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Safe, welcoming and purpose driven - Side by Side is a day program and member led community providing growth opportunities for men and woman who’ve experienced brain injury. Founded by Shepherd Center and Emory Healthcare, Side by Side provides a supportive environment for redeveloping social and work-related skills in a meaningful, productive way. Georgia’s only brain injury clubhouse, Side by Side is located in the historic Stone Mountain Village.
We envision a world where people with brain injury-related disabilities have access to services that assist them in managing health and well-being so they can contribute interdependently and safely at home, work and in the community for the best possible quality of life. To learn more about Side by Side's strategic plan to achieve this vision, we welcome you to read the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan Overview .
Side by Side is a community based, voluntary, member-directed program which builds on strengths to optimize the social, financial and vocational success of members and guarantees their right to meaningful work and a place to return.
Side by Side follows the Clubhouse model of rehabilitation, where participants are considered ‘members’ of a community. Side by Side follows a set of standards from the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA) which was adapted from Clubhouse International . The model ensures member involvement in every aspect of the organization.

Side by Side's Big Game Night

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Side By Side 2023 2024 Annual Report

Bryan Schroeder

Viviana Finol, MPA

Judy Wissing, MS, CRC, CBIS

Kanya Radford, MS, CRC, NCC

Melissa McDonald, CBIS

Patrick Medley, Sr.

Rosanna Santana

Jeff Romig

Laura Pettit

Amy Crowell

Karen Jackson

Candace Wilkinson, CBIS

Liz George

This past Sunday, our winning bidders claimed their @futurebirds at @martinsgardenacf auction prize and turned it into a surprise wedding, surrounded by friends and family. 💍 We’re grateful for this community, and honored to have played a small part in such a big day. Cheers to Jason and Angela! 🥂 Thank you to everyone who helped make the day extra special: @martinsgardenacf @tojodojo @chefhectorsantiago @twinsmokersbbq @fromtheearthbrewing @basksteakhouse @bona_fide_deluxe @banshee_eav The Brewster Family #SideBySide #RecoveryBrunch #BrainInjury #AtlantaNonprofits

As the leaves fall, we’re heading into a new season here at Side by Side. Celebrating our staff, we’re highlighting three new hires and giving one fond farewell. Please welcome to the team: Brooke Kamke serves as Side by Side’s Senior Director of Growth Strategy, helping lead the organization’s expansion into rural communities across Georgia. She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit and operational leadership experience, with a focus on building the people, systems, and partnerships needed for sustainable growth. At Side by Side, Brooke is working alongside the team to strengthen operations and help bring the Clubhouse model to more brain injury survivors and families across Georgia. Dan Reingold serves as Side by Side’s Director of Development and Marketing Dan brings more than 15 years in commercial leadership building sustainable sales and marketing teams for respected emerging brands. At Side by Side, Dan is working alongside the team to build the development, marketing and communications systems with one goal in mind: making sure more people know about Georgia’s first and only Clubhouse dedicated exclusively to adults living with acquired brain injury. Inaya Champion serves as Programming Coordinator supporting our Members Kitchen Unit. A graduate of Howard University, Inaya provides a steady, guiding hand to our Members who wish to prep and serve meals for other Members and Staff at the Clubhouse. A kitchen is a great place to rebuild skills: timing, sequencing, teamwork, and the satisfaction of feeding a room full of people. And a special thank you to Laura Pettit, our outgoing Fundraising and Marketing Director, who leaves us at the end of November following a relocation. If you’ve opened a thank-you letter, an email or an annual report from Side by Side, Laura likely had a hand in it, including this year’s Annual Report, coming soon! Join us in celebrating her and all our new hires in the comments - We’ll miss you, Laura. Next time you’re at the Clubhouse, say hello to Brooke, Dan and Inaya! #sidebyside #braininjury #clubhousemodel #atlantanonprofits #braininjuryawareness

A beautiful day here at the Side By Side Clubhouse garden. Today the sunflowers are extra vibrant under the watchful care of one of our members, Suzee. Our maintenance unit makes sure our herbs, lettuces and flowers get plenty of water, nutrients and all the sunshine they need. ☀️🌻🚿

