By Nicole Lemire
“At the BICC, we all treat each other with respect and find peace with one another. Helping the members to succeed brings joy into my life.”
Michael Giraud-Budd has found a way to channel his passion for caregiving through his job at BCArc’s Brain Injury Community Center. Working with people with brain injuries has taught Michael the importance of patience and being open minded. Over time, he has developed strong relationships with the members at the BICC.
“You need to understand the audience that you are working with and that they may react to situations differently,” he said. “You have to be calm, collected, and put yourself in their shoes. The members just want people to bond with and to tell their stories to, just like anyone else.”
“This is what life is about – being joyous. Days like that help to show the members that life goes on after your brain injury.”
Michael’s favorite memory of his time at the BICC was a bike riding trip with All Out Adventures at the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. Everyone had a great time exploring the trails, utilizing adaptive biking equipment for members with mobility issues.
“It was such a perfect moment. It was calm and peaceful, and shows what we do here at the BICC,” said Michael. “This is what life is about – being joyous. Days like that help to show the members that life goes on after your brain injury.”
This spring, the BICC crew are planning to attend a Woo Sox baseball game sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of MA. Michael enjoys trips like this, saying, “Any outing is a good outing.”
A day in Michael’s life includes opening up the BICC in the morning, having a staff huddle to plan out the day’s activities, and sharing good news of the day once members arrive. He runs the membership unit, which is all about community outreach and spreading the word about the BICC through volunteer work, sending out flyers, and social media posts. He also helps members to achieve their advancement goals, which are often related to finding employment or housing.
“I have a support system here of people who believe in me and encourage me to follow my goals.”
One of Michael’s favorite activities is going to the gym because he feels that it keeps him grounded. Inspired by his love of fitness, he started a workout challenge for BICC members and staff to participate in. He is also passionate about being a role model and mentor for young people by volunteering for his nephew’s basketball team in his spare time.
Michael was familiar with disability services due to several of his family members who worked in the field, and this led him to apply to BCArc. He began as a direct care relief staff in a BCArc home before eventually transferring to work full-time at the BICC six months ago. In the future, he plans to pursue a career in the health science field, and believes that his job at BCArc has given him a foundation to build on. He is specifically interested in nursing, psychology, and physical therapy.
“I have a support system here of people who believe in me and encourage me to follow my goals.”
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