Patty Goolsby of NeuroRestorative Georgia was named a Community Champions of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation for the fourth quarter of FY14. These employees are nominated by their colleagues and are being recognized for their work with local non-profit organizations, where they donate their time and energy to improve quality of life for their neighbors. The Champions’ chosen nonprofits will receive a $500 grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation.
Patty has been an active member of the Brain Injury Association of Georgia for over 10 years. Serving on the Board of Directors, she facilitates monthly support groups for individuals with brain injury and coordinates the annual Brain Injury Awareness Walk each March. Patty has been involved in the brain injury support group for the past eight years. She strives to unite the support groups within the state to strengthen the networks for survivors and families, and loves working with the participants.
“The support group keeps people connected, offers help and comfort to survivors, and provides education through guest speakers,” Patty said. “Survivors and their family have a long journey ahead, and we’re here to help.”
In coordinating the Brain Injury Awareness Walk, a record $9,000 was raised last year and the event had more than 250 supporters—the greatest number the event has ever seen. Proceeds from the walk benefit Camp Hardgrove—a camp for adult survivors of brain injury—where Patty also volunteers as a counselor.
“Camp is fun,” she said. “You get to meet survivors from all over the state and assist them with participating in fun activities. It’s very rewarding.”
As Program Director of NeuroRestorative Georgia, Patty motivates brain injury survivors on a daily basis, and was recently named as a NeuroRestorative Hero for her dedication to the families and individuals she works with.
“We’re their home until they get home,” Patty said. “Everyone wants a reason to get up and feel some purpose, and we’re going to help them accomplish that.”
“Patty is a wonderful asset to NeuroRestorative Georgia and the brain injury community,” says Jane Imboden, NeuroRestorative Vice President of Operations for the South East Region. “She is an advocate, a care giver and an exceptional leader; one who truly leads by example. One of her staff members summarized her dedication and leadership by saying ‘In this line of work, you have to have love and patience to make it through the day. Patty helps some of us to find what we did not even know we had.’”
Click here to learn more about the Brain Injury Association of Georgia.
About The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation
The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation is committed to transforming the delivery of human services through the generation of new ideas and best practices. We seek to advance an agenda based on quality, accountability and respect for the individual. The focus of our giving is on organizations that take a fresh look—through research, innovative thinking, direct care and programming—at how people with disabilities and youth and families facing emotional, behavioral and other challenges are cared for in our society. The Foundation also works to expand opportunity for the people we serve through employment and educational support.