These two unfortunate accidents were the spark of what would eventually become the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society. In 1985, Pat Tenney decided to do a community needs assessment, and investigate the possibility of organizing a support group for brain injured people, and their families. After obtaining the name of the president of the Northern Alberta Brain Injury Society through the Alberta Further Education Council, Pat contacted Bryon Moore, and invited him to meet and discuss the possibility of starting a society in Lloydminster.

A letter was sent to the Meridian Booster, the local newspaper at the time, asking for input and responses. With Bryon and Claudia Moore in attendance, an information meeting was set for January 14, 1986. The two gave an overview of the Northern Alberta Brain Injury Society, and their personal experiences with their son who had a sustained brain injury. The 18 people in attendance resolved that a society was needed to offer support for those with brain injuries in Lloydminster and the surrounding communities. In February, a slate of officers were elected.

It was this sequence of events over four decades ago that led to where we are now. Our main program, Pathways to Empowerment, formerly known as the Life Enrichment Program, began in November of 1987. At first, it was held once a week. By 1993, the program had reached its capacity. The Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society established a support group to assist those who couldn’t make it to the program. The rest is history. We now offer the Pathways to Empowerment Program three days a week, a walking program once each week, and host many more services for those who need the helping hand.