2023 Annual Report by victoriabraininjurysociety

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

FOR YEAR ENDED MARCH 31ST

OUR VALUES Compassionate We exemplify compassion towards each other, ourselves, and our community.

Accountable We take responsibility for our actions and the overall success of the organization. We are honest, transparent, clear and kind.

Community We create and embrace a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive community haven.

Inspired We consistently seek out and apply feedback with a vision to advance and progress collaboratively as a team, leveraging technology to interact efficiently with our stakeholders and our community.

Engaged We work to ensure all of our interactions reflect a responsive, empathetic, and optimistic outlook.

A Year In Review The VBIS 2022/2023 Fiscal Year contained threads of

Victoria Housing Society is jointly supporting our Housing

adaptation, learning, and expansion. Recovering from the

Outreach Program, which will also involve a transitional

residual impacts of the COVID19 pandemic has reaffirmed

housing program, where clients are able to live in safe,

the dire need for our organization in Greater Victoria, and

affordable units while enrolled in VBIS services. As part of

our supporters are crucial to the bottom line of our impact.

our fundraising effort, we’re happy to report that our annual gala, “An Evening in Black & White… Because Gray Matters”,

Pam and I are honored to thank everyone who has been in

was held in May and resulted in wonderful food,

our corner this past year, with the undeniable assertion that

entertainment, and an unprecedented outpouring of

the positive changes that we make in, and for the

support from the Victoria community. Our next major event

community start with you. We’re able to show up strong to

is our 40th Birthday Party, which will be a celebration of the

this 40th year milestone due to the generosity and

work VBIS has accomplished over the last forty years. We

confidence of our Victoria supporters.

hope to see you there!

As a testament to our growth, VBIS employs several new

While awareness of brain injury in Canada is slowly growing,

faces, and has implemented several new programs. With

it remains a misunderstood and under-funded area of

collaboration from like-minded organizations, we’ve ramped

concern. VBIS continues to play an important role in the

up our fundraising efforts to better serve brain-injury

community, ensuring a safe, supportive environment in

survivors. The VBIS team has proven to be a dynamic and

which brain injury survivors feel seen and heard. We look

driven force composed of talented individuals who have

forward to continuing and expanding the VBIS community as

earned community, board, and client credibility.

we move forward into the future.

As part of our new mission for the upcoming fiscal year, VBIS

Natalie Benson, Board Chair

will include pre-crisis intervention with client housing in addition to maintaining our current programming. Spearheaded by our Housing Support Coordinator, the premise of this initiative is to reduce the number of brain

Pam Prewett, Executive Director

injury survivors struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity. We are pursuing funding to establish a new Community Hub in pre-identified at-risk communities, allowing more survivors to access our services and learn skills to navigate the housing market, apply for rent subsidies, and re-engineer elements of independence.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Mission.......................................4 Impact........................................5 Special Events..........................7 Our Services..............................9 Financials..................................11 40th Birthday...........................13 Looking Forward.....................16 Thank You................................18 Our Team.................................19 Get Involved............................21

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Mission

The Victoria Brain Injury Society believes in a better future for brain injury survivors. The Victoria Brain Injury Society's mission is to offer personalized and group support, advocacy, education, and housing assistance to brain injury survivors and their families. We further strive to increase community awareness and reduce stigma about brain injury.

Purpose

We offer individual support, peer support, family support, and various group programs in order to meet the needs of our diverse community. We assist people who’ve experienced concussions, strokes, aneurysms, and countless other types of ABI. We’re here to help you recover, adapt, and adjust; regain independence; and develop a secure sense of community. 2023 Annual Report

Our Impact 601 Survivors Served By VBIS 324 New Survivors Contacted 8346 Total Survivor Visits

Victoria Brain Injury Society

725+139% Followers

1868 +52.7% Page visits

12,072 +45.4% Site Views

40,000+277% Profile veiws

2023 Annual Report

An Evening of Black & White Our event "An Evening of Black and

were shared, and connections were made as

White...Because Gray Matters" was really special

everyone came together to support brain injury

this year. It was held for the first time at the

survivors. The celebratory evening managed to

Cordova Bay Beach House, where guests

raise an impressive total of $74,655, a

enjoyed a beautiful view of the beach. The

significant sum that will play a crucial role in

evening was full of warmth and comradery.

supporting VBIS's continuous initiatives

People who attended, along with supporters

dedicated to aiding individuals with brain

and members of the VBIS community, all came

injuries. The entire team is thrilled by this

together to celebrate strength and hope. There

outcome and eagerly anticipates the

was a strong sense of purpose in the air, and

opportunity to host our esteemed guests once

the event highlighted how tirelessly the Society

more. With the momentum of this evening, we

has been working to help people who have

plan to host our event once more at Cordova

experienced brain injuries. Throughout the

Bay Beach House in 2023.

night, there were lively conversations, stories

Victoria Brain Injury Society

"FACES OF BRAIN INJURY" Movie Premiere

At the Faces of Brain Injury event, real stories

authentic glimpse into the lives of those who

took center stage. Survivors, caregivers, and

have navigated the complexities of brain

advocates came together to share their

injuries. We also came together for our

journeys, highlighting the challenges they've

annual AGM, where our wonderful Chair

overcome and the progress they've made.

