Support groups can provide a sense of community and identity for survivors and caregivers.
In addition to the programs provided by Brain Injury Services for our clients and caregivers, below are groups and programs available in the community. The programs below are not hosted by Brain Injury Services. Please verify the information and/or RSVP by calling or emailing with the provided information.
| 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 and practice speaking and learn new skills — and have fun along the way! 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 BI. This support group is intended to improve our recovery experience through respectful sharing and connective experiences. Contact: Rachelle Price at mawmaw6019@gmail.com |
| The Helping Hands Stroke Club Every Friday 1 – 2 PM | Meeting topics vary and are comprised of open discussions, guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, cooking classes, potlucks, health expos, game days, and creative therapies such as art and music therapy. Meets at the Joseph Willard Speech-Language-Hearing site. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/speech-hearing/services |
| Fredericksburg Stroke Support Group Tuesday, January 3 6:30 – 8 PM | Free monthly support group for stroke survivors and caregivers. Attend in person at the John Fick Conference Center 1301 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA or to attend via Zoom, contact Susan for the virtual link. Meets the first Tuesday of the month. Contact Susan Halprin 540-741-4815 or Susan.halpin@mwhc.com |
| Inova Fairfax Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group Tuesday, January 3 7 – 8:30 PM | Share your story and help others. Learn about reducing the risk for stroke and find community services available to you. Every first Tuesday of the month. Caregivers welcome. Contact: Laura Buhler at 703.776.3030 opt 2 or laura.buhler@inova.org |
| Caregiver Virtual Meeting Wednesday, January 4 6 PM | Brain Injury Association of Virginia is offering caregivers a safe place to receive support and strength and share their experiences with others in the same position. Every first Wednesday of the month. Contact: Debra at debra@biav.net |
| CLiC Care Virtual Support Group Tuesday, January 10 7 – 8:30 PM | CLiC Care is a monthly online support group for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and families. Meets the second Tuesday of the month. Contact Stacey Nichols at stacey@bisswva.org. |
| Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group Thursday, January 17 4 – 5 PM | A support group where you can share your personal experiences, listen to others who have a history of stroke/brain injury and learn new research and information. Every third Thursday of the month. Contact: Hannah Balberde at 703-957-2039 or Hannah.Balberde@Encompasshealth.com |
| Virtual Support Group Tuesday, January 24 6:00 PM | Brain Injury Association of Virginia offers a group for people living 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 the fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact Christine Baggini at christine@biav.net |
Virginia Brain Injury Council
The mission of the Virginia Brain Injury Council is to promote accessible, affordable, and appropriate services for Virginians with disability due to brain injury and their families by advising the lead state agency for brain injury, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) regarding the development and delivery of brain injury services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Brain Injury Council is seeking to fill two vacant positions with individuals who are living with brain injury. The term is for three years. Individuals should carefully review the VBIC Application Companion Document that explains the commitment and some of the responsibilities that come along with Council membership.
Applications are due by Close of Business on January 6, 2023.
If you have comments, questions or concerns, please contact Chris Miller at Christiane.miller@dars.virginia.gov or 804-662-7615
