Since becoming the full-time Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) in January, Mattie Cummins has been busy meeting people, getting to know other non-profits throughout the state, and developing effective and efficient ways for the BIAAZ to continue to make a difference in the lives of the people the organization serves.

Ms. Cummins, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, began working with people with disabilities in 1991 in her home state of Texas. Eventually she took a job with a program that provided in-home services to people with brain injuries.

“I fell in love with this field and came to realize that people with disabilities taught me a lot about life,” she says.

Transforming her passion for her work into a plan to help increase the direct services that the BIAAZ provides, Ms. Cummins is already making decisions about priorities for the organization. One of her goals is to establish a mentorship program for families of people with brain injuries.

“Connecting families to a mentor as soon as the hospitalization occurs is the key,” she explains. “It’s important to have someone there who can answer their questions and tell them what to expect.”

Another priority for the BIAAZ involves increasing the number of support groups in Arizona for people with brain injuries and their families. Currently there are established groups in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and in northern Arizona.

“We’re looking to start a support group for young adults in the Phoenix area because there’s a definite need and interest there,” says Ms. Cummins.

One area where there is a critical need is financial assistance. The BIAAZ is taking the initial steps to develop an emergency fund that will provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, groceries, and other essential expenses to help families and individuals in need. According to Ms. Cummins, there are numerous costs involved when a brain injury occurs, but very few services are actually covered by insurance.

“There are situations where people have to choose between rehabilitation or buying food,” she says. “We don’t want them to have to make that choice.”

While she has had to learn how to navigate a new community and system since relocating to Phoenix, Ms. Cummins is very excited about the direction the BIAAZ is headed.

There has been a 60 percent increase in sponsorships and several new and different events are on the horizon. The organization recently began planning an art show that will feature the work of artists with brain injuries. A BIAAZ volunteer who has a background in art therapy is helping to pull the event together.

The BIAAZ has a number of committees that work on various projects throughout the year. Anyone who is interested in serving on a committee is welcome to participate.

“There are so many people and organizations doing good things in our communities,” says Ms. Cummins. “Our website is a great way to find out what’s going on and to get involved.”

For more information about the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, call (602) 508-8024 or visit www.biaaz.org.