Gerald Hartwig relieved his role to allow for

These authentic narratives foster

a new member to step in. We had the

understanding, reduce stigma, and inspire hope

privilege to welcome our new chair, Natalie

among both attendees and the broader

Benson, who has driven us through a

community. The short video goes beyond

successful 2022/23 year.

statistics, delving into the personal narratives of survivors, encouraging a deeper understanding of their experiences. Through candid interviews and intimate moments, it offers viewers an

2023 Annual Report

Our Services

Support

Peer Support

Volunteers who have experienced concussion or brain injury themselves are trained to support new members, facilitate group conversations, answer questions & refer survivors to vital community resources. They pass on useful coping techniques and share their experiences with other survivors. VBIS provided this program for 123 individuals for a total of 1738 visits.

Housing Program The Housing Outreach Program was launched in 2022 to provide clients with one-on-one assistance in finding stable housing through working with individuals to reduce economic and social barriers. VBIS provided housing assistance to 45 individuals for a total of 167 visits.

Family Support 10

Victoria Brain Injury Society

A place for family, friends, and caregivers to get together and share their experiences and stories. A time for loved ones to grow their understanding of potential complexities and challenges that arise from living with a ABI survivor. This year 16 people came to this group.

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Yoga and Mindfulness

Designed to cultivate resilience through tailored practices, fostering physical and mental wellbeing to help navigate the path to recovery and personal growth. These programs serviced 35 clients.

Creative Arts This therapeutic program offers clients the chance to explore the world of visual arts, learn to expand their creativity, and unleash their imagination. We were joined by 31 individuals.

Equine Assisted Learning EAL is a life-skills program that encourages individual and team growth. Each week, participants work in teams and engage in objectively driven ground exercises with a horse. 32 individuals joined this group for a total of 384 visits.

2023 Annual Report

Music Therapy Our music therapist uses both musical and clinical interventions to help brain injury survivors improve, maintain, and restore an optimal state of well-being. We had 40 individuals served here this year, for a total of 236 visits.

This 4-week introductory course breaks down the complexities of brain injuries. With a focus on brain anatomy, ABI 101 aims to provide survivors with an deeper understanding of symptoms and their scientific causes. This year we hosted 60 individuals for a total of 169 visits.

Case Management Case managers provide 1 on 1 professional support to clients, their families, and caregivers of survivors. This helps brain injury survivors recover, adapt and adjust to their new reality, while building the stability needed to maintain independence. This past year, we provided care to 176 individuals.

Coping Strategies

SHINE

This 24-week program is an in-

Student Head Injury Neuro

depth course for Brain injury

Education (SHINE) connects with

survivors. We look at ways to

high schools to speak to senior

cope with brain injury in day to

students about brain safety. SHINE

day life. There are several guest speakers throughout the program. VBIS provided this course for 78 individuals for a total of 831 visits.

Carry On with Coping This program aims to help brain injury survivors further develop their coping skills by discussing the challenging parts of their recovery process with other survivors and our instructors. 10

Advocate

Educate

ABI 101

Victoria Brain Injury Society This program had 370 visits this

year.

aims to impact the lives of youth by providing crucial safety information, empowering youth to identify and respond to concussions appropriately. We reached 1104 youth this year.

Train Your Brain A weekly cognitive training course where clients track moving spheres in a 3D-space. NeuroTracker is a research based software that has had amazing positive results, helping 31 clients with2023 cognitive Annual Report

struggles.

External Outreach We continue to connect with various sports teams, corporate, and non-profit organizations to present about brain injury. This year we reached 485 individuals for a total of 54 sessions.

2023 Annual Report

Financials 2023 Revenues and Expenses

749K

689K

Two-Year Comparison 749

678

689

In thousands of Dollars

623

105

Victoria Brain Injury Society

2023

VBIS 2023 INCOME STATMENT FOR YEAR ENDED MARCH 31ST 2023 REVENUES Grants and government subsidies Brain Injury Program - Island Health Fundraising Donations Advertising, memberships and misc.

