<font color="#003399">GOODWILL RECEIVES $5,000 CHALLENGE GRANT FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY <BR></FONT>

Press Release

CONTACT: Dorothy H. Viets

Director of Community Relations

(203) 581-5319 or (203) 650-5723 (cell)

Goodwill Industries Receives $5,000 Challenge Grant for Traumatic Brain Injury Social and Support Groups From Fairfield County
Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund

Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut has received a $5,000 challenge grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund to help finance the development of social and support groups for individuals with TBI/ABI (traumatic brain injury/acquired brain injury). It is Goodwill’s hope that other donors will take up the challenge to contribute money toward the development of these services.

A social group is currently meeting from 10:00 a.m. until noon on the second Wednesday of the month at Goodwill’s Headquarters at 165 Ocean Terrace in Bridgeport. The purpose of the group is to provide adults with TBI/ABI with an opportunity to meet and socialize in a safe and healthy environment. Activities include board games, music, movies, cards and visits to local attractions like Captain’s Cove. In September, a support group will begin meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the third Wednesday of the month at Goodwill’s Stamford location on 970 High Ridge Road. The groups are coordinated by Craig Sears, a brain injury survivor who is himself a recipient of Goodwill’s Acquired Brain Injury Services. Since there are limited social opportunities available in this area for people with a traumatic brain injury, Goodwill would like to be able expand and enhance these groups in the near future.

Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut is a non-profit organization that provides employment and support services to people with disabilities and others facing challenges to employment and community living. Goodwill’s Acquired Brain Injury Program, now serving 60 individuals, enables people with an acquired brain injury to live outside of institutions and nursing homes by providing non-medical support, independent living, residential and vocational services to them in their own communities. For further information, call 1-800-423-9787.

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