The Brain Injury Association Quinte District (BIAQD) was founded in 1992 by Carole Vincent because she discovered a need for support in the community after her son, Randy Vincent, was in a motor vehicle accident. It was initially

named the Head Injury Association – Belleville District.

The Association was incorporated in 1995, and the

mission statement was established. The mission

statement says “The Brain Injury Association Quinte

District is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to

supporting individuals with acquired brain injury,

their families and their communities by promoting

awareness through education, information, and

outreach services.” The name was changed from

Head Injury Association to Brain Injury Association

– Belleville and District in 1997. The incorporation

was finally complete on January 28, 2002.

 

     The Brain Injury Association Quinte District signed

an affiliation with Ontario Brain Injury Association

(OBIA) in 2005, and has maintained affiliation since

that time. At that time, BIAQD became involved in

the Peer Mentoring Program, where people with

lived experience and their caregivers are matched

with others to share experience and provide support

in a safe, anonymous environment.

 

     We also have an affiliation with the United Way Quinte District which began in January 1998, and continues to this day. Initially, United Way funded staff development and office space. Then, they funded programmes including art programmes, youth programmes and conferences. Currently, they fund the Rec programme, which allows members to participate in leisure activities (pool, bowling, woodworking, fishing, golf, etc.) in a social environment. United Way also provides workshops on governance and management, and donates gifts for kids to our holiday party, and provides some healthy snacks for our programmes.

 

     BIAQD has had many homes in the community. It started out in Carole’s spare bedroom, and then moved to the Edith Cavell Building beside Belleville General Hospital. In 1997, the office was located in Century Place in downtown Belleville. Later, BIAQD shared a space at 249 William Street with the United Way. Then, the Association moved to 281 Front Street as the Association grew and increased programming. In 2013, the Association moved to a little office in Core Centre and the programmes were held in the community rooms at the Core Centre. Finally, in 2015, the Association moved to a larger centre in the Core Centre, where Big Brothers and Big Sisters had been previously.

 

     This Association has survived for 25 years on fundraising from the community with no government support. We are indebted to our friends in the community; professionals , companies, and individuals for their ongoing support of this Association. The fundraisers that the Association currently has are Uncorked in early December, and Casino Night in May. As well, the association has participated in charity bingos since . There are also many other fundraising activities, initiated by members. Our current goal is to have supporters consider monthly donations for ongoing support of the work of the Association.