Side by Side

04/27/2026

Thank you Georgia Trauma Commission for helping to share the story of Side by Side. It’s an honor to work with GTC to serve the needs of survivors of brain injury across Georgia.

Side by Side is a leader in serving Georgians with brain injuries, providing a vital community where adults can gather, work, support one another, and truly belong. By fostering connection, purpose, and peer-driven growth, Side by Side transforms recovery into meaningful participation and renewed independence.

We at the Georgia Trauma Commission are incredibly proud of the work they do.

To learn more about Side by Side, visit https://www.sidebysideclubhouse.org/

04/14/2026

Brunch with us! Join us Chai Pani Decatur for the Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur.

🎟️Tickets go on sale TODAY! https://www.sidebysideclubhouse.org/brunch

It’s a SNACK ATTACK! Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch, hosted in collaboration with Chai Pani Decatur, is an extraordinary tasting table event featuring beverage, bites, and sweets from over 30 chefs and bartenders - raising critical funds for stroke and brain injury survivors as they recover community, purpose, and hope. The Recovery Brunch will also feature a silent auction, live auction, chef cooking demonstrations, and a DJ!

General admission tickets are all inclusive and include unlimited beverage enjoyment and a “bite” from each participating restaurant. Zero Proof tickets include non-alcoholic beverage enjoyment and a “bite” from each participating restaurant. Pancake Pass tickets available for kids. Children under five are welcome for free.

We'll be presenting the Jim Long Servant Leadership Award to Elizabeth George at the Recovery Brunch. Raise a glass with us to celebrate the tremendous support Liz contributes to Georgia's brain injury community!

🎟️Use promo code SNACKATTACK for $10 off general admission tickets!

Special thanks to our Gold sponsors: Calloway Title and Escrow, Cunningham Bounds, Morgan & Morgan.

Special thanks to our Silver sponsors: Fagan Law Group, Dr. Ford and Lisa Vox, Mays Law.

🎨Art by Blackcattips

04/07/2026

Since 2000, Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse has been dedicated to recovery - working side by side with men and women who’ve experienced a brain injury as they recover community, purpose, and hope.

For Chai Pani Decatur’s Executive Chef, Sahar Siddiqi, the mission of Side by Side hits close to home. She became intimately connected to the brain injury community when she was eight years old and her grandfather suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body (known as hemiplegia). That experience shaped her understanding of brain injury and caregiving as not just something that changes a person, but something that calls for the right kind of support, patience, and community.

"Side by Side does such incredible work for people who suffer brain injuries," Sahar shared. "One of our staff has a sibling who attends their day program and just seeing the progress he’s made and knowing what an impact they make in the community is just wonderful. It’s really important work, helping people function in their everyday life and be a part of their community again. It’s an absolute honor to help host the Recovery Brunch."

Read Sahar's story here: https://www.sidebysideclubhouse.org/sahar

03/26/2026

[🎟 Follow Side by Side on Facebook or Instagram for Recovery Brunch tix drop on 4/14! New followers entered to win two tickets!]

Get ready to dig in - your first look at this year's Recovery Brunch lineup starts here.

Join us at Chai Pani Decatur for the Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur. Tickets on sale Tuesday, 4/14.

3… 2… 1… It’s time to plan your snack attack! 2026 Restaurant and beverage partners are in…

🍔 Restaurants:
Baby Girl,
Botiwalla by Chai Pani - Atlanta,
Chai Pani,
El Super Pan Latino Sandwiches & Bar,
Farm Burger Decatur,
Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar,
Ford's BBQ Tucker,
Good Word Brewing & Public House,
Kamayan ATL Filipino Restaurant,
Kimball House,
Lyla Lila,
Mule Train,
Muss & Turners,
Poco Loco,
Smileys,
The Companion,
The Deer and The Dove,
The Third Space,
Twin Smokers BBQ.

☕️ Beverages:
Banshee,
Chai Pani,
Creature Comforts,
Fawn,
Good Word Brewing,
Lucky Star,
Minhwa Spirits,
Montane Sparkling Water,
Murrell's Row,
Raani Coffee,
Ticonderoga Club,
Wine for Good.

🥐 Sweets:
Avondale Breakfast Club,
B-Side,
Butter & Cream.

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Calloway Title and Escrow,
Cunningham Bounds,
Morgan & Morgan,
Fagan Law Group,
Dr. Ford and Lisa Vox,
Mays Law.

[🎟 Follow Side by Side on Facebook or Instagram for Recovery Brunch tix drop on 4/14! New followers entered to win two tickets!]

🎨 Art by Blackcattips

03/25/2026

During Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Kaufman Injury Law team partnered with Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse, a member-led program focused on helping individuals rebuild skills, regain independence, and stay connected to their community after injury.

