The Caribou Brain Injury Society (CBIS) will dissolve at the end of September after serving the community since 2002.
“Because we had a lack of support in general we are shutting down,” said executive director Courtney Mailhot speaking on behalf of the board Thursday. “It has been all about timing.”
Services, however, will not be cut off to the 30-some local clients.
Deborah Preston, regional manager for special populations for Interior Health, said the health authority has partnered with the Williams Lake Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association to continue the important service.
“We are committed to continuing to provide services to clients in the Cariboo area and we want to thank CBIS for their services,” Preston said Thursday, noting she was confident the transition would be seamless.
Mailhot said the decision to close was a difficult one for the board and not its first choice.
“It is very unfortunate,” she said.
Clients are asked to contact Interior Health’s Acquired Brain Injury Case coordinators in Kamloops at 1-250-377-6500 ext 4090 for more information. Additionally, IH will be reaching out to clients in the coming weeks.
Established in Williams Lake to promote knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with acquired brain injuries, the society has helped many individuals access community based supports and services to maximize the quality of their lives.
The society has also provided direct services such as case management and psychosocial management programs.