We're incredibly thankful to Chef Terry, and Jenn, the owners behind @thedeerandthedove and @b_side_decatur, and their incredible team for hosting one of our 2026 Side by Side Recovery Brunch auction lot winners. A personal bagel making class led by Chef, a private brunch for friends and guests, and a complete beverage program featuring a private selection of champagne and sparkling wines generously by spirits enthusiast Bruce Tierney, and beers from @beerwildheaven. It takes a community to build community and we're glad to have partners like you. To recreate this magic at home this weekend: -> Order incredible bagels and schmears from our friends at @b_side_decatur -> Invite all your friends over, they've been hoping to hear from you -> Have them bring beverages, its nice to bring a gift -> and consider making a donation to Side by Side Clubhouse so you can help folks in their journey of recovery from a stroke or acquired brain injury. PS - thank you to Brad and Kathryn Friedlander for purchasing this auction experience and bringing such an amazing group!

🎉 Big Game Night Was A Resounding Success 🎉 Thanks to the collective energy of our amazing members and supporters who gathered at Stone Ridge Event Center for an evening of connection, fun, and delicious Ford's BBQ! It's incredible what can be achieved when we come together as a community - a huge thank you to our members, sponsors, host committee members, and selfless volunteers from The Home Depot, Brookhaven Rotary Club, and Emory Synapse who helped make this magical night possible. 💫 Inspired by our beloved Game Night, a monthly celebration of community and connection at Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse, Big Game Night builds on that by welcoming more family and community onto the team. Big Games, Big Prizes and Big moments to share. 🌟 If you missed out on the fun, you can still be a part of the magic by supporting Side by Side and our members with a donation https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-of-brain-injury-survivors❤️ (link in bio) s/o to our sponsors @hansford_mcdaniel_law_firm @stoneridgeevents @homedepot @kunnathainjurylawyers Law Office of Elizabeth Sullivan @fordsbbq Thank you to our Side by Side Champion Partner: @slappeyandsadd 📸🙏: All the photo cred and thanks to Will Brawley @thewtb

IT’S GAME ON THIS SATURDAY! Side by Side’s Big Game Night is THIS Saturday, October 3, 4:30–7:30 PM. Calling all members and friends of Side by Side -> Bring your people! (And games!). We’ve got BBQ from @fordsbbq, a live game show from @thebiggameshow, bring-your-own-games zone, and prizes for the winners. All under one roof at @stoneridgeevents, all for a great cause. Family-friendly. Accessibility-friendly. Open to all. 🎟️ $25 adults | $10 Side by Side members, caregivers & kids 6+ | Free for 5 and under Tickets are moving —> link in bio. Use promo code #bodymoving to save $5 Big thanks to our sponsors: @hansford_mcdaniel_law_firm, @kunnathainjurylawyers, The Law Office of Elizabeth Sullivan, @slappeyandsadd Ford’s BBQ and @stoneridgeevents. Thank you to our Side by Side Champion Partner @slappeyandsadd

“My name is Hugo, I'm 27 years old. I was working in Alabama as a construction worker when I fell from the second story and suffered a brain injury which required surgery and a long rehab process. After a year of therapy, I became a member of Side by Side where I've learned to stay focused and do my best in completing tasks. One of the most important things I've received at Side by Side is the ability to interact with other members, to get along and respect everyone’s space. Teamwork is helping me get prepared for life outside the clubhouse and I'm learning to speak English little by little. I enjoy spending time with the leaders and new friends.” —Member Hugo Through personalized support and a focus on community integration, we help our members find new purpose, build meaningful connections, and lead fulfilling lives. Visit our Member Stories page on our new website to learn more about the people who make Side by Side special. If you have a story to share, let us know!

Tickets on sale now for Side by Side’s Big Game Night! Bring your friends, family and favorite games and get ready for an evening of fun-spirited entertainment and prizes. The evening will include BYOGame time, @fordsbbq BBQ buffet-style dinner and a live game show hosted by @thebiggameshow! Join us THIS Saturday, October 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Stone Ridge Event Center (@stoneridgeevents) for a family-friendly, accessibility-forward evening of BBQ, games and world-class entertainment. Inspired by our clubhouse’s monthly Game Night, this event features: 🧩 A live game show experience from @thebiggameshow 🧩 Ford’s BBQ buffet-style dinner 🧩 A bring-your-own games area 🧩 Prizes, laughter, and community Inspired by our Clubhouse’s monthly game nights, this special night is hosted by Side by Side participants - men and women rebuilding their lives after brain injury - alongside their families, neighbors, and supporters from across the community. Brain and spinal cord injury survivors are enthusiastically invited—caregivers are required and encouraged to join the fun. Tickets: $25 per adult. $10 for Side by Side members and caregivers. $10 for children 6 and up. Free for kids 5 and under. Get your tickets now! Link in bio. Thank you to our sponsors: @hansford_mcdaniel_law_firm, @kunnathainjurylawyers, The Law Office of Elizabeth Sullivan, @slappeyandsadd and @stoneridgeevents

