Sounds from a recent Percussion Class | |
Message from the Executive Director | |
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Fall is upon us and we have been busy at Jodi House!
We've welcomed new Board members, introduced new classes and social events, expanded our support services in San Luis Obispo County, and are busy preparing for our upcoming October 26th event at MOXI Museum. We are even in the midst of getting a fresh coat of paint for our beloved home!
I invite you to read more in this month's edition of the Jodi House Journal.
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Lindsey Black
Executive Director
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Save the DATE: An Evening to Explore Jodi House MOXI returns on Thursday, October 26th! | |
Jodi House's MOXI event is back! We welcome you to join us on the rooftop of MOXI at sunset to sip, savor, and learn how we are supporting brain injury survivors in our community and beyond. Individual tickets are $65 and are available for purchase using the link below. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@jodihouse.org or (805) 845-2858. | |
Adam Pollock and Dr. Angela Hsu join Board of Directors | | |
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Jodi House recently welcomed Adam Pollock to its Board of Directors. Adam is an estate planning attorney with experience working with brain injury survivors and their caregivers. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University, teaching business law and ethics in the MBA program.
Adam is an active member and volunteer in his community and frequently participates in service opportunities through the local bar associations and his church. He is also a volunteer attorney for the Public Law Center (PLC) in Santa Ana, California and regularly provides pro bono services for low-income individuals seeking legal assistance through the PLC.
Through his extensive professional experience, Adam understands that brain injury survivors and their loved ones need comprehensive support beyond solely legal services, and is honored to serve this population in his community.
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Dr. Angela Hsu joined the Jodi House Board of Directors in July. Most recently, she was a Pediatric Intensivist and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Cottage Children’s Medical Center. She has served as the Medical Director for both the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Sedation Center at Tripler Army Medical Center, in Honolulu, HI.
In addition to her years of experience as a physician, Dr. Hsu is also committed to serving the Santa Barbara community through her involvement with groups and organizations such as the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara and the Goleta Union School District.
Dr. Hsu is passionate about improving the lives of people affected by neurological injury and is excited to contribute further to this cause through her involvement with Jodi House.
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Jodi House Workshop: Brain Injury ID Cards | | |
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Earlier this month, Jodi House members had the opportunity to create or update their Brain Injury ID Cards. These ID Cards can help prevent misunderstandings and challenges brain injury survivors may experience when interacting with the general community.
Brain injury symptoms such as poor balance, memory loss, confusion, slurred speech, and increased frustration can potentially lead to misunderstandings with law enforcement, medical professionals, and the general public. These cards can be used as a tool to help survivors express themselves and their needs.
If you know anyone who would benefit from one of these cards, please reach out to info@jodihouse.org and we would be happy to provide one via email!
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San Luis Obispo County Program Expansion | |
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We are excited to announce that as of July, our San Luis Obispo (SLO) County program offerings have expanded! In addition to participating in Case Management and online classes, brain injury survivors in SLO County now have the opportunity to enjoy a stimulating Brain Workout and a Peer Support Group on the first and third Wednesdays of each month! The groups meet from 12 PM to 2 PM at SLONAZ Church. For more information or to inquire about joining these groups, please reach out to us at info@jodihouse.org or 805-563-2882 x3.
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Exterior Painting Project | | |
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Jodi House is getting a fresh coat of paint thanks to the help of a generous donor! The exterior painting project got underway in July and is on track to be completed by the end of this month.
We are very grateful to Daniel Salazar and his team at Intuitive Painting Company for their care and attention to detail in the painting of our ornate and historic building that was constructed in 1875.
We welcome you to come say hello and see our progress!
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We are very excited to have introduced several new classes to our program offerings over the past few months:
Posture & Stability: Taking place on Mondays at 2 PM in-person at Jodi House, this class focuses on balance, core strength, stability, and proper posture, all of which are foundational to overall physical health. Our new instructor, Jessie Hernandez, a Fitness and Holistic Health Coach, leads us through gentle, effective exercises that are adaptable to everyone's unique physical abilities.
Weekly Wake Up: This online class allows us to start each week off strong by enjoying one another's company, building a positive mindset, and doing some light, yet stimulating activities to wake up our brains after the weekend. Members are encouraged to enjoy their morning cup of coffee or tea as we slowly but surely wake up for the new week ahead.
Book Club: Offered both online and in-person, Book Club is designed to improve both receptive and expressive communication skills through the reading and discussion of articles and stories on a variety of topics.
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This summer we were able to host several program events and presentations, including Healing Horticulture and the 5th of July Barbecue Bash! In our Healing Horticulture workshop, we worked together to revitalize the Jodi House garden beds. On the 5th of July, we came together to celebrate the 4th with Kyle’s Kitchen burgers, games, and great company. We love bringing our community together for these special events and we look forward to all that fall has in store. | |
Healing Horticulture Event | |
5th of July Barbecue Bash | |
Jodi House Member Highlight: Leslee | |
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Leslee experienced a brain injury as the result of medulloblastoma, a brain tumor located near her brain stem. After the tumor was surgically removed, she underwent radiation treatment and continues to face many ongoing challenges, including speech problems, loss of hearing, and trouble processing.
Leslee wanted to find a way to make friends, especially friends who would understand her challenges. After learning about Jodi House, she knew that being able to take classes with other brain injury survivors would be helpful in her recovery.
Leslee became a member in 2019 and in addition to taking classes and attending social events, she is also focusing on achieving her goal of becoming a childcare provider. She formerly volunteered at her church’s daycare center and hopes to work with children again someday.
Jodi House provides vocational programs in which Leslee can work one-on-one with her case manager toward her employment goals. Together, they are working on writing her resume, applying for the Early Childhood Education Certificate program at Santa Barbara Community College, learning how to budget, and navigating the bus system.
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