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
Before COVID Kitsap Brain Injury conducted two monthly in-person support groups, one in Bremerton, the other in Silverdale. These and more than 70 other groups thrived in Washington 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 support group funding; COVID was used to abandon the TBI community completely.
After a few months alone and adrift, KBI members slowly reconnected through personal email and Zoom accounts.
Thank you Dan, for saving us all!
What began was one virtual meeting with less than 40 invitations. In 18 month it expanded to over 150 names. Clearly TBI survivors wanted and needed that community connection.
Once a month also proved inadequate, particularly during COVID’s lock downs. 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 throughout the Kitsap peninsula and beyond.
Klatch continues to widen its TBI family helping each other not just survive, but thrive!
Click the logo below to register for meeting invitations