📣 We’re hiring! We're looking for a Development & Marketing Manager to join our member-led community helping brain injury survivors rebuild community, purpose, and hope. This full-time, hybrid role manages day-to-day operations of our fundraising and communications efforts, supporting donor stewardship, annual giving, grants, marketing and communications, database management, and fundraising events. If you’re compassionate, organized, and driven to make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more and apply by September 12, 2026. Link in bio. Salary: $75-80k #hiring #nonprofitjobs #braininjury #rehabilitation #communityimpact #fundraising #marketing

It’s time to pull out the games, shuffle the cards, and let the fun begin! There’s something special about Game Night at Side by Side Clubhouse. The dining room fills with excitement, laughter, friendly competition (especially at the dominos table!), and people gathered around the table enjoying time together. It’s a simple tradition with a big impact — bringing people together and building community, one game at a time. Thank you, Karen Jackson and family, for sponsoring August game night and helping create another night of fun and connection possible! Interested in sponsoring a monthly Game Night? Contact Laura Pettit at laura@sidebysideclubhouse.org or call the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355.

📣 We’re hiring! We're looking for a Program Coordinator – Kitchen Unit to join our member-led community helping brain injury survivors rebuild community, purpose, and hope. This full-time, in-person role leads our Kitchen Unit, facilitating daily programming, menu planning, and creating meaningful opportunities that foster member ownership, engagement, and skill development. If you’re compassionate, organized, and driven to make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more and apply by September 10, 2026. Link in bio. Salary: $50k #hiring #nonprofitjobs #braininjury #rehabilitation #communityimpact

Behind the scenes as we get ready for the 2026 International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA) Conference! Members and staff have been hard at work preparing presentations that showcase the creativity, collaboration and strengths of our Clubhouse community. This year's conference theme, Members Making Meaningful Work, couldn't be more fitting. We're proud to be sharing ideas and experiences on Employment Ideas for Independent Micro-Businesses, Work Unit Strengths, and Relationship-Driven Fundraising, and learning from our fellow Alliance partner clubhouses. Thank you braininjuryclubhousealliance for organizing this conference and creating opportunities for us to learn, grow and connect. Shout out to New Start Brain Injury Community Center for hosting us in Worcester, MA this September!

In July, Side by Side supported 44 men and women in finding community, purpose and hope after brain injury. 💙 353 service days 💚 116 hours spent volunteering in the community and rebuilding life skills 💙 18 self-determined goals achieved 💚 204 therapeutic groups attended After a brain injury people often wonder, “What’s next for me?” Rebuilding a life after brain injury takes time, patience and community. If you or someone you know is looking for a place to rebuild confidence, connection and hope, Side by Side is here to help.

“My favorite task is making birthday cards. Every member that comes through the program gets a birthday card, we’re still reaching out even after they leave. It’s a reminder of the time you came to the Clubhouse to get healing and we remember you. Being a member, you look forward to receiving a birthday card from the Clubhouse on your birthday. I like doing it. I’ve been here since the beginning and I like reaching out to members so they know we’re still thinking about them.” –Member Richie, Business Unit In our kitchen, business, or maintenance unit teams, our members prepare food, beautify our shared space, and guide the operations of our vital nonprofit organization. Every job is an act of service, every act of service is a chance for greatness.

Bragging rights secured! Congratulations to Michael, our Clubhouse FIFA World Cup Bracket Champion! 🏆⚽ There's something about sports that gets people talking. Celebrating the big wins, mourning the losses, and sharing the anticipation of the season. "Did you catch the game last night?" simply has a way of bringing people together. Shoutout to our incredible volunteer Steve who took that everyday camaraderie and turned it into something even more fun by organizing sports brackets for our entire Clubhouse to participate in. Thank you Steve for creating another opportunity for connection, laughter and community - and for having the best prizes! Get your football predictions ready!

