A unique resource in the heart of Westfield is providing individuals with traumatic brain injury the opportunity to share experiences of healing, challenges, and day-to-day living. The Brain Injury Community Center (BICC) of Western Mass is a program of Berkshire County Arc (BCArc), an agency which provides services for individuals with disabilities across Berkshire County and Pioneer Valley. BCArc's services include 43 residential homes, employment services, family support, and day programs such as the BICC.
Located on Franklin Street in Downtown Westfield, BICC clients are known as members. Members each contribute to the BICC Clubhouse, where each person has responsibilities that fall within their specific interests. Duties can cover things like kitchen, where members design menus and prepare meals; physical maintenance and grounds support; and membership growth. Members may also take classes geared toward a return to the workforce or education environment. But for most members, having a place to go where you’re understood and accepted is BICC’s greatest offering.
One of the toughest things about brain injury, according to BICC members, is that it’s a hidden disability. “People think you’re okay because it’s not something you can always see,” says Jeff.
Frankie describes recovery from brain injury as coming out of the rubble. “Here we get a new start, and we can try new activities and resources,” says Frankie. He also points out that it’s helpful to learn about the physical aspects of brains and brain injury. “We call it TBI 101,” notes Frankie.
Members are collaborating on a Clubhouse mural that highlights their stories. The theme of the painting is “rising from the rubble,” which represents members coming out of destruction and rising above, with a lot of good things coming out in the process. Clubhouse member Jeff, who has vision loss, is contributing to the mural by using textural cues to paint within certain parts of the mural.
David Singer, BCArc's Vice President of Communications and Marketing, would like to see more people taking part in what the Clubhouse offers. “From our perspective, we don’t feel like the community is aware of the center. More members would be welcome. It’s the only one in Western Mass – people aren’t taking advantage because they don’t know about it – we’re looking for more members.”
For more information on how you can help, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BCountyArc or go to bcarc.org
“People think you’re okay because it’s not something you can always see”