“I encourage each person to set goals and then I help get services so those goals can be reached,” Andrea Simmons said. “I find day programs, support groups or health aides and I can also arrange transportation. We offer Independent Living Skills Training at COARC to help individuals live richer and fuller lives. The ultimate goal is to get individuals to be able to do things themselves, maybe with some assistance from their Independent Living Skills Training worker.”

Andrea Simmons is the Service Coordinator for COARC’s Traumatic Brain Injury Services, a new program available to residents of Columbia and Greene Counties.

In addition to Service Coordination and Independent Living Skills Training, COARC’s Traumatic Brain Injury Services program offers Structured Day Programs, Intensive Behavioral Programs and Community Integration Counseling. Individuals and families interested in enrolling or learning more about COARC TBI Services should contact Alex Schneider, COARC Director of Development and Community Services, at 518-672-4451 x 3422 or alexs@coarc.org.

COARC is celebrating 45 years of expanding abilities, one person at a time, so individuals who experience disabilities can meet their individual goals. COARC is the Columbia County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and provides services and programs to more than 500 individuals. It is primarily supported through state and federal funding, and also by individual and corporate members, donors and foundations. Information about COARC services, employment, membership and donation opportunities is available at www.COARC.org or 518-672-4451.