The gardeners at the Clubhouse took on a new challenge this year: watermelons! 🍉 Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Like any new skill, it takes nurturing, consistency, and patience. Through steady care and a commitment to keep showing up, members of the Maintenance Unit harvested their very first watermelon from the melon patch and it was delicious! The garden continues to remind us that when we care for ourselves, support one another, and stay committed, good things have the chance to take root.

When you ask a member why they attend Side by Side the two most common answers are fellowship and community. Side by Side provides its members a soft landing place after surviving a brain injury. For many, the journey doesn't end when they’re discharged from the hospital. Adjusting to a new normal and rebuilding life after brain injury can be challenging, and no one should have to do it alone. At Side by Side, men and women find community, purpose and hope. They engage in meaningful work, build confidence and independence, and connect with peers who understand what they’re going through. Together, they support one another as they navigate life after brain injury.

Over the past several months, Side by Side members have had the opportunity to learn from an incredible group of guest speakers covering topics like local history, veterinary research, non-emergency medical transportation, fire safety, advocacy, the lovable and vital role of companion dogs, and so much more. A special thank you to our Program Coordinator, Patrick Medley, for organizing such an engaging and educational experience, and to each of our guest speakers for sharing their time, expertise, and passions with us. This Year's Guest Speakers: Mr. Oliver – Fundamentals of Woodworking Dr. Derrick Medley, D.V.M. – Veterinarian Research Mrs. Cheryl Mathis-Moore, Executive Director, Flatrock Archives Museum – Flatrock Archives Museum Ms. Edwards – Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Mr. Jeffrey – Environmental Protection Mr. Moore – Fire Safety and Prevention Ms. Christy – Life of an Author and Advocate for Safe and Healthy Childcare Facilities Mrs. Marsha Long and friends – Companion Dogs This educational series provided valuable learning opportunities, sparked thoughtful conversations, and broadened our perspectives. We look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and strengthen our community together. Interested in becoming a future guest speaker? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Laura Pettit at laura@sidebysideclubhouse.org or call (770) 469-9355 to learn more.

“I like helping others at Side by Side and doing the best I can for the Clubhouse. If I didn’t have Side by Side, I would not have the different opportunities to learn from other people who can relate to me. I love helping people and talking with people and how you say sometimes we can reminisce and think about the good times we have, and our families, and different things we have to go through. Side by Side has been a blessing to me. It's given me back the tools that I needed to be a parent, and people understanding what I'm truly going through with my life. They are my friends, we are a family, and I am truly grateful. ” —Member Cynthia Here at Side By Side, every member plays a part, every member makes a difference, and every member matters. If you think Clubhouse may be the right match for you or your loved one please call 770-469-9355 or email Judy Wissing, Intake Coordinator, at judy@sidebysideclubhouse.org and put the word “Membership” in the subject line.

Snacks attacked. $300,000 raised. Community, purpose, and hope for brain injury survivors made possible through countless displays of generosity and care. @sidebysideclubhouse’s 2026 Recovery Brunch was an incredible success, and we’re feeling immensely grateful! Thank you to the food and beverage partners who serve us. Thank you to our guests, volunteers and donors who propel us. Thank you to Liz George, whose “lifting” inspire us. As Georgia’s only long-term rehabilitative day program for survivors of stroke and brain injury, funds raised at the Recovery Brunch will make a dramatic difference in people’s lives across our state. Please join us in giving a full-throated thank-you to our food and beverage partners—especially our hosts, Chai Pani! • Avondale Breakfast Club • Baby Girl • Banshee • B-Side • Butter & Cream • Chai Pani • Climbing Kites • The Companion • Creature Comforts Brewing Company • The Deer and The Dove • El Super Pan • Farm Burger • Fawn • Ford’s BBQ • Good Word Brewing & Public House • Kamayan • Kimball House • Lucky Star • Lyla Lila • Montane Sparkling Water • Minhwa Spirits • Mule Train • Murrell’s Row • Muss & Turner’s • Poco Loco • Raani Coffee • Smiley’s Burger Club • Tito’s Vodka • The Third Space • Ticonderoga Club • Twin Smokers Thank you for the incredible photos @jbuckmaster1! Thank you to @blackcattips for making incredible art that keeps us smiling and snacking.

