This year, colleges and universities aren’t the only ones dealing with hardship from recent state-wide budget cuts. Phoenix Star Clubhouse, a nonprofit organization in Roanoke, will face closing its doors at the end of this September if it doesn’t raise enough money to stay afloat.
The Phoenix Star Clubhouse specializes in brain injury and development. It is devoted to offering continuous support to the entire community and members are treated with respect and dignity, reminding them that socialization and meaningful work are not out of their reach. According to its Web site, “[t]he Clubhouse enables its members to return to paid work through individualized supports based on each member’s decision and desire to work.”

At present, the organization needs $113,000 to maintain the Clubhouse through June 30, 2010, when state funding will be available again. The Clubhouse has been supported in part by Grant #07-058 from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund.
In attempt to raise the necessary funds needed, it will be holding three upcoming events.

The first, on Sept. 26, will be a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. It will take place at Thrasher Memorial UMC located at 707 E. Washington Ave, Vinton, from 4 – 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child.

The second event will be on Oct. 3. They will be selling coffee roasted by Star City Roasters and baked goods from MaggieBeth’s Bakery at Grandin Village Community Market located at 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

And finally the third event will be a Wine & Cheese Tasting and Silent Auction on Nov. 12. The location will be the 202 Market Restaurant, downtown Roanoke, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

In addition to these events, they are also selling CDs of original songs by staff member Jon Weems. They are $12 + 3 shipping and handling if you would like one mailed to you. Go to www.jonweems.com for more information. Of course, they will also take individual donations. No amount is too large or too small. On the Web site, they have a paypal account set up for easy convenience.

The Clubhouse is the only resource of its kind in Southwest Virginia to specifically address the needs of individuals with brain injuries. There are hundreds of Clubhouses worldwide, however there are a small handful that deal with the subject of brain injury. There are only seven brain injury Clubhouses in the state of Virginia.

For more information or to purchase tickets contact The Phoenix Star Clubhouse at 540.904.5903.

Sarah Sandridge is an intern for the New River Voice.