Sally goes Stateside
Melbourne Citymission’s Compass Clubhouse for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an Australian first and its co-ordinator, Sally Green, recently took a trip to the States to find out how other Clubhouses with the same vision operate.
America is comparatively advanced in its support for people with an ABI and over the last couple of years since the Compass Clubhouse first opened, Sally has kept up-to-date with best-practice through a bi-monthly teleconference with international Clubhouses.
Sally really wanted to meet her Clubhouse contacts face-to-face and so, as part of a family holiday, Sally organised to travel up the east coast of America, visiting Clubhouses on the way.
With stops in Georgia, Virginia, Washington DC, New Jersey and New York City, Sally was able to spend time in seven different Clubhouses and learn from other co-ordinators, staff and members. There was also a two day conference run by the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA) which Sally was delighted to attend.
It was an amazing experience for Sally, who’s passionate about the Melbourne Citymission Clubhouse. “Everyone was so unbelievably hospitable, kind and generous with their time” said Sally. “It was so useful to gain an insight into how other Clubhouses work and learn some tried and tested methods which help keep everything running smoothly. I have brought back lots of ideas and initiatives to try at Compass Clubhouse and the members are excited to hear about what I’ve learned.”
Sally organised this two week reconnaissance prior to a family holiday. Thank you Sally for your dedication and commitment to providing support to the Compass Clubhouse members. Earlier this year, Sally was presented with the Individual Victorian Disability Sector Award 2011, for more details, click here.
 |
Sally Green (front left) pictured with other participants attending the |
| Sally Green (centre) pictured with members/staff from the Opportunity Project Clubhouse, Millburn, New Jersey |
 |
More about Melbourne Citymission’s Clubhouse
The Compass Clubhouse is a safe place in which people with an Acquired Brain Injury can come and spend time. It supports members to regain life and work skills and participate more meaningfully in the community. For more information, click here.
Melbourne Citymission
Melbourne Citymission works with people experiencing disadvantage across Melbourne and Victoria. Every week we help thousands of people build a clear pathway away from economic exclusion and social isolation.
Our services support:
- people to find a pathway out of homelessness
- people with a disability to get the resources and support they need to live the life they want
- people to break the cycle of poverty and abuse
- people to find jobs, or enter into education and training.
