Goodwill Industries of Monacacy Valley provides much-needed services for adults diagnosed with acquired brain injury (ABI).  In a 4 year period, there were more than 124,500 brain injury emergency room visits in Maryland.  However, there are very few programs currently available that respond specifically to the needs of adults living with the consequences of ABI.   Goodwill’s 20-week program, designed and delivered by professional staff and counselors working under the supervision of a psychologist, is available at no cost for residents in both Frederick and Carroll Counties and offers vocational and cognitive training to improve quality of life, functioning in families and relationships, as well as learning new skills to re-enter the work force.

The program focuses on improving executive functioning (planning, time management, follow-through with tasks), and daily living skills (memory, organization, listening, focusing, attitude and emotional/cognitive awareness and response behavior) through group and individual counseling.  Program participants are empowered with new knowledge and understanding that enhances their recovery and improves life outcomes.  Staff begins to work with participants after the 10th week of the program to begin work experience activities in the community that will continue until a job has been obtained.

The ABI Vocational Program is offered in partnership with Maryland’s Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS). To find out if this program can benefit someone you know who has been clinically diagnosed with acquired brain injury, please contact Haywood W. Evans, Program Manager, by email at hevans@gimv.org or by telephone at 301-662-0622, extension 228.