CONNECTIONS
Summary
Summer is off to a wonderful start, and the energy at Side by Side is buzzing! As the days are filled with heat and the sun shines bright, we wanted to take a moment to connect with you and share all the exciting things happening at our clubhouse.
| SUMMER EDITION 2024 |
| Hi Side by Side Family! Summer is off to a wonderful start, and the energy at Side by Side is buzzing! As the days are filled with heat and the sun shines bright, we wanted to take a moment to connect with you and share all the exciting things happening at our clubhouse. New Faces and Fresh Ideas We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest staff members, Rosanna Santana, Work Unit Coordinator and Danny S. Wells, Resource Development & Events Coordinator. Their expertise and enthusiasm are already making a positive impact on members’ lives. We also want to acknowledge the recent transition on our Board of Directors. We’re grateful for the dedication of Jocelyn Smith & Yogita Tailor. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have been instrumental in Side by Side’s growth and success. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors as they roll off from service on our Board of Directors. We’d also like to welcome Chinny Law, whose leadership will be instrumental in guiding Side by Side’s future. Side by Side Achieves Another Three-Year Accreditation! We’re thrilled to announce that Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse has once again received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)! This prestigious designation signifies that our programs and services continue to meet the international standards for quality and effectiveness in brain injury rehabilitation.This achievement is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff and members. It reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible support for individuals living with brain injuries. What Does Accreditation Mean for You? CARF accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a thorough evaluation of our organization’s structure, staff qualifications, and the effectiveness of our programs. By achieving this accreditation, we assure you that: Our programs are evidence-based and designed to deliver real results. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the highest quality services. We operate with transparency and accountability. This reaccreditation wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff and the unwavering support of our amazing members. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we share, which allows us to create a supportive and empowering environment for individuals on their journey to recovery. Stay connected! Be sure to follow us on social media for updates and inspiring stories. We appreciate your continued support in making Side by Side a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals living with brain injury. Wishing you a happy and healthy summer! With warmest regards, Joshua “Josh” Blackmon, M. Ed., CCC-SLP Executive Director |
| Upcoming Events |
| Looking Forward to more Summer Fun! To celebrate the season, we have a calendar packed with exciting events, including Movie Matinee, Family Support Group & Game Night. We encourage you to join us and experience the supportive and empowering atmosphere at Side by Side! Mark your calendars! We have some exciting events coming up: Family Support Group When: Thursday, July 25th @ 6PM Location: Online (ZOOM) Game Night – with the Stone Mountain Rotary Club When: Friday, August 9th Location: Clubhouse Clubhouse Beautification Day – with the Brookhaven Rotary Club When: Saturday, September 7th Location: Clubhouse Game Night – with Board Director Liz George When: Friday, September 13th Location: Clubhouse Movie Matinee Fundraiser When: Saturday, September 28th @ 11AM Location: Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church |
 Help us pick the perfect movie for our September Fundraising Event! We’re hosting a movie matinee to raise awareness and funds for Side by Side Scholarship Fund. Your vote decides the film! Here are the options: Inside Out – Explore the emotional rollercoaster of brain injury recovery 50 First Dates – A heartwarming comedy about second chances Jumanji: The Next Level – Get ready for an adventurous escape! Hidden Figures – Celebrate the inspiring true story of brilliant female mathematicians How to Vote: Scan the QR code above or follow link: Movie Matinee Poll Choose (1) Film |
| Work Unit Highlights |
 |
  |
  |
| Garden Project We completed a successful Garden Project alongside a group of dedicated attorneys from the Atlanta Bar Association Workers Compensation Section. Their support made this project possible, and we are incredibly thankful. Our new garden creates room for us to grow together. With its expansion, we now have the space to grow additional herbs and vegetables, providing meaningful work for members and increasing the amount of food we can harvest for the whole Clubhouse to enjoy. Beyond its productivity, our new garden also enhances our facility, offering comfortable and accessible areas for members to work and enjoy their time outdoors. In May, we celebrated the joy and excitement of a new addition with a fun baby shower for our Kitchen Unit coordinator, Heather Rosa. |
  |
| In further work unit updates, Maintenance Unit began their monthly supply orders at SAM’s club. Members and a unit coordinator go to Sam’s club weekly to purchase items for the clubhouse Members in the Kitchen Unit help manage every aspect of meal preparation, from chopping ingredients to tracking the number of meals served. Every step is a collaborative effort, fostering independence and teamwork. |
  |
| Member Highlights |
| Delonne attended two community outing events for the first time since joining the clubhouse. Holden and Mike have been working together to develop topics for a podcast related to Brain Injury. Amanda started a new job at a local flower shop in Stone Mountain and is doing well. |
| Shining Light on Achievements |
| Clubhouse Manager, Fernandas Robinson recently hosted a Family Support Group via ZOOM that was a resounding success. Attendees were happy to connect and look forward to future sessions, resources and guest speakers. This is just one example of the incredible growth and support our members experience at Side by Side. The online Support Group session provided a much-needed space for families to connect, share experiences, and build a strong support network. The positive feedback was overwhelming, with attendees eager for future sessions, valuable resources, and insightful guest speakers. We understand that a brain injury affects the entire family. That’s why we go beyond supporting just our members. We offer dedicated programs specifically designed to empower families: Individual and Group Support: Our team provides a safe space for families to voice their concerns, navigate challenges, and access valuable resources. Peer-to-Peer Connections: We foster a supportive community where families can connect with others who understand their unique experiences. Strengthening Relationships: We offer strategies and resources to help families rebuild and strengthen connections after a life-altering event. By supporting both our members and their families, we create a ripple effect of positive change. When families feel empowered and equipped, they can better support their loved ones on their path to recovery. The next Family Support Group will be held on ZOOM, Thursday, July 25th at 6PM |
 |
| Grants Fueling Opportunity |
 |
| We’re thrilled to announce that Side by Side has been awarded a grant from The Holly Lane Foundation to support the replacement and improvement of equipment critical to service delivery. This grant will allow us to deliver exceptional programming, services and care to our member community. We’re incredibly grateful for the support that enables us to offer even more resources to our members. Due to the incredible generosity of The Holly Lane Foundation, we’ve recently completed several major equipment upgrades at Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse! Below, you’ll see a list of the equipment: Mobile monitor Smart Board Generator Water Heater Washer Dryer Dishware Refrigerator These improvements will dramatically enhance our ability to provide essential services to our members and their families. We’re deeply grateful to The Holly Lane Foundation for their ongoing support and belief in our mission. Your partnership makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve every day! These are just a few examples of the incredible progress our members are making at Side by Side. We are constantly inspired by their strength, resilience, and determination. |
  |
| Thank You for Your Support! Your continued support is essential in helping Side by Side empower individuals with brain injuries to reach their full potential. Hope to see you at the Movie Matinee Fundraiser in September, all proceeds support the Side by Side Scholarship Fund. To learn more about how you can get involved contact us at 770.469.9355 or danny@sidebysideclubhouse.org. Together, we can make a difference! Sincerely, Danny S. Wells Resource Development & Event Coordinator |
| Stay Tuned for Updates! |