Watch our Programs Assistant Madison Chong describe our program 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.
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
BIST has two staff who provide case management services for people living with the effects of brain injury and other cognitive impairments.
Transitional Support Coordinator: Laura Bellon
Provides case management services to help people secure financial stability through government programs such as ODSP.
Contact: [email protected] OR 647-271-7853.
ABI Community Connections Coordinator: Isabelle Rivaletto
Provides case management for people who need assistance accessing technology to ensure they stay connected to online services during the Pandemic and beyond. Also assists those individuals in securing housing, financial, medical and/or community support .
Contact: [email protected] OR 437-241-6751.
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:
WEEKLY PROGRAM
- Every Monday – Not So Blue Mondays
- No Programs on Holiday Mondays
- On hold due to COVID-19 Pandemic
TUESDAYS
- 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month – ABI Survivor Support Group
WEDNESDAYS
- Last Wednesday of the Month – Community Meeting
- Last Wednesday of the Month – Peer-Led Caregiver Support Group
THURSDAYS
- 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month – Women’s Support Group
- 2nd Thursday of the Month – Men’s Social Drop-In
- LAST Thursday of the Month – Community Outings
SUPPORT GROUPS & PEER SUPPORT
- ABI Survivor Support Group
- Peer Led Caregiver Support Group
- Peer Support Program – For ABI survivors and caregivers
- Women’s Support Group
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.
ABOUT OUR GENDER SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING
BIST aims to make our programs inclusive and a positive experience for all participants. Our gender-specific programs are open to adults 18 and over of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, gender and queer identities. This is inclusive of people within the trans communities. For example, trans women are welcome to our Women’s Support Group. Trans men are welcome to attend our Men’s Social Drop-In. People who identify as non-binary are welcome to attend groups of their choice.
Please contact our programs coordinator with any questions: [email protected] OR 647-990-1485.
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
