Support groups can give survivors and caregivers a sense of community and identity.
In addition to the programs provided by Brain Injury Services for our clients and caregivers, below are groups and programs available in the community. Brain Injury Services does not host the programs below. Please verify the information and/or RSVP by calling or emailing with the provided information.
Trauma Survivor Network Trauma Patient Support Group
Thursday, December 7, 6 – 7:30 PM
This monthly support group for trauma survivors offers support, coping skills, and education. Meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month and is hosted by VHC Health. Contact: Courtney Caton at ccaton@vhchealth.org
Front Royal Stroke Support Group
Monday, December 4, 4:30 – 6 PM
Meetings are on the first Monday of the month in the Front Royal, VA area. Locations will be determined based on activity.
Contact: Juhi Vora, CCC-SLP, at 812-369-9180 or jvora@valleyhealthlink.com
Fredericksburg Stroke Support Group
Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 – 8 PM
Virtual or in-person, the John Fick Conference Center, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg
Free monthly support group for stroke survivors and caregivers. Meets the first Tuesday of the month.
Contact Susan Halprin at 540-741-4815 or Susan.halpin@mwhc.com
Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, December 6, 6 PM
BIAV offers caregivers a safe place to receive support and strength and share their experiences with others. Meets on the first Wednesday of the month.
Contact: Debra at debra@biav.net
Inova Fairfax Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group
Tuesday, December 8, 7 – 8:30 PM
Share your story and help others. Learn about reducing the risk for stroke and find community services available to you. Meets on the first Tuesday of the month.
Contact: Katy Brown at 703-776-3715 or Katherine.brown2@inova.org
CLiC Care: Holiday Mindfulness with Nenden Stillman-Runyan, LCSW
Tuesday, December 12, 7 – 8:30 PM
A free online support group for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and loved ones across the state of Virginia. Meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
Contact: Stacey Nichols at stacey@bisolutions.org
VHC Health Stroke Survivor’s Group
Wednesday, December 13, 5:30 – 7 PM
1701 N. George Mason Dr, Arlington — Attend in-person or virtually.
Our group provides friendship, education, and information on resources. Meets on the second Wednesday of every month.
Contact: strokesurvivors@vhchealth.org
Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group
Thursday, December 21, 4 – 5 PM
An in-person AND virtual support group to share personal experiences, listen to others with a stroke/brain injury history, and learn about new research and information. Meets on the third Thursday of every month.
Contact Hannah Balberde at Hannah.Balberde@Encompasshealth.com
Virtual Support Group
Tuesday, December 26, 6 PM
BIAV offers a group for people with brain injury, their families, and friends. The group is a safe place to explore the challenges of brain injury and exchange ideas and information with others who really “get it.” Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Contact Christine Baggini at christine@biav.net
CLiC Forward – A Matter of Balance
Mondays, January 8 – March 4, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
This national program is free and online and centers around fall education, learning how to recognize and prevent fall risks, and seated balance exercises. This program is for adult BI survivors, caregivers, adults over 60, or persons with disabilities.
Register by December 11: https://forms.office.com/r/gKJxQy99DQ
Contact: Stacey Nichols at stacey@bisolutions.org
OrderAhead: Fredericksburg Area
OrderAhead is a fast, private, and easy way to order free groceries online.
https://www.orderahead.org/ and click the blue [Get Started] button in the lower left corner.
Speaking on Purpose
First and Third Wednesday, 12 PM
Many people join Toastmasters to become better speakers. Speaking on Purpose is a supportive online community for those with physical and neurological impairments, such as brain injury, to come together, practice speaking, learn new skills, and have fun!
https://sop.toastmastersclubs.org/
Living With Brain Injury Support Group
Every Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM
The Living with Brain Injury group is a unique and supportive community of individuals recovering from brain injury. This support group is intended to improve our recovery experience through respectful sharing and connective experiences.
Contact: Kristen Galles at kgalles@comcast.net
The Helping Hands Stroke Club
Every Friday, 1 – 2 PM
Meeting topics vary and include open discussions, guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, cooking classes, potlucks, health expos, game days, and creative therapies such as art and music therapy.
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/speech-hearing/services
Music Therapy Support Group for Caregivers and Care Partners
Anderson Music Therapy is hosting a monthly music therapy support group for caregivers and care partners of individuals.
Contact Rachel Lofton at Rachel@amusictherapy.com or 540-384-1788.
LoveYourBrain’s Online Caregiver Retreat
Meet weekly on Zoom | January 30th – March 5th, 2024 | 3-5pm ET
LYB’s Online Caregiver Retreat provides you with new tools, resources, and the community needed to sustain – and thrive – in your role because your compassion and support are invaluable. https://www.loveyourbrain.com/caregiver-retreat
Research Opportunity: The program below is not hosted by Brain Injury Services.
Research Area: Resiliency after TBI
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tamara Bushnik
Understanding Resiliency in individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Contact: Amanda Gahlot at 814-449-5436 or Amanda.gahlot@nyu.edu
