As people around the world get ready to ring in the new year, the Jimmy Simpson Foundation is preparing to celebrate its 25th year of providing care to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. As part of its preparations for its silver anniversary, the foundation is taking time to reflect on its roots and make goals for the future.
Both the Jimmy Simpson Foundation and its long-term care facility Safehaven were founded by Carol Simpson in 1998 after she struggled to find quality care for her husband Jimmy who had suffered an anoxia brain injury in 1995 from a fall out of a hospital bed.
Since opening the doors to Safehaven, the facility has provided care and support to 44 low-level cognitively impaired individuals and their families; the organization has also served close to 100 families through its support group services.
“My mom wanted my dad to receive the best care possible. She looked everywhere for a long-term placement facility that would provide an environment that fostered individuality while also being a safe place he could call home. When her search came up empty, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Now, 25 years later, it is incredible to look back at the remarkable work she did to provide people like my dad with the care they need and deserve,” said Vickie Hodge, daughter of Jimmy Simpson and CEO of the Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
Safehaven is able to accommodate 12 residents, but fundraising efforts are underway through the Foundations for the Future campaign to expand the facility. Once completed, the expanded facility will be able to serve 24 residents and will grow to approximately 31,000 square feet, with 28,000 of that space dedicated to direct services.
As part of its fundraising efforts during its 25th-anniversary celebration, the foundation will host its annual Clay Shoot in June and Golf Tournament in September. Both events provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to support Safehaven’s expansion project.
“Through the annual Clay Shoot and Golf Tournament, we have been able to build relationships with incredible people in our community and raise funds to continue serving individuals with traumatic brain injuries for years to come,” said Jessica Malone, COO of the Jimmy Simpson Foundation, which oversees Safehaven.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities for the Clay Shoot are now available, and information about the golf tournament will be released soon.
For more information about the Jimmy Simpson Foundation and to donate or learn more about upcoming events, visit https://safehavenjsf.org/.