Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center raised more than $100,000 at its third annual Evening to Explore Jodi House, Oct. 23 at MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
The benefit helps to ensure that anyone who needs help throughout their brain injury recovery and rehabilitation receives the care they need, for as long as they need it.
Last year alone the nonprofit served more than 150 individuals.
Lindsey Black, Jodi House executive director, welcomed the 200 guests to MOXI's rooftop garden and shared some of the nonprofit's successes over the past year.
In June, the California Department of Rehabilitation doubled its investment in Jodi House with an $825,000 grant to provide support services that improve the quality of life for those with Traumatic Brain Injury.
That will allow Jodi House, the only nonprofit in Santa Barbara County solely dedicated to serving brain injury survivors, to hire additional staff to best meet the needs of members and their families.
Other highlights include new Women and Caregiver Support Groups. "Although Jodi House provides respite, education, and referrals to caregivers, this is the first time in the past five years that we've provided direct support services to caregivers," Black said.
She said she is also particularly proud of Jodi House's ability to introduce its first financial assistance program for members who are unhoused or on the brink of becoming unhoused or placed in an institutional setting.
"I have never thought of Jodi House as an agency or a top-down service provider," said Black. "Jodi House is a community of mutual support and I often hear our members refer to our organization as a family, as a lifeline."
This was certainly the case for keynote speaker, Megan Grubaums who has been a member of Jodi House for more than 25 years.
"Jodi House has been a beacon of light to me and has truly changed my life," she said.
After an emergency surgery for a tumor at the age of 15, Grubaums suffered from "invisible losses" including short term memory loss, depression and challenges with executive functions.
"Brain injury can lead to such isolation because people don't understand who the person is now," Grubaums said.
"Jodi House provides hope - meeting you where you are with classes addressing recovery of your body, brain and soul," she said. "Jodi House provides the best several hours of my day, leading to connections that build community.
"And when someone has the support of community their confidence grows and the world starts to open back up to them."
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse presented Grubaums with a Certificate of Recognition from the city for the progress she has made in her own recovery and for serving as a peer advocate to fellow survivors.
The event was co-chaired by Dr. Angela Hsu and Kerry Kelly, and board president Adriana Mezic served as vice-chair. Presenting sponsor was Jen Slemp.
Other top sponsors included Chumash Foundation, Adriana and Igor Mezic, American Riviera Bank, Martin and Kerrilee Gore, Lure Digital Agency, Maho, Prentice LLP, and Jason and Lynette Spievak.