Brunch with us! Join us @chaipanidecatur for the Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur. 🎟️Tickets go on sale TODAY! Get ‘em while they’re hot at our link in bio! It’s a SNACK ATTACK! Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch, hosted in collaboration with Chai Pani Decatur, is an extraordinary tasting table event featuring beverage, bites, and sweets from over 30 chefs and bartenders - raising critical funds for stroke and brain injury survivors as they recover community, purpose, and hope. The Recovery Brunch will also feature a silent auction, live auction, chef cooking demonstrations, and a DJ! General admission tickets are all inclusive and include unlimited beverage enjoyment and a “bite” from each participating restaurant. Zero Proof tickets include non-alcoholic beverage enjoyment and a “bite” from each participating restaurant. Pancake Pass tickets available for kids. Children under five are welcome for free. We'll be presenting the Jim Long Servant Leadership Award to @urbanmountaingoat at the Recovery Brunch. Raise a glass with us to celebrate the tremendous support Liz contributes to Georgia's brain injury community! 🎟️ Use promo code SNACKATTACK for $10 off general admission tickets! Link in bio to purchase. Special thanks to our Gold sponsors: Calloway Title and Escrow, Cunningham Bounds, Morgan & Morgan, Special thanks to our Silver sponsors: Fagan Law Group, Dr. Ford and Lisa Vox, Mays Law. 🎨Art by @blackcattips

Chef Sahar Siddiqi is the Executive Chef of Chai Pani Decatur - the host for Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch on 5/31. We asked Sahar to share her personal experiences with acquired brain injury and her connection with the mission of with Side by Side. “My grandfather suffered a stroke when I was around eight years old. The entire right side of his body was paralyzed and he was immediately put into a facility to help him. It was very challenging. You want the best for your parents and grandparents, and a lot of these facilities don’t offer that to the extent they should. It was just really sad to see such a strong, proud man being like forced to be taken care of because he didn’t have an option. My grandfather was in the British military in the Navy, so just to see this completely other side of him was hard for our family. But it was also really remarkable because we spent so much time sitting next to him and just him telling us these stories. His brain was still so sharp, even in those end days. Side by Side does such incredible work for people who suffer brain injuries. One of our staff has a sibling who attends their day program and just seeing the progress he’s made and knowing what an impact they make in the community is just wonderful. It’s really important work, helping people function in their everyday life and be a part of their community again. It’s an absolute honor to help host the Recovery Brunch. The whole reason why I do this is to bring people together and to support different causes and community. Side by Side is just such a wonderful organization to support, and we’ll have a lot of fun doing it together with all these wonderful chefs.” - Sahar Siddiqi, Executive Chef of Chai Pani Decatur

[🎟 Follow @sidebysideclubhouse for Recovery Brunch tix drop on 4/14! New followers entered to win two tickets!] Get ready to dig in - your first look at this year's Recovery Brunch lineup starts here. Join us at Chai Pani Decatur for the Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur. Tickets on sale Tuesday, 4/14. 3… 2… 1… It’s time to plan your snack attack! 2026 Restaurant and beverage partners are in… 🍔 Restaurants: Baby Girl, Botiwalla, Chai Pani, El Super Pan, Farm Burger, Fawn, Fords BBQ, Good Word Brewing, Kamayan ATL, Kimball House, Lyla Lila, Mule Train, Muss & Turners, Poco Loco, Smileys, The Companion, The Deer and The Dove, The Third Space, Twin Smokers BBQ. ☕️ Beverages: Banshee, Chai Pani, Creature Comforts, Fawn, Good Word Brewing, Lucky Star, Minhwa Spirits, Montane Sparkling Water, Murrell's Row, Raani Coffee, Ticonderoga Club, Wine for Good. 🥐 Sweets: Avondale Breakfast Club, B-Side, Butter & Cream We’re excited to share our beverage and sweets partners in the comments!!! Special thanks to our sponsors: Calloway Title and Escrow, Cunningham Bounds, Morgan & Morgan, Fagan Law Group, Dr. Ford and Lisa Vox, Mays Law. [🎟 Follow @sidebysideclubhouse for Recovery Brunch tix drop on 4/14! New followers entered to win two tickets!] 🎨 Art by BlackCatTips

