Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse

See a feature story on ABC 7 about the Clubhouse:

"the treehouse"
(a supportive summer program for children with acquired brain injury.)

"the treehouse" is a day camp that provides educational and developmental activities for children, ages 7-12, with acquired brain injury. The program's inception began last year when a case management agency, as well as parents, contacted the clubhouse inquiring about a summer camp for children with bran injury, which did not exist in Chicago. The program and it's staff experienced in working with brain injury provide such a camp. It is save, accepting environment, meeting the responsibilities required for brain injured children.

The camp will offer activities such as:

Arts, crafts and horticulture to encourage creativity and help develop motor skills
Language activities to help speech and cognitive skills
Physical activities to increase exercise and to help develop gross motor skills
Educational workshops and presentation to provide important educational opportunities and learning experiences.
Interaction, encouragement, and support from the Clubhouse's members, all brain injury survivors
The invaluable opportunity to extend social networks and develop lasting friendships.

The Treehouse at the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse serves children ages 7-12 years of age. The program will run from June 25th -August 3rd
Monday- Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am -2:00pm

A daily fee is required for services. Other funding sources may be available.
For more information contact:
Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse (ask for Debra or Maria)
312.932.1120

Member story (Boyea):

My name is Boyea and I am a member of the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. If it wasnʼt for the Clubhouse I would not have realized I have the potential to reach for what I want. A staff person named Deborah Fry realized I had the ability to draw, so she hinted to me that I should go back to college and study art, but still I kept putting off something I can easily so she gave me an extra push.

After realizing I should not waste my skill I decided to go college, but I knew if it wasnʼt for the clubhouse I would be sitting home all day, staring at the walls and wasting my talent. Just because I go to college does not mean I have to stop going to the Clubhouse. I still go there maybe to draw, or just to socialize. If it wasnʼt for the Clubhouse many of the disabled would have nowhere to go, and have to face that tomorrow is just another day. But for the disabled that cannot work, or is unable to, the Clubhouse is the place to go to. Even if you feel helpless the clubhouse makes you feel needed. Even if you need help to work again, the clubhouse will be by your side.

Member Story (Frani):

Maisha and I are best friends at the clubhouse. Thanks to the clubhouse. I am grateful to have met her. She is am awesome person. Maisha is hilarious and lovely, We sometimes spend time outside the clubhouse things with my wonderful family. My mom always helps us . I glad that so quickly we clicked.. I don’t know why but we did and love her as the beautiful person she is. That’s why I like coming to the clubhouse and the members and staff are exceptional.
by Frani

Clubhouse Mission Statement

The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse is a community based day that provides life long and long term support for individuals with acquired brain injury. The mission of the Clubhouse is to work together to develop and grow to lead productive and fulfilling lives in our homes and in our community.

Clubhouse Values

Empowerment – We empower individuals by providing opportunities and support to allow growth and self-advocacy to enhance their quality of life and those around them.
Independence – We strive to improve the abilities of individuals with brain injury to be independent and dispel the boundaries of disabilities.
Fellowship – Based on Clubhouse philosophy; members, supporters and the community work side by side to achieve individual and collaborative goals for a better life for all.
Dignity – We treat all individuals with respect and dignity and embrace the many cultural and religious differences that make us unique.

Clubhouse History

Since its inception in March 1999, the founders of the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse have worked together to form the foundation of a strong program to support the many needs of those with acquired brain injury. Our first Clubhouse opened in Park Ridge, Illinois in February 2001 and has provided a supportive environment for the development of new skills and new friends. In 2005, the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse was the first Clubhouse for acquired brain injury to receive the nationally recognized CARF accreditation (Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). The Clubhouse expanded services and in May 2005, opened a new Clubhouse in the City of Chicago. The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse actively participates in the International Acquired Brain Injury Clubhouse