It can be very hard physically and emotionally to adapt to a brain injury.
Members of the North Okanagan Brain Injusry Society (NOSBIS) know this very well. And, with the help of government funding, the society does the best they can to help rebuild lives for people who have suffered a brain injury.
In order to provide the best services possible, the organization, celebrating its 25th anniversary, requires on community help in raising much-needed funds.
As they have for the past three years, NOSBIS is planning to host the fourth annual “Brain Matters” Art Sale and Silent Auction to be held in August.
In order to continue to enhance the quality of life for clients and their families, NOSBIS is again counting again on the talent and generosity of area artists and artisans.
“Donations of artwork, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, stained glass, fibre art, gift certificates for lessons, or any other item, would be gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated,” says society president Carlene Duczek.
NOSBIS currently supports 40 people with brain injuries on a monthly basis, along with prospective clients and their families.
There are currently 150 clients in total.
“We have support workers who teach life skills – how to help those with brain injuries regain their independence, how to communicate verbally, banking, keeping a house in order, managing business affairs,” says Duczek, noting staff also help clients with paperwork of any kind – whatever a person can no longer do.
Physical movement and socializing opportunities are also provided – yoga classes promote mobility for clients, even if they are in a wheelchair or walker. NOSBIS finds a way to make it work for each individual.
Art journaling classes and meditative colouring reveal amazing creativity says Duczek, pointing out one piece created by an “extremely talented client” will be available in the upcoming art auction.
There are walking groups that allow people to talk while they walk, often encouraging a lot of dialogue, Duczek says.
“Once a month we have a support group with speakers who inspire or motivate them,” she adds. “Support workers then talk about the speaker and what they were sharing and how that can apply to the lives of brain injured people.”
Understanding that a brain injury usually turns the whole family’s life upside down, NOSBIS provides support to caregivers.
“And our case manager ensures each client is provided with the highest quality of care – tailor-made for each one,” Duczek says.
All of this takes more money than NOSBIS receives from the government.
“We are obliged to raise a certain percentage to continue to provide the services and programs our clients have come to rely on,” says Duczek.
The “Brain Matters” Art Sale and Silent Auction, the biggest fundraiser of the year, will be held at the Mall at Piccadilly from Aug. 9 to 14.
Anyone who would like to donate an artwork, may visit the NOSBIS office at 364B Ross Street weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.