Dear readers,

WCSH-Channel 6 ran a great feature on Goodwill’s BaySide brain injury clinic last night. I encourage you to watch the video below to see some of the great work Goodwill does to help individuals get their lives back on track:

WCSH-Channel 6 ran a great feature last night recognizing the work of Goodwill’s Direct Support Professionals – watch the video below!

Maine is one of three states that has issued a proclamation declaring September 14-20, 2009 as Direct Support Professionals Week (Colorado and Nebraska are the other two states).

The United States Senate has also issued a resolution (cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine), bringing nationwide attention to the daily work of Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s).  Governor John Baldacci has chosen to recognize DSP’s in honor of their dedication to “enable individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives in the individual’s home community.”

Goodwill operates more than twenty group homes in central and southern Maine.  There are 250 DSP’s at Goodwill who work on a daily basis helping individuals meet their goals and lead independent lives.  They work with residents on their personal goals based upon individual skills, interests, and needs.

DSP’s also support residents in their active community life.  Whether they need assistance on the job, support in attending recreational events, or other activities, the work of DSP’s enables residents to play an active part in their communities.

WCSH-Channel 6 will be airing a feature story on DSP Week and Goodwill tonight (September 14) on the six o’clock news.  We will post the link to the story online when made available.

This is a new Goodwill donations video from Goodwill International.  I really like it, what do you think?  I’m also excited that I figured out how to embed videos on WordPress.  The possibilities are now endless!  You can see videos from our Goodwill at our YouTube site.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and it is a good time to become better informed. The Brain Injury Association of Maine is hosting their anual “Walk for Thought” on March 21 and 28 to raise funds for brain injury prevention and support programs for those with a brain injury.

Goodwill runs two NeuroRehabilitation facilities for individuals with brain injury in Portland and Lewiston, Maine.  Terry Roy, Goodwill’s Education and Outreach Coordinator for Brain Injury Services, has written the following to remind us what we can do to avoid a brain injury.

Learning about Brain Injury

It can happen in an instant: a car accident, a fall, a bump on the head.  It is unpredictable: a stroke, a brain tumor, an infection. It can happen to anyone: your parent, your spouse, your friend, your child, or you.  March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and it is a good time to become better informed. An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain which is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. It is an injury that occurs after birth.

There are many causes of ABI—car accidents, falls, stroke, violence, toxic exposure, cardiac arrest, seizure disorders, and sports and recreational accidents. Injuries caused by an external physical force, like a motor vehicle accident or fall, are referred to as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Brain injury is the leading cause of disability and death for young people in the United States.  It disables thousands of Maine citizens each year, permanently altering their lives and the lives of their families. Some of the symptoms following a brain injury include memory loss, organizational difficulties, physical limitations, speech problems, and personality changes.
Each injury is unique and the impact of the injury will depend on the individual injured.

Depending on the symptoms, an individual may have difficulty returning to their daily activities, such as, work, driving, hobbies, and personal relationships.  Following a brain injury, treatment in a therapeutic rehabilitation program can help with recovery. With rehabilitation services and support from family and friends, individuals with a brain injury can get back on track and be successful in reaching their goals.

Help Prevent Brain Injury

There are many ways to help prevent a brain injury. Wear your seat belt every time you drive or ride in a car. Buckle your child in the car using the appropriate child safety seat. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets when riding a bike, motorcycle, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle.

To learn more about Goodwill’s NeuroRehabilitation Services, visit our website or contact Terry Roy for more information.