EXPENDITURES Advertising and promotion Amortization Contract facilitators Dues, fees and licenses Fundraising Insurance Interest and bank charges Office Professional development Program support Rent Repairs and maintenance Subcontract Telephone and communications Wages and benefits

EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES

2022

$ 397,970 $ 205,323 125,286 52,249 14,113

314,520 180,195 158,105 22,812 2,601

794,941

678,233

12,323 14,724 16,105 1,824 67,383 3,851 2,724 39,995 15,842 35,123 57,683 2,809 6,450 9,846 402,837

3,651 10,389 20,500 999 78,043 2,941 2,539 48,379 6,295 41,371 56,431 7,998 6,930 9,410 327,803

689,519

623,679

105,422 $

54,554 2023 Annual Report

40th Birthday This year, VBIS celebrates 40 years of service to brain injury survivors throughout Greater Victoria. With relentless dedication to our community, we have had the privilege to witness thousands of people find hope, happiness and a sense of belonging. What started as a group of passionate people, sitting around a living room table with a dream to better the lives of brain injury survivors, has now become an organization that has improved the lives of the thousands that have used our services. Through many obstacles and adversities such as COVID-19 and limited funding, VBIS has maintained a fighting spirit to push forward for our goal. With a rich history of community and care, we look forward to continuing our work for another 40 years. We are ecstatic to host our 40th birthday event at the Inn at Laurel Point on September 12, as we come together to reflect on the leaps we have made. Headlined with market style stands, the event is designed to give a taste of the daily experience here at VBIS. With stands for different programs such as Art, Peer Support, Housing, SHINE and NeuroTracker, guests can fully immerse themselves into the some of the many services we provide.

Victoria Brain Injury Society

2023 Annual Report

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Looking Forward With new programs, partnerships, and events, we'll expand our reach. VBIS aims to bolster outreach efforts and ensure resources, services, and educational initiatives reach a wider audience. We're dedicated to increasing presence within the community, forging partnerships, and creating a support network to help those facing brain injury challenges. With the collective effort of our team, supporters, and community, we'll continue to shape a future where individuals affected by brain injuries can thrive. Our vision for the next year centers around Education, Outreach, and Innovation.

Education

Outreach

Innovation

Educating the community

We intend to forge new

Through a commitment to

continues to be a focus for

connections and broaden

cultivating a culture of

our initiatives moving

our impact. By fostering

ongoing learning and

forward. By persistently

innovative partnerships,

adaptability, we are

prioritizing community

curating dynamic programs,

dedicated to spearheading

education, the Victoria

and orchestrating

innovative solutions to the

Brain Injury Society strives

captivating events, our aim

intricacies presented by

to foster a more inclusive

is to extend our reach far

brain injuries. Our strategy

and empathetic society, one

and wide. Through

revolves around not only

that is united in its

collaborative endeavors

expanding the horizons but

endeavors to prevent,

with local organizations we

also embracing diversity,

alleviate, and aid those

aspire to weave a robust

equity, and inclusion

impacted by brain injuries.

network of support.

principles.

