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Hinds Feet Farm, located in Huntersville, is now offering virtual day programming to North Carolina residents with traumatic brain or acquired brain injuries.

Different programming at Hinds Feet Farm

Traumatic brain injury survivors stay connected during pandemic

BY: » Bek Mitchell-Kidd PHOTOS COURTESY OF : » Hinds Feet Farm

Carolyn ‘Puddin’ Foil started Hinds Feet Farm to help her teenage son, Phil, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. After many hard and sad years of trying to find a caring environment for Phil, the family decided to start a program of their own.

Hinds’ Feet Farm now has two locations one in Asheville, and one on Black Farms Road in Huntersville. The organization cares for brain injury survivors, lovingly referred to as members.

There is a Residential Program which provides around-the-clock care and access to staff and experts including certified brain and therapeutic recreation specialists, and even an art therapist. Families are encouraged to visit anytime and be as involved as possible.

A high level of care

This level of care and access is uncommon. Martin B. Foil III, Phil’s brother and Hinds’ Feet Farm Executive Director says, “The closest thing to our program that I know of is in New Hampshire. There have been a lot of folks over the years that have voiced interest in replicating our programs in their own area/state but to my knowledge none have taken root.” There is also a therapeutic riding program, the “Equine Explorers.” Almost entirely run by volunteers, the program gives members the opportunity to learn about equine behavior and horsemanship, while also experiencing

sensory stimulation, response readiness, relaxation and often an elevated mood and self-image.

Just like many organizations, Hinds’ Feet Farm has adapted in response to COVID-19 and now also offers a virtual experience.

Members can Zoom in daily to engage with other brain injury survivors and participate in fun activities. Facilitated by the staff, members enjoy everything from discussion groups and dance to bingo and karaoke. There is no cost to the virtual members.

An unexpected bright side

Amanda Mewborn, Development Director, found a sunny side of going virtual, noting that “Before the pandemic, our Asheville and Huntersville members would get together quarterly to socialize. Now that we are doing virtual programming, we have been able to grow those friendships, and even start new ones. It has been an unexpected blessing for the members to get to spend so much time together and really find people they connect with.”

The Virtual Day Program is currently offered: Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., with an additional afternoon session from 3 – 4 p.m. on Thursday and Fridays.

Martin says his mother, Puddin, who passed away in 2010, “would be most proud of the hard work our members do every day and most importantly that they really enjoy being a part of Hinds’ Feet Farm.”

Hinds’ Feet Farm is a non-profit organization that relies on support and donations from the community. Volunteer opportunities are available in many different areas of the organization. The annual fund is also a very effective way to ensure the ongoing success of the programs.

Members can also receive 24-hour care seven days a week at Puddin’s Place, located on the farm property.

To learn more, visit hindsfeetfarm.org.

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