Michelle – Living Independently (NOSBIS)
Michelle acquired a traumatic brain injury at the age of twelve, while playing with her cousins. The injury resulted in significant neurological and physical challenges that created a life of fear, anxiety, exclusion and seclusion.
As an adult, Michelle moved to Salmon Arm and discovered NOSBIS. Since receiving the encouragement and support through the Support Worker Program, which is funded 100% by the Alliance, Michelle has successfully completed numerous courses at Okanagan College.
She is a very active volunteer with NOSBIS, providing regular on-call assistance at our reception desk. Michelle volunteers at NOSBIS’ many fundraising activities and serves on the Board of Directors. Through her association with NOSBIS and the ongoing support of the Support Workers, Michelle has gained the confidence to participate in the community without hesitation.
She has learned the necessary coping skills to live independently in her home and in the community. From a life of fear, anxiety, exclusion and seclusion, Michelle has transformed her life to one filled with curiosity which she satisfies with reading, using the computer efficiently to research topics and discovering new areas of interest. She has developed the confidence to make her own decisions and control the direction of her own life.
She interacts enthusiastically with her peers at various NOSBIS-related events as well as participating in community events, independent of NOSBIS involvement.
It has been a joy and a privilege to see Michelle develop to this level of her potential. With her strong desire to live an independent life and her willingness to work hard to reach every goal, she has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to her peers and to each of us at NOSBIS.
Without the Support Worker Program, the underpinning support that has helped Michelle to reach her goals would not have been available to her.
We are very grateful for the funds that allow our Support Workers to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who are living every day with the challenges of an acquired brain injury.
For motivated individuals like Michelle, the ongoing encouragement of the Support Workers provides the impetus for accomplishing goals that once seemed to be impossible.