2023 Annual Report

Community Partners Oak Bay Bikes Summrehill Pyramid Ocean Village Resort Winery 19 Okanagan Grill & Bar Highland Pacific Golf Ooh La La Cupcakes Tapestry Music Abkhazi Tea House Horror Escape Room Pacific Coastal Airlines Tofino Bike Co Accent Inns Hoyne Brewery Pacific Surf Co. Tofino Distillery AdrenaLINE Haur & Co Legal Paul Mara Jewllers Top Floor Photography Amer Sports Canada Icekap Therapeutics Phillips Brewery Tube Shack Sales Co. Il Caminetto Pizza Prima Strada Vancouver Island School Art Gallery of Greater Il Terrazo of Art Victoria Innovate Fitness Victoria PJ Music Studio Very Good Butchers Atlas Audio Visual Jamie's Whaling Station Provincial Employees Services Via Rail Audain Art Museum and Adventure Centre Quazar's Arcade Victoria Bug Zoo Bad Dog Brewing Jeremy Koreski Gallery Rathjen Cellars Victoria Rehab Company LA Limousines Ride the Glide Wad Holdings BC Hobbies Laura Bonnie and the Ross Bay Health Centre WestJet BC Lions North Park Art Studio Russell Books Wild Abandon BC Transit Lighthouse Brewing Saanich Recreation Wildplay Bees Please Company Saltchuck Pies Woods Lifetime Financial Bin 4 Live to Surf Sea Cider WorkSafeBC Black Rock Resort London Chef Shed Tofino Bolen Books Market on Yates Sheringham Distillery Bon Macaron Patisserie Milestones Showcase Awards Boulder House Milestones Grill & Bar Sip Happens Brentwood Music School Monk Office Sirene Chocolate Caffe Fantastico Michelle Yoga Smoking Lily Cedar Hill Golf Course Mount Douglas Golf SportChek Cherry Point Winery Course Starbucks Westside CIUSSS du Centre-Sud Munro's Bookstore Sue Mailtland PCC CJ's Autobling MNP LLP Complete Windows LTD Cook Roberts LLP Country Grocer Cycles West Dance Victoria Alex Chai Gina Angelozzi Marie-Antoinette King Davids Tea Alex Russell Gerald Hartwig Marion Bramley Delta Ocean Pointe Anne Shack Gordon Robinson Mary Dullaert Resort & Spa Aurelien Bisse A Ekamou Gwynne Russell Maureen Adams DermaSpa Barbara Erickson Hillerie Denning Melanie Courchene Direct Detailing Brenda Hurd Ian Cox Micheal McDougall Dumpling Drop Brita Sorensen James Bryne Nansi Blenkiron Elements Bruce Hale Janelle Breese Biagioni Robert Reid Ergo Rehabilitation Inc Caitlin Saunders Janice Williams Ron Skelton Fairmont Chateau Colleen Melville Jennifer Currie Ron Slavnik Whistler Connie McKenzie John Hewson Ruth Linka Fired Up! Darrell Kolodziejak Jon Floyd Sally Mori Fish Hair Salon David Dvorack Judith Litke Sandy Firth Floathouse Victoria Ernano Angelozzi Kara Middleton Steven Wellburn Float House Victoria David Naysmith Keith Austin Susan Hiscocks Flying Squirrel David Southern Ken Plumbly Tiffany Leung For Good Measure Deb McNeil Kerry Broome Wendy Miller GAIN V.I. Dealer Group Deborah Dawson Krissi Spinoza William Okell Glo Don Anderson Lauren Heppell Glow Luxe Skincare Dunja Ilic Leonda Adler Goldstream Bicycles Eernest Whiteman, Leonard Regan Grizzli Winery Hands on Collective

Individual Donors

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Major Funders

Thank You! Chris Spencer Foundation

Sara Spencer Foundation

Tony & Mignon Fenton Trust

2023 Annual Report

Our Team

Staff Pam Prewett

Myles Beaman-Dodd Operations Manager

Special Projects Coordinator

Jordan Parker

Leidi Fortner Case Manager

Tyrel Ebanks

Marketing Coordinator

Ryan Clayton

Jamie Morrison

Ian Bermeo

Lauren Cronk

Carmen Eisenhauer

Executive Director Education Coordinator Receptionist

Social Media Coordinator

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Researcher

Music Therapist

Anna Golovkina

Case Manager/ Housing Coordinator

Board Of Directors Natalie Benson

Steve Wellburn

Shannon Kowalko

Gerald Hartwig

Steven Gordon

Christine Lintott

Katherine Walker

Danielle Toth

Trevor Jones

Adam Harnden

Grant Evans

Chair

Past Chair

Director at Large

Treasurer

Director at Large

Secretary

Director at Large

2023 Annual Report

Volunteer

Donate

Volunteers are a critical part of our

Our donors allow us to provide essential

organization. Whether you've been

care for brain injury survivors and their

impacted by a concussion or brain injury;

families. You donation will help support

are preparing for a career in healthcare,

acquired brain injury survivors by giving

administration, or fundraising; or are

them the tools they need to regain their

looking to for an opportunity to make a

independence and become part of a

difference in our community, we would

community that understands them.

love to have you. Our volunteer roles are

Regardless of the size, we appreciate all

flexible and customizable according to

of donors greatly. If you would like to

your needs and interests.

donate, please visit our office, give us a call, or check out or website!

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Sponsor

Become a Member

VBIS is thankful for the amazing

Our donors allow us to provide essential

companies that continue to sponsor our

care for brain injury survivors and their

growth. Our team is dedicated to creating

families. You donation will help support

mutually beneficial relationships with all

acquired brain injury survivors by giving

of our sponsors, as we work hard to

them the tools they need to regain their

ensure they gain exposure, engagement

independence and become part of a

and support. We want to connect with

community that understands them.

like-minded organizations that are

Regardless of the size, we appreciate all

dedicated to serving their community, if

of donors greatly. If you would like to

your organization is looking to support a

donate, please visit our office, give us a

great cause, don't hesitate to contact us.

call, or check out or website! 2023 Annual Report

To learn more, access our free services, or donate, visit