Chip's House Mission and Program Description

Cape Head Injured Persons' Housing and Education Group, inc. is a private non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation founded by Cape Cod residents and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1992 to provide community-based housing, personal care services, and other appropriate assistance for those seriously disabled because of a closed head injury. This organization is dedicated to helping seriously disabled individuals live in a community setting where they can have a "home of their own" and exercise greater control over their lives than would be the case in a skilled nursing facility among the frail elderly and terminally ill. CHIP, Inc. Board of Directors is compromised of family members, professionals with comprehensive knowledge in the needs of people with head injury, and concerned community members-all of who are committed to the successful operation of residences that improve the quality of life for those who are disabled because of a closed head injury.

Chip's primary goal is to create and operate community-based housing with educational and personal care service along with the specialized serviced needed by people with disabling head injuries. This was realized in 1994. Nine Park Avenue was secured and rehabilitated, and since December of that year until the present it has been the home of nine head injured people with serious disabilities. This was the first residence of this type in Massachusetts, with families playing a leadership role in long-term community based care of their loved ones. It is now a model for other groups and programs.

The success of Nine Park Avenue soon became legendary and has produced local interest in creating a caring and supportive home for other similarly challenged individuals. Since placement at Chip's House is for one's lifetime, we've had no turnover, and as result no vacancies. This brought about what has been described as our most major accomplishment, the purchase and renovation of Chip's House II at 23 Park Avenue next door to Chip's House I dedicated in June 2002. Currently this residence serves 10 additional people with head injury. A place where residents maximize their mental, physical and social potential in a community that they continue to care about and love. This project addressed a continuing need for these individuals who seek dignified, safe, affordable, and appropriate living conditions. Another vitally important accomplishment is the unique home atmosphere adults with closed head injury experience. Due to the dedication and commitment of staff, families and volunteers, residents of Chip's House experience a multitude of positive experiences at home and in the community that significantly improve the quality of life for themselves and others.

For more information about brain injuries- see www.biausa.org - Brain Injury Association of America  or www.mbia.net  Massachusetts Brain Injury Association