This month, we’re proud to spotlight one of our incredible community partners, @kaufmaninjurylaw, in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month 💚💙 “Human interaction is such an integral part of finding purpose both within ourselves and in a community. We believe every person deserves access to community and resources that remind them their journey still holds value, purpose, and possibility.” —Kaufman Injury Law Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of building a relationship with the team at Kaufman Injury Law. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing games, or simply spending time together, these moments of connection make a lasting impact on our members and remind us all of the power of showing up for one another. “One of our core values is ‘Stronger Together,’ and Side by Side creates a place where individuals are reminded they do not have to navigate recovery alone.” We’re grateful for partners who not only support our mission, but truly live it. ✨ Read the full Q&A at the link in our bio.

Side by Side Announces 2026 Jim Long Servant Leadership Award Recipient: Elizabeth George ✨ @urbanmountaingoat! We are honored to present the award to Elizabeth George at the 2026 Recovery Brunch on May 31 at @chaipanidecatur. Named for our beloved former Board Chair, Jim Long, the award recognizes individuals who model servant leadership, are generous of time, talent and treasure, and understand the significant unmet needs of the brain injury community. “Liz embodies the giving spirit that is the heart and soul of Side by Side.” – Jim Long Liz has spent more than a decade showing up—with joy, creativity, generosity, and an extraordinary heart for our members. From baking hundreds of cookies to forming meaningful relationships with members, from quiet acts of personal generosity to bold leadership of fundraising initiatives, Liz has helped shape the culture of Side by Side. Liz doesn’t just support the mission, she passionately serves the people behind it. Her leadership is not loud. It is consistent, generous, joyful and steady.

Attention Side by Side Members and Caregivers – WE NEED YOUR HELP! Side by Side is doing a research project that will help talk about where we have been and guide where we are going. The survey is active. If you DID NOT get an email with the survey link, please directly message Side by Side or call at the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355. If did get the email but have not completed the survey yet, please COMPLETE THE SURVEY ASAP. We are here to help if you want help to complete the survey. For assistance, please call the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355, or email Judy at judy@sidebysideclubhouse.org. This research project is in partnership with Shepherd Center and Georgia State University. We greatly appreciate your participation and feedback. Thank you!

At Side by Side, some of the most meaningful moments start with a member saying, “I have an idea.” Last Friday, Denell hosted her third annual Valentine’s Tea Party at the Clubhouse. A tradition that began as a personal goal to return to something she loved before her brain injury. “Prior to my brain injury I was able to throw a tea party for my friends and loved ones at my home, and I hoped that might be able to happen here at Side by Side. Outside of these clubhouse walls, you get a lot of tug of war of ‘do this’ or ‘don’t do that’ because you’re injured or disabled. You get to hone your independence here. You get the confidence to try things because you know it’s a safe environment if you make a mistake or forget to do something.” - Denell Her background in planning and marketing is still her passion. Each year, the tea party compounds, growing from tea and cookies to decorations and the history of tea time, to this year’s addition of Clubhouse-made small sandwiches and fresh flower arrangements. After every event, she does a post-event debrief to make the next one even better! The tea party wasn’t just a lovely gathering. It was an opportunity to express creativity, strengthen confidence, and prove to herself that she can still do what she sets her mind to. Side by Side is a place where it feels safe to try and keep trying.

We’re excited to host our second Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur 🥂 Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 14, when we’ll also reveal our full lineup of restaurant partners! BONUS: Follow Side by Side on Facebook or Instagram for Recovery Brunch updates, and you’ll automatically be entered to win two tickets to this year’s event! Since 2000, Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse has been dedicated to recovery—working side by side with men and women who’ve experienced a brain injury as they recover community, purpose, and hope. Hosted at @chaipanidecatur, Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch will feature beverages and bites from more than 15 community partners, including a mix of returning favorites from 2025 and new participants. Chai Pani Decatur is a lively indoor-and-outdoor space that brings the vibrant energy of Indian street food into the heart of the restaurant experience. The Decatur location was named one of Atlanta Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2013, and its chef, Sahar Siddiqi, was recognized as a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. In 2022, the Chai Pani Asheville location earned the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Interested in sponsoring Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch or joining our Host Committee? Please contact Laura Pettit at laura@sidebysideclubhouse.org. Art by @blackcattips

📢 Attention Side by Side Members and Caregivers! Side by Side is doing a research project that will help talk about where we have been and guide where we are going. On Thursday 2/12, active and inactive members of Clubhouse will receive a SURVEY link in your email. PLEASE take the time to complete the survey. You can get help to complete the survey through Side by Side. If you do not receive the survey or have changed your email address, please directly message Side by Side or call Judy at the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355. This research project is in partnership with Shepherd Center and Georgia State University. We greatly appreciate your participation and feedback. Thank you!

