Side by Side eNewsletter – June

By Cindi | October 6, 2019

Side by Side Construction Update

We’re taking our renovations outside – to the front yard!

Up next, a renovation of the kitchen…and we’re packing the kitchen this week!

The kitchen floor will be replaced during the first two weeks of July. This will necessitate our closing for repairs to the subfloor and application of odorous glue for the new flooring. Side by Side will be closed Thur July 4, Fri July 5, and Mon July 8. Members may reschedule for other days during the month if they’d like.

Side by Side Members Run their Clubhouse

Maintenance Unit keeps the Clubhouse clean and in a sanitary working order. They also take care of the grounds around the house and keep the inside and outside looking nice every day.

After construction, our freshly painted walls were looking mighty bare. Maintenance Unit member Mario offered to work on rehanging pictures around the building. He meticulously measured each piece to be certain it was level and at the same height as any other wall hanging in the room.

He then worked together with staff member Bill to brainstorm a new way to organize tools that the Unit members frequently use. The goal was to keep them out of people’s way but keep them easily accessible. They went to the store together to get materials, measured and created nifty tool hangers!

Brenau’s OT Students Take on an Afternoon Group: 4th of July Party

Side by Side was happy to welcome our former OT interns Jenna and Neva back – plus, they brought their classmates! A group of students working on their master’s in occupational therapy degree designed an afternoon group all centered around the 4th of July.

Members had a choice of playing bingo, creating patriotic decor and listening to Independence Day-inspired music. We had a great time and folks enjoyed the special red, white and blue treats that they brought.

Did you know that Side by Side has an agreement with Brenau University’s School of Occupational Therapy?

Every year between 3 – 4 students gain experience at Side by Side that they can take with them during their careers.

IBICA Standards Reviewed by Side by Side Members

Side by Side follows the Clubhouse model of rehabilitation. This model was developed in the 1940s by and for people with mental illness to help them support each other, find and keep jobs, and to live out in their communities instead of institutions. In the 1980s the first Clubhouses for people with brain injuries opened. Today there are 25+ ABI Clubhouses in the world that belong to the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA).

As a part of a larger review, Cindi Johnson presented proposed changes to the current IBICA standards to our members and staff. Staff recorded when consensus on a standard was reached. They also noted any concerns or comments folks mentioned during the meeting. They will send the full review to IBICA for consideration.