Rockingham Community Partnerships Support Those With Brain Injury
December 21, 2017
Harrisonburg, VA – December 20, 2017: Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc. partnered with Shenandoah Art Therapy for “Rockingham County - Unmasking Brain Injury” as part of Survivors With A Goal (SWAG), a monthly support group designed to help individuals with a brain injury lead more independent and productive lives.
“Unmasking Brain Injury,” a North Carolina based organization, nationally promotes awareness of the prevalence of brain injury. It gives those with brain injury a voice and the means to educate others regarding what it is like to live with a brain injury. It also shows others that persons living with a disability due to their brain injury are like anyone else, deserving of dignity, respect, compassion, and the opportunity to prove their value as citizens in their communities.
Crossroads worked with local art therapists from Shenandoah Art Therapy to facilitate the “Rockingham County – Unmasking Brain Injury” event. The art therapists guided participants in decorating masks in order to express a wide array of emotions they feel about living with brain injury. Art Therapist and Founder Laura Tuomisto said, "Creating art can give those with brain injuries a voice and a way to be heard and understood when words are either not an option or not enough to fully express the depth of emotion." The participating artists will have an opportunity to display their decorated masks for others in the community this Spring at the 11th annual Mental Health Art Show in Staunton, VA.
“It was an outstanding opportunity to work with art therapists in an organized setting,” stated Tamara Wagester, Executive Director for Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc. She added, “What a privilege to hear members of the support group share their stories and explain through their words and art how their brain injury has impacted their life. Words like fear, silenced, and anger as well as strength, support, and appreciation were an important part of their stories.”
Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery is a not-for-profit organization that serves the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Bath, Highland, and Rockbridge and the cities located within. We work to improve the quality of life for those affected by brain injury by helping individuals lead more independent and productive lives. Services include case management, community support services, behavior supports, information and referral, and professional and case consultation.
For more information about Crossroads or the SWAG Support Group please visit our website at www.c2bir.org or call 540-568-8923.
“Unmasking Brain Injury,” a North Carolina based organization, nationally promotes awareness of the prevalence of brain injury. It gives those with brain injury a voice and the means to educate others regarding what it is like to live with a brain injury. It also shows others that persons living with a disability due to their brain injury are like anyone else, deserving of dignity, respect, compassion, and the opportunity to prove their value as citizens in their communities.
Crossroads worked with local art therapists from Shenandoah Art Therapy to facilitate the “Rockingham County – Unmasking Brain Injury” event. The art therapists guided participants in decorating masks in order to express a wide array of emotions they feel about living with brain injury. Art Therapist and Founder Laura Tuomisto said, "Creating art can give those with brain injuries a voice and a way to be heard and understood when words are either not an option or not enough to fully express the depth of emotion." The participating artists will have an opportunity to display their decorated masks for others in the community this Spring at the 11th annual Mental Health Art Show in Staunton, VA.
“It was an outstanding opportunity to work with art therapists in an organized setting,” stated Tamara Wagester, Executive Director for Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc. She added, “What a privilege to hear members of the support group share their stories and explain through their words and art how their brain injury has impacted their life. Words like fear, silenced, and anger as well as strength, support, and appreciation were an important part of their stories.”
Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery is a not-for-profit organization that serves the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Bath, Highland, and Rockbridge and the cities located within. We work to improve the quality of life for those affected by brain injury by helping individuals lead more independent and productive lives. Services include case management, community support services, behavior supports, information and referral, and professional and case consultation.
For more information about Crossroads or the SWAG Support Group please visit our website at www.c2bir.org or call 540-568-8923.
Contact:
Tamara Wagester
Tamara@c2bir.org, 540-568-8923
