Success Stories

MH

When MH first reached out, she was experiencing homelessness after leaving an abusive intimate partner relationship. She was living in a remote area of Utah at the time. During the intake process and required screenings, she expressed a strong desire to work on improving her relationships and creating more meaningful connections in her life. At that time, she had no contact with her two adult children, and her relationship with her father and siblings was inconsistent and strained.

One of the first positive changes MH made was adopting a puppy. This became a meaningful turning point. Caring for the dog gave her both a sense of responsibility and a companion she could rely on emotionally. 

The puppy introduced structure to her days, as she began waking up earlier and establishing a routine.

We conducted a family training session, and I was surprised by the number of supportive people who attended. It became clear that MH had more support than she originally believed. As I educated her family about brain injury and how it related to MH’s specific challenges, she was able to articulate her experiences. Her family, in turn, gained a better understanding of her behaviors and triggers, which led to improved communication and strengthened relationships — particularly with her father and sisters. 

MH followed through on a referral for a neuropsychological evaluation. One of the resulting recommendations was to see an audiologist, who diagnosed her with three auditory processing disorders. The audiologist also provided education and tools for MH to make accommodations in her daily life. She was fitted with specialized hearing aids that filter out certain disruptive sounds, greatly improving her quality of life.

Recently, MH formed a new friendship that gradually developed into a romantic relationship. After months of dating, they decided to move in together. MH relocated to a mid-sized urban area, where she now has closer access to her healthcare providers and specialists. The move has had a positive impact — she’s even tried winter sports, which have been challenging, but she continues to improve with the support and patience of her partner.

MH has also built meaningful connections through a virtual support group, which she attends regularly. Through this group, she’s found purpose by participating in community service projects like collecting yarn and creating handmade items for people experiencing homelessness. She describes these activities as giving her a renewed sense of purpose

She continues to be a consistent and valued member of nearly every support group session, with peers who know they can count on her presence and encouragement.

MH has made tremendous progress in building and maintaining healthy relationships — with her family, her dog, her healthcare providers, her partner, and her support community. 

When asked how she feels about her life now, MH responded with one powerful word: “Safe.”

BM

BM has shown strong commitment to his rehabilitation following a brain injury. As he progressed in his recovery, he expressed interest in returning to work and finding meaningful ways to contribute to his community. We encouraged him to connect with the Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and consider pursuing further education. We also recommended that he apply to participate in the Utah Brain Injury Council (UBIC), where individuals with lived experience help shape policy and advocacy efforts in the state.

Through his involvement with UBIC, BM connected with a newer nonprofit organization and began applying the skills he was learning in school to support their social media outreach. His role has expanded to include traveling with the organization to advocate for Utah at the national level, where he continues to elevate the voices of individuals living with brain injury.

Client Success Story: Anonymous’s Journey Through Phoenix Services

When he first began working with Phoenix Services, his primary goals to improve his writing and typing abilities using his right hand, skills impacted by his brain injury and be more independent. Although he has not yet fully achieved these goals, he remains deeply committed to building a meaningful and independent life. He has come to understand that the path to his objectives may include additional steps and alternative routes.

Recently, he was encouraged to reflect on the progress he has made since beginning services. Among his achievements, he has successfully completed both Speech and Occupational Therapy at the University of Utah Clinic. Though he continues to seek further advancement, he is actively exploring additional support through House Bill 400 and the Utah Brain Injury Fund.

He has also joined the Trails Program, which led him to register for and complete his first marathon cycling event—a milestone that brought a deep sense of accomplishment and physical transformation. In addition to the benefits of cycling, he now proudly reports that he can bench press 140 pounds plus the bar, a strength level nearly equal to what he was capable of before his injury. Notably, he reached this milestone through independent workouts without ongoing physical therapy, showcasing his determination and self-discipline.

Beyond physical recovery, he has become an engaged member of the brain injury community. He regularly participates in both virtual and in-person support groups, where he has developed strong peer connections. Furthering his commitment to advocacy, he recently joined the Utah Brain Injury Council (UBIC), where he contributes to efforts that improve brain injury services and policy at the systems level.

He describes himself as feeling independent once again, and he credits Resource Facilitation as a turning point in his recovery. In his own words:

“It’s like opening so many doors all at once. Previously, I didn’t know that after therapy there were still opportunities for more. I am super grateful for resource facilitation.”

As his journey evolves, so too have his goals. His story is a powerful example of what can be achieved with tailored support, self-advocacy, and access to coordinated brain injury services.

Contact Information:

• Address: 1129 S State Street, Suite 100, Clearfield, UT 84015
  
  

• Phone: (801) 825-4535
  
  

• Fax: (801) 825-8281
  
  

• Email: info@phoenixservices.org
  
  

• Website: phoenixservices.org​