Case Manager Dedicated to Helping Those Suffering from Brain Trauma

In a modest office in the Cary Building on Old Keene Mill Road, Chris Swenson works with a part of the community to which anyone can suddenly gain membership through an accident, tragedy or mishap.

Swenson works for Brain Injury Services, a company dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds manage life after suffering a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can range from trauma suffered in a car accident to the results of a stroke. As Chris explained plainly, "Brain injuries don't discriminate."

Chris Swenson has been a case manager for Brain Injury Services for seven years. He primarily works with people in the Burke and Springfield regions, where he's a near-native. "I was an Army brat when I was young," Chris said. "We moved around a lot. My dad was stationed in Northern Virginia when I was ten. I then grew up in the Burke and Springfield areas."

Formed in 1989, Brain Injury Services provides services in case management, living skills training, respite care, clubhouse programs and social skills training. 

Swensen's primary role is in case management, coordinating resources and benefits within the community to help an individuals' recovery. The nonprofit offers free case management services and its other services on a sliding pay scale.

This small nonprofit has a sizable case load.

"We have roughly 30 active clients with active goals, such as following up with therapies, finding a job, and finding housing. We also have 10 to 20 consultative cases," Swenson said.

Funding and resources can be limited because of the company's status as a nonprofit. According to their website, 80 percent of the company's operating budget goes directly to the services they provide their clients.  

Brain Injury Services reaches out to their potential clients in a variety of fashions. "We reach people by participating in health fairs and partnering with other community organizations and by getting referred to by hospitals and doctors," Swenson said.

Awareness of brain injuries is also spread among the community through fundraising and other special events. One such event, Kit's Miracle Mile, a 10k run/walk will be held at George Mason University on Sept. 26. The race, which brings out both those affected by brain injuries and those that support the cause, is designed to bring about awareness and a positive outlook.

"Many [race particpants with brain injuries] are training to overcome their physical deficits their brain injury has caused," Swensen said.

Swensen finds his clients' success to be one of the best parts of his job.

"Working with a person who achieves their goals is the most rewarding part of my job," Swensen said. "It's rewarding when a person can say their life was great before their injury and that their life is still great after the injury."