What the heck is a klatch?
klatch “kläCH ” (also klatsch)
noun: a social gathering, especially for coffee and conversation. In this case peer led conversations about brains, brain injuries, and living your best life.
Origins
For many years Kitsap Brain Injury conducted two monthly in-person support groups, one in Bremerton, the other in Silverdale. These and more than 70 other groups throughout Washington thrived with help from Tommy Manning Act funds through the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS). But in 2020, even before the lockdown, the Department eliminated funding. Shortly after, COVID was used an excuse to completely abandon the TBI community.
Suddenly alone and adrift, KBI members slowly reconnected through personal email and Zoom accounts.
Thank you Dan, for saving us all!
What began as one virtual meeting with eight TBI survivors expanded to over 150 names on the invitation list. Clearly a community connection was needed.
Once a month also proved inadequate, particularly during COVID lock down. Members suggested a weekly group and the Klatch was born. Perhaps more accurately, hatched.
Even after restrictions ended, Zoom provided a convenient connection for reaching TBI survivors where they lived across the Kitsap peninsula and beyond.
Klatch continues to broaden its TBI family helping each other not just survive, but thrive!
Click the logo below to get meeting invitations
