HansonHouse Clubhouse is a supportive network of members and volunteers who participate in social, recreational and work-oriented programs for the purpose of using and developing practical and functional living skills. "Serving those living with the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury"
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are over 200,000 ADULTS in Ohio living with substantial long-term disability due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), with over 50,000 (or 1/4th) estimated in the Greater Cleveland Area alone! Because no community-based services existed, HansonHouse was founded to help adult survivors of TBI "get on with their lives
after Brain Injury Rehab. HansonHouse is the FIRST Brain Injury Clubhouse in Ohio. Today, it serves persons primarily from the various counties in the Greater Cleveland-Akron Metropolitan Area. HansonHouse is a non-medical, community based, grassroots organization that offers social, recreational, educational, and occupational programming. Our members enjoy making friends with other survivors, being a part of a support group (see website), practicing employment opportunities, annual summer and holiday events, a golfing league, prevention education, and personal, community, Veterans, and legislative advocacy. We are a non-profit organization and is funded solely by private donations, fundraisers, and small grants. HansonHouse TBI Clubhouse was started by 2 people that recognized the need of services for adult survivors of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In 1999, informal “coffee talks” began around the community, and attendance flourished. It was soon realized that more extensive services and a formally chartered organization were needed. Our mission became focused: to work for the benefit of Traumatic Brain Injury survivors once they had completed medical treatment and were back in their own homes and communities—but facing the challenges of a sudden disabling injury and limited resources to cope . A part of this involves the impact on the families and children involved in these households. At the present time we reach approximately 200+ people in Northern Ohio, with some kind of service, while intensively engaging a smaller group with weekly services in the Berea area. HansonHouse Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse Mission Statement
To empower people with traumatic brain injuries to enhance:
· Self-determination
· Personal growth
· Independence and Productivity
· Community Involvement and Service
HansonHouse Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse will accomplish their mission by securing a location and developing programs through a collaborative partnership of people with traumatic brain injuries, family members, staff, research associates, and the community. A TBI (traumatic brain injury) Clubhouse is a supportive network of members who participate in a work oriented environment to use and develop practical, functional, community work and independent living skills. Members and staff work together to plan and carry out the wide variety of jobs, tasks, and functions needed each day to operate the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse location, structure and staff-member relationship emphasize the importance of self-determination and community self-sufficiency following brain injury. The Clubhouse provides resources, support and advocacy to assist members in achieving their goals for community living:
· Skills for renewing and developing relationships
· Occupational activities
· Volunteer opportunities
Why is there a need for a Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse? A traumatic brain injury is a result of trauma from an external force to the head from an object or a motor vehicle accident. Each year over 2 million people in the United States are affected by traumatic brain injury. Many more experience brain injury due to cancer, physical abuse, unprovoked vascular accident, toxic poisoning, and other causes. Brain injury often results in multiple impairments affecting a persons physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. At the same time, many individuals can retain substantial capabilities. Too often, a person's talents and abilities are overlooked in the face of deficits related to their brain injury. Few services exist which address the unique needs of people with traumatic brain injuries. HansonHouse TBI Clubhouse will provide the support for people to develop strengths to rebuild and maintain satisfying lives. Why are we unique? HansonHouse Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse is the first program in Ohio based upon the true Clubhouse model of community re-entry for people with traumatic brain injury.
