Two hundred community members gathered recently on the rooftop of MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, to learn about Jodi House’s mission to empower brain injury survivors to thrive.
More than $60,000 was generated for the nonprofit during An Evening to Explore Jodi House, an annual event designed to raise awareness and funds for the brain injury support center.
The evening highlighted the rehabilitation and support services Jodi House provides brain injury survivors, serving nearly 200 community members in the past year alone.
“Thank you all for making it possible for us to never have to turn anyone away from Jodi House because of the inability to pay,” she said.
Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while learning more about Jodi House from its members, staff and board. Live entertainment was provided by guitarist Chris Fossek. Jodi House Board president Adriana Mezic and board member Kerry Kelly co-chaired the event.
Emcee Cydney Justman, executive director of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, led the crowd in a paddle raise, that helped generate $62,205 in support of Jodi House’s programs.
The event was sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Jason and Lynette Spievak, Adriana and Igor Mezic and AIMdyn Inc., Diana and Terry Ingram, Mike Chenoweth of Radius Commercial Real Estate, The Santa Barbara Independent, Cottage Health, Vivian Solodkin, Dennis Forster and Cynder Sinclair, Angela Hsu and Jordan Pinsker, Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co., LLP, Kennedy Accounting Systems, Coast Hills Credit Union, Institution Ale, Jordano’s, and Margerum Wine Company.
Jodi House was founded in Santa Barbara in 1982 by Donna and Jerry Wustman after their 19-year-old daughter Jodi suffered a traumatic brain injury when she was struck by a drunk driver.
The organization offers resources, programs, and case management helping those with brain injuries recover as fully as possible.
“You can be vulnerable at Jodi House,” said Heather Fiore, who shared her personal story of suffering a brain aneurysm at the age of 24. Jodi House supported her throughout her recovery.
“It’s always a safe place at Jodi House, and there is no fear of judgment,” Fiore said. “Together, we celebrate the small steps that others might not recognize, but that mean so much to us.”
Lindsey Black, Jodi House executive director, noted Jodi House’s key role in completing the continuum of care for brain injury survivors.
“I think about our fellow community members out there who are experiencing brain injury and struggling with loneliness and isolation […] and the decision to walk through our door is a brave and courageous act,” said Black.
Jodi House provides rehabilitation and support services to brain injury survivors, regardless of their ability to pay. Its programs are supportive and community-based, consisting of structured activities that facilitate community reintegration.
Jodi House has proven effective in establishing independence for survivors, helping them obtain meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities, and supporting them as they and their families recover, reconnect, and move forward.
Jodi House is at 625 Chapala St. in a Victorian house that was the former home of Chad’s Restaurant for 15 years.