Programs and Services

BIST provides programs and services to people living with the effects of brain injury and their families / caregivers.

After joining BIST our PROGRAMS are free and do not have a wait list.

Our Case Coordinators are largely supported by Supervised Social Work Students. People wishing to access these services may be placed on a wait list. We make every attempt to offer assistance in a timely manner.

Read our overview of BIST Support Supports, Services and Members Rights and Responsibilities, HERE.

CASE COORDINATION SERVICES

BIST has two staff who provide case coordination services for people living with the effects of brain injury and other cognitive impairments.

Case coordination is for people who need assistance in securing housing, financial, medical and/or community support.

Community Coordinator – Homeless Prevention Program

Laura Bellon: [email protected] | 647-271-7853

Community Coordinator – Violence Impact Program

Isabelle Rivaletto: [email protected] | 437-241-6751

BRAIN INJURY CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

A functional support initiative for people living with brain injury who are involved with the criminal justice system. Find out more, HERE.

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

Every June, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, BIST organizes awareness events and a social media campaign dedicated to raising awareness about ABI – a condition more prevalent than MS, Breast Cancer and HIV/AIDS – combined. Find out more, HERE.

SUPPORT GROUPS & PEER SUPPORT

Brain Injury Survivor Support Group

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Groups

Peer Support Program – For ABI survivors and caregivers

Women’s Support Group 

SOCIAL DROP-INS

Not So Blue Mondays

Men & Brain Injury Social Drop-In

Freaky Fridays

WORKSHOPS & WEEKLY SERIES PROGRAMS 

BIST provides FREE annual workshops and weekly series programs (special programming which run for a limited number of consecutive weeks) for ABI caregivers and ABI survivors.

Past Workshops and Series BIST typically runs on an annual basis include:

• ABI Info Series
• Concussion Series
• Caregiver Workshop
• WRAP Groups (Wellness, Recovery Action Plan)
• Gentle Hatha Yoga – ON HOLD

MONDAYS

Not So Blue Mondays – EVERY MONDAY, 1-2:30 PM – ONLINE
No Programs on Holiday Mondays
 

TUESDAYS

1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month – ABI Survivor Support Group

• 1st Tuesday – ONLNE
• 3rd Tuesday – IN PERSON

WEDNESDAYS

Last Wednesday of the Month – Community Meeting – IN PERSON

THURSDAYS

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month; 6:30 – 8 PM – Women’s Support Group

• 1st Thursday – IN PERSON
• 3rd Thursday – ONLINE

2nd & 3rd Thursday of the Month; 6:30 – 8 PM –  Men’s Social Drop-In 

• 2nd Thursday – ONLINE
• 3rd Thursday – IN PERSON

FRIDAYS

1st Friday of the Month – Community Outings – IN PERSON

2nd Friday of the Month – Freaky Fridays – ONLINE

3rd Friday of the Month – Freaky Fridays – IN PERSON

4th Friday of the Month – Freaky Fridays – ONLINE

5th Friday of the Month (if applicable) – Freaky Fridays – IN PERSON

BIST has helped me grow as a person.  Over the years, I have become a peer mentor, and I have helped others deal with their ABI and recover. I always loved ‘things’ before my accident, but I was taught by BIST to appreciate the littlest things in life. I do that now with all my heart. 

– Glenn, BIST Volunteer & Member

BIST has made a big difference for my social well-being. I was at home all the time feeling depressed, and that was not who I was. Now I’ve been given hope to get close to being myself again. I know now there is a society among BIST members I can talk to. I never have to feel alone as long as BIST is open to me.

 – Joan,  BIST Member