Through our work, we understand how complex and ongoing recovery can be. That’s why organizations like this play such an important role in long-term support.
We’re proud to support Side by Side's mission and the individuals they serve.

Read our full Q&A with their team at https://mailchi.mp/8bf3d35ded21/march-newsletter-side-by-side-clubhouse

03/19/2026

This month, we’re proud to spotlight one of our incredible community partners, Kaufman Injury Law, in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month 💚💙

“Human interaction is such an integral part of finding purpose both within ourselves and in a community. We believe every person deserves access to community and resources that remind them their journey still holds value, purpose, and possibility.” —Kaufman Injury Law

Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of building a relationship with the team at Kaufman Injury Law. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing games, or simply spending time together, these moments of connection make a lasting impact on our members and remind us all of the power of showing up for one another.

“One of our core values is ‘Stronger Together,’ and Side by Side creates a place where individuals are reminded they do not have to navigate recovery alone.”

We’re grateful for partners who not only support our mission, but truly live it.

✨ Read the full Q&A here: https://mailchi.mp/8bf3d35ded21/march-newsletter-side-by-side-clubhouse

03/02/2026

Side by Side Announces the 2026 Jim Long Servant Leadership Award Recipient: Elizabeth George ✨

We are honored to present the award to Elizabeth George at the 2026 Recovery Brunch on May 31 at Chai Pani Decatur.

Named for our beloved former Board Chair, Jim Long, the award recognizes individuals who model servant leadership, are generous of time, talent and treasure, and understand the significant unmet needs of the brain injury community.

“Liz embodies the giving spirit that is the heart and soul of Side by Side.” – Jim Long

Liz has spent more than a decade showing up—with joy, creativity, generosity, and an extraordinary heart for our members. From baking hundreds of cookies to forming meaningful relationships with members, from quiet acts of personal generosity to bold leadership of fundraising initiatives, Liz has helped shape the culture of Side by Side.

Liz doesn’t just support the mission, she passionately serves the people behind it. Her leadership is not loud. It is consistent, generous, joyful and steady.

More Details: https://www.sidebysideclubhouse.org/award

02/23/2026

Attention Side by Side Members and Caregivers – WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Side by Side is doing a research project that will help talk about where we have been and guide where we are going.

The survey is active. If you DID NOT get an email with the survey link, please directly message Side by Side or call at the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355. If did get the email but have not completed the survey yet, please COMPLETE THE SURVEY ASAP.

We are here to help if you want help to complete the survey. For assistance, please call the Clubhouse at (770) 469-9355, or email Judy at [email protected].

This research project is in partnership with Shepherd Center and Georgia State University. We greatly appreciate your participation and feedback. Thank you!

02/19/2026

At Side by Side, some of the most meaningful moments start with a member saying, “I have an idea.”

Last Friday, Denell hosted her third annual Valentine’s Tea Party at the Clubhouse. A tradition that began as a personal goal to return to something she loved before her brain injury.

“Prior to my brain injury I was able to throw a tea party for my friends and loved ones at my home, and I hoped that might be able to happen here at Side by Side. Outside of these clubhouse walls, you get a lot of tug of war of ‘do this’ or ‘don’t do that’ because you’re injured or disabled. You get to hone your independence here. You get the confidence to try things because you know it’s a safe environment if you make a mistake or forget to do something.” - Denell

Her background in planning and marketing is still her passion. Each year, the tea party compounds, growing from tea and cookies to decorations and the history of tea time, to this year’s addition of Clubhouse-made small sandwiches and fresh flower arrangements. After every event, she does a post-event debrief to make the next one even better!

The tea party wasn’t just a lovely gathering. It was an opportunity to express creativity, strengthen confidence, and prove to herself that she can still do what she sets her mind to.

Side by Side is a place where it feels safe to try and keep trying.

02/10/2026

We’re excited to host our second Recovery Brunch on Sunday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Decatur 🥂

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 14, when we’ll also reveal our full lineup of restaurant partners!

BONUS: Follow Side by Side on Facebook or Instagram for Recovery Brunch updates, and you’ll automatically be entered to win two tickets to this year’s event!

Since 2000, Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse has been dedicated to recovery—working side by side with men and women who’ve experienced a brain injury as they recover community, purpose, and hope.

Hosted at Chai Pani Decatur, Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch will feature beverages and bites from more than 15 community partners, including a mix of returning favorites from 2025 and new participants.

Chai Pani Decatur is a lively indoor-and-outdoor space that brings the vibrant energy of Indian street food into the heart of the restaurant experience. The Decatur location was named one of Atlanta Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2013, and its chef, Sahar Siddiqi, was recognized as a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. In 2022, the Chai Pani Asheville location earned the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant.

Interested in sponsoring Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch or joining our Host Committee? Please contact Laura Pettit at [email protected].

Art by Blackcattips