Side by Side

Help Us Rebuild Lives After Injury

Side by Side's mission is to advance the long-term well-being of people with brain injury-related disability and their families. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, with an estimated 13.5 million Americans currently living with TBI-related disabilities. In Georgia alone, over 30,000 people sustain a TBI each year, yet brain injury remains largely silent and unseen.

At Side by Side, we create a community where brain injury survivors are not only respected but also valued as integral members. Our Clubhouse model program operates as a structured workday, focusing on abilities, strengths, and collaboration. Our members work side-by-side with staff to manage all operations of their Clubhouse. Our staff work tirelessly to help individuals and families find their new normal after a sudden, life-changing injury and develop the skills they need to manage full and satisfying lives.

Since 2000, more than 800 individuals and their families have found solace and support within our programming and community-based services. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Side by Side proudly served 82 members through a combination of our day program and home-based life skills services, achieving remarkable results:

• We provided 3,591 member service days (and days of respite for family caregivers!)
• We facilitated 285 hours of volunteering by our members in their home communities, increasing their opportunity for community integration and the chance to develop skills in various community spaces.
• We conducted 236 educational and team-building groups on health and wellness, adjusting to life after injury, current events, and more, creating a supportive environment for learning and growth.
• We provided 8,454 hours of family support to help family caregivers navigate the challenging journey of supporting their loved one with brain injury-related disability.

In this supportive environment, Side by Side members continue to build on the progress made during medical-based rehabilitation, learning to contribute in meaningful ways that extend beyond the physical Clubhouse, influencing their lives at work, home, and in the community.

Get ready for a day of incredible generosity! On Georgia Gives Day, Tuesday, Nov 28, our Board of Directors is matching up to $1,500 of giving! Every dollar you contribute will be matched, amplifying the impact and paving the way for increased health equity for Georgia's brain injury community. Your gift will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. 

Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary day of giving. Let's double the generosity, double the joy, and double the opportunities for a brighter future. Together, we can make a wave of positive change for our community! 

Did You Know? 

Your contribution this Giving Tuesday can make a real impact. Be a part of the #GAGenerosity and help us create a community where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can lead a fulfilling life after a brain injury.

• Invisible Injury: TBI is often called an "invisible injury" because the effects are not always immediately apparent. Many survivors face lifelong cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges that are not visible to others.
• Varied Causes: TBIs can result from various causes, including accidents, falls, sports injuries, and military combat. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Long-Term Consequences: Many individuals with TBI-related disabilities require ongoing support and care, making the work of organizations like Side by Side crucial for their well-being.
• Respite for Caregiver: Brain injuries don't just impact the survivors; they also place significant demands on family caregivers, making respite and support services equally important.
• Quality of Life: Brain injuries can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting their ability to work, socialize, and perform daily activities.

How You Can Make a Difference

As our business model evolves post-COVID and inflation continues to impact expenses, it's the charitable contributions of individuals like you, inspired to drive positive change, that ensure people in need have access to the services critical to rebuild their lives after injury.

In the midst of our first-ever leadership transition and a shifting charitable giving landscape, our commitment to advancing health equity in Georgia for adults with brain injury is stronger than ever. Our side-by-side partnerships and community connections provide the guidance and support we need to advance the long-term care continuum for people living with brain injuries and offer respite for family caregivers too.

Every one of our members relies on charitable sources to access our brain injury support services. Your gift is a lifeline. It opens doors to services that help Side by Side members manage their health and well-being. No donation is too small, and with your support, we can grow even stronger together.