For Young Adults (Civilian And Veterans) Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury
The Headstrong Mentor Program was developed by one family to give their teenage son tutoring, friendship and independence during his recovery from a severe TBI. We are expanding the Mentor Program to help young civilian and veteran survivors of TBI have a better recovery and rebuild their lives. The HEADSTRONG Mentor Program is based on the highly successful Apprentice Program developed by School & Community Supports (SCS) and supported by the Brain Injury Alliance of New York State (BIANYS).
Click for our Mentor Program Presentation
One of the most painful aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the loss of friends and identity in the community. TBI affects everyone differently, but the injury commonly affects: physical abilities, speech, cognition, emotional control, and personality. Family, friends, and co-workers are saddened by the injury, bewildered by how to act now, and unsure of the future, because recovery from TBI is long and prognosis is usually unknown. Too frequently, one by one, friends, classmates, co-workers, teammates, even family members pull away and move on with their lives. The recovering person notices friends and loved ones have gone away and often blame themselves. Depression and substance abuse are frequent outcomes of the social isolation. We know being connected to our community is critical to recovery for recovery.
The Headstrong Mentor Program will reduce social isolation, depression, substance abuse, and institutionalization so often experienced by young adults with TBI. Our program is a key element in a concerted collaboration between state and local leaders on the issue of TBI recovery. Headstrong and other support, medical, and military organizations are firmly committed to improving community support for our vulnerable youth, citizens and soldiers recovering from TBI. We are partnering with AmeriCorps to develop a national model for the Mentor Program as part of the expansion of National Service.
Under the Recovery Mentor Program pilot five key elements will be implemented:
- Headstrong will develop a Mentor Training Manual.
- Headstrong will train Mentors, families and school support staff.
- Headstrong Mentors will partner with each recovering person.
- Recovery Care Managers will provide oversight for the Mentors and families.
- Family and peer review to evaluate success of the pilot.
Expected outcomes for the Recovery Mentor Program pilot include:
- Increase social interactions and mobility in the community.
- Improve interactions with teachers, tutors, and peers.
- Increase independence.
- Reduce social isolation and depression.
- Reduce/eliminate potential for drug and alcohol abuse.
- Establish best practices for a full Recovery Mentor Program.
Contact Alice Hooper at alicehoop@headstrongforlife.org for more information on our Mentor Program.
Click for Mentor Program Photo Gallery
