Jodi House Raises Funds & Awareness

Last month, 200 community members – many Montecito residents – gathered on the rooftop of MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, to learn about Jodi House’s critical mission to empower brain injury survivors to thrive. “An Evening to Explore Jodi House,” an annual event raising awareness and funds for the brain injury support center, generated over $60,000 for the nonprofit.

The evening highlighted the rehabilitation and support services that Jodi House provides brain injury survivors, serving nearly 200 community members in the past year alone. The organization offers resources, programs, and case management helping those with brain injuries recover to their fullest extent possible. 

“You can be vulnerable at Jodi House,” said Heather Fiore, who shared her personal story of suffering a brain aneurysm at the age of 24. Jodi House supported her throughout her recovery.“It’s always a safe place at Jodi House, and there is no fear of judgment,” said Fiore. “Together, we celebrate the small steps that others might not recognize, but that mean so much to us.”

Lindsey Black, Jodi House executive director, highlighted the vital role of Jodi House in completing the continuum of care for brain injury survivors.“Thank you all for making it possible for us to never have to turn anyone away from Jodi House because of the inability to pay,” she said. 

Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while learning more about Jodi House from its members, staff, and board. Live entertainment was provided by guitarist Chris Fossek. Jodi House Board President Adriana Mezic and Board member Kerry Kelly co-chaired the event.Event emcee Cydney Justman, executive director of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, led the crowd in a paddle raise, that helped generate $62,205 in support of Jodi House’s programs. 

The event was sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Jason and Lynette Spievak, Adriana & Igor Mezic and AIMdyn Inc., Diana & Terry Ingram, Mike Chenoweth of Radius Commercial Real Estate, The Santa Barbara Independent, Cottage Health, Vivian Solodkin, Dennis Forster & Cynder Sinclair, Angela Hsu & Jordan Pinsker, Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co., LLP, Kennedy Accounting Systems, Coast Hills Credit Union, Institution Ale, Jordano’s, and Margerum Wine Company.

Donna and Jerry Wustman founded Jodi House in Santa Barbara in 1982 after their 19-year-old daughter Jodi suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury after being hit by a drunk driver. Jodi House provides rehabilitation and support services to brain injury survivors, regardless of the ability to pay. Its programs are supportive and community-based, consisting of structured activities that facilitate community reintegration. 

Jodi House has proven effective in establishing independence for survivors, helping them obtain meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities, and supporting them as they and their families recover, reconnect, and move forward in our community.

Jodi House is located at 625 Chapala Street in a distinctive Victorian house that was the former home of Chad’s Restaurant for 15 years.