Liza’s mornings begin at 6:30 a.m., with a routine that sets the tone for her day—determined to keep building the full, purpose-driven life she’s working toward. “I think it’s good that I have a routine and stick to it,” she says. “It helps my independence.” Before her brain injury, Liza’s life was fast-paced and full of ambition. She landed her dream job with Burberry in New York City after graduating from Washington and Lee University. Her days were filled with the excitement of a new career, laughter with friends, and long walks in the city. That momentum shifted after she fell down the stairwell of her apartment building, fracturing her skull. A neighbor—fortunately a physician assistant—rushed her to Bellevue Hospital where she received urgent care and less than two years later found Side by Side. From her very first visit, Liza knew Side by Side was special. “It’s a great place to gather, get out of the house, and practice working,” she recalls. What motivates her most is the chance to work hard and contribute to her community. “Purpose means working toward something,” Liza says. “My goal is to get a job and it’s great practice here.” Whether she’s helping a coworker, greeting a new member, or carefully counting the cash box, Liza takes pride in doing her job well. Side by Side’s next chapter begins with you. As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, your generosity continues to help adults with brain injuries find community, purpose, and hope. If you're able, we invite you to consider a gift this holiday season to support the path forward. Link in bio 🔗

“Brain injury happens so fast. It doesn’t just happen to the person injured, but to their whole family and community,” shares Jennifer Broom, brain injury survivor and founding board member of Side by Side. “You’re just kind of thrown into it whether you want to be or not, and no one really learns about it until you have to.” Through her years of advocacy and service, Jennifer found purpose again in helping others find theirs. “Everybody needs to feel relevant—to be seen and heard and know they matter,” she says. “That’s what Side by Side gives people: a family.” Side by Side’s next chapter begins with you. As we reflect on 2025 and look forward to 2026, your generosity continues to help adults with brain injuries find community, purpose, and hope. Side by Side’s next chapter begins with you. As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, your generosity continues to help adults with brain injuries find community, purpose, and hope. If you're able, we invite you to consider a gift this holiday season to support the path forward.

Our impact is only possible with your generosity, and we are incredibly grateful for anything you can give to help change the lives of our member's navigating recovery from brain injury. If you’re able, please consider a contribution this #GivingTuesday or before the end of 2025. Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness this holiday season!

Celebrating our journey of 25 impactful years is only possible because of the members who define Side by Side. So, each Tuesday through the end of 2025, we're sharing their stories with you. Up first is Rockin’ Richie. Before his brain injury, Richie was best known on stage as Rockin’ Richie—a drummer who picked up the sticks at 18 years old after Woodstock 69’. “I was inspired,” he says. “Ken Kesey said, ‘drop out of society’ instead I dropped out of college and moved to the West Coast.” What began as jam sessions on an Oregon farm in the middle of nowhere grew into a career that took Richie around the world, from Canada to Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and beyond. “It gave me the chance to see places I never thought I’d see,” he says, recalling memories from his Asian USO tour. In 1991, a car accident left Richie in a coma for two and a half months. His recovery was slow. His balance was forever changed, but his independence wasn’t Read Richie’s full story at our link in bio. Side by Side’s next chapter begins with you. As we reflect on our growth in 2025 and build toward stability in 2026, your generosity continues to help adults with brain injuries find community, purpose, and hope. We hope you'll consider giving a gift this #GivingTuesday to support the path ahead.

As we gather for our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, we’re reminded of the heart of Side by Side—the people who show up, support one another, and believe in the power of community after brain injury. This season, we’re especially grateful for YOU. Because of you, men and women rebuilding their lives after brain injury find belonging, purpose, and moments of joy and celebration. Your kindness, commitment, and generosity has helped shaped 25 impactful years at Side by Side. Thank you.

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Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse staff