opportunity for BIS clients who are eligible to experience the cathartic experience of developing their story in order to help others. The group collectively helps to edit and provide feedback on stories and participates in presentations throughout the DC metro area. The bureau partners with local universities to speak to students who will be future practitioners in the field of clinical psychology, neurology, social work and nursing. Additionally, the group presents to rehab facilities, advocacy groups, support groups and many more. For more information on the speaker’s bureau, please contact Michelle Thyen at mthyen@braininjurysvcs.org or 703-451-8881.

If you have another area of interest or expertise and want to volunteer to serve our community, we welcome your ideas.

All volunteers must go through the BIS volunteer application process. A completed application, interview, background check, confidentiality contract, and training are all mandatory.