As one of the few post-acute brain injury programs in West Michigan, Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation has received referrals for cases it cannot currently support. However, with additional staff training and equipment, the program could expand its offerings. Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation is a community-based brain injury rehabilitation provider serving the Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and East Lansing areas through 16 locations for more than 40 years. It is also one of 25 IMPART Alliance mini-grantees developing innovative projects to strengthen the direct care workforce across Michigan.
While Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation has a long history of providing interdisciplinary neuro rehabilitation, there was an identified need to rebuild the workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the need for additional competency-based skill practice in specialized rehabilitation areas, Hope Network’s mini-grant project focuses on increasing recruitment and retention of direct care workers in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. The project has identified steps to enhance the knowledge and skills of direct care workers through a variety of education and training opportunities, utilizing onsite resources as well as certificate-based educational training provided by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) and the BIAA’s Academy of Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS).
Thanks to the funding support received through the grant, Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation was able to send 39 direct care workers to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s annual conference, held at the Lansing Center on September 13, 2024. Although Hope Network had sent professional team members to this conference in the past, funding limitations prevented it from sending direct care workers until this year. This specialized training enhances the professional development of Hope Network’s direct care workforce team and improves the quality of life for individuals with brain injuries.
Maureen Belcher, a rehab tech at Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation, found the conference offered valuable insights on brain injuries, covering everything from general knowledge to outside influences on recovery. “I really enjoyed being able to personally select the classes we attended,” she said, noting how it allowed staff to tailor their learning to fit both personal interests and career paths.
“Being invited to go to this conference was such a great experience,” said Bryce Crawford, assistant supervisor at Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation. “As a direct care staff, it meant so much to be able to get educated through lectures on a variety of topics that apply to my work. I am thankful for Hope Network inviting direct care staff for this opportunity. The material was fun and engaging, and that (family/survivor) testimony to kick off the conference really put things into perspective, what a story! I hope I can get to go next year and continue to increase my knowledge of brain injuries.”
By equipping direct care workers with the skills and certifications necessary to provide expert support, Hope Network is making significant strides in workforce development and retention within its community. This initiative is one of many upcoming efforts to support and advance the direct care workforce across Michigan.
Michigan State University’s IMPART Alliance federal grant was awarded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, using American Rescue Plan Act/Home and Community-Based Services Spending Plan project funds.
Story by: Mariana Bittencourt, Photos: Courtesy of HOPE Network