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History
In 1987, Jackie Denham and Shirley Athoe founded the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie (BIAFE), one of Ontario's earliest Brain Injury Associations. Inspired by their son's journeys with acquired brain injury and recognizing the lack of local support services, they set out to create a place where individuals and families could find understanding, encouragement, and connection.
What began as a response to their family's experiences quickly grew into a community dedicated to supporting others facing similar challenges. Through compassion, advocacy, and a shared commitment to improving lives, BIAFE has become a trusted resource for individuals living with acquired brain injuries throughout Fort Erie and South Niagara.
Today, BIAFE continues to build on the vision of its founders by providing programs, education, advocacy, and meaningful opportunities that empower individuals to live with dignity, independence, and hope. Their legacy lives on in every person we support and every connection we help create.
Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals living with acquired brain injuries by providing compassionate support, meaningful programs, advocacy, education, and community connections. We are committed to enhancing quality of life, promoting independence, and fostering understanding and inclusion for individuals and their families throughout South Niagara.
Vision
We envision a community where every person living with an acquired brain injury has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Our Core Values
Empathy
We approach every individual and family with compassion, understanding, and respect, recognizing that every brain injury journey is unique.
Respect
We honour the dignity, choices, experiences, and voices of every person we serve.
Collaboration
We believe meaningful partnerships and teamwork create stronger support systems and better outcomes for our community.
Integrity
We are committed to honesty, transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in everything we do.
Empowerment
We encourage individuals living with acquired brain injuries to build confidence, develop independence, and reach their personal goals.
Inclusivity
We foster a welcoming environment where everyone has equitable access to our programs, services and opportunities.
Education
We promote awareness and understanding of acquired brain injury through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Most of BIAFE services are hosted and operated out of our Program Centre located at 649 Niagara Boulevard in Fort Erie, serving the individuals within Greater Fort Erie. At BIAFE, our programs are versatile, as we understand that the needs of our members are ever-evolving. Primarily, our centre focuses on case management, and life skills programming, all of which aim to make life better for everyone we serve.
Our Programs