Meet Gio!

By Jaclyn Hopkins, Plus One Foundation

At 6 years old, Gio is more adventurous than most kids his age. He has a passion for singing (watch out for his renditions of Bingo, Let It Go from Frozen and Happy Birthday), loves browsing at the grocery store, and never says no to exploring, swimming, or playing—he’s always moving! His favorite spot? The gymnasium slides, of course. You’ll also find Gio outside in his backyard, longing to be in the fresh air, living his best active life. 

Diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2, Gio has found a true sense of belonging through Sensory Beans. This amazing program keeps him engaged with activities that help improve motor and social skills while also making sure he’s having fun along the way. Gio’s love for gross motor play is at the heart of everything Sensory Beans does, using games and tools to support his development in a way that feels natural to him. With support from Plus One’s Occasions Grant, Gio has been able to learn and grow in a safe and joyful environment.

Gio is also a big fan of swimming through Plus One’s Mermaid Grant! His adaptive swimming lessons have allowed him to move and continue to grow his social skills. He enjoys gross motor play with a ball in the water. The Mermaid Grant Program was designed with kids like Gio in mind. Getting into the water does wonders for both kids and adults with neurological conditions, allowing them to feel fully present and in their bodies. Swimming is one of Gio’s favorite activities, especially when he gets to use a ball.

Gio and his family have discovered a supportive community of other families with autistic children through the NSASA (Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America) and through Sensory Beans. This network has been invaluable, helping them learn, grow, and connect with others who understand Gio’s needs. While Gio may be a little shy and sometimes gets overstimulated, his family has found a group of friends who embrace his quirks and encourage him to explore even more passions—whether that’s singing, swimming, or roller skating. Gio is a very happy and affectionate young boy who loves his friends and family.

Gio’s journey is a beautiful example of how a community, love, and a little bit of fun can go a long way in helping a child thrive.

Think aBout It 2025

By Thomas Lehrich, President

Our educational team is hard at work getting Think aBout It 2025 ready for the year. In this segment our educational team covers Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurological disorder that is found in individuals with a history of repeated head injuries. CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the patient’s short and long-term memory, and thought processes, moods, and behaviors.

You can learn more here.

Summer Spotlight

Summer Spotlight Kacey Kroeger 
By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors  

Over the last few months our Summer Spotlight series highlighted board members and staff who are key to what makes Plus One Foundation a leader in programming for people experiencing the wide breadth of neurological conditions. We finish this sizzling summer with a spotlight on Plus One Foundation’s founder and executive director, Kacey Kroeger. 

In 2001, Kacey sustained a traumatic brain injury from a fall. The long term effects of her injury changed her life forever, and her recovery journey became a mission to help others with neurological conditions. Kacey has since dedicated herself to enriching opportunities for those experiencing the diverse range of neurological conditions and disorders. The daily individual challenges associated with these conditions can be invisible to others. Kacey understands this firsthand, and it helps drive our programming offerings and education. 

Known by the community for her inspiration, motivation, and positive outlook, Kacey brings spirit and education to the mission of Plus One Foundation. Kacey graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s in sociology within the American Humanics Program (the study of non-profit management). Additionally, she is a graduate of the University of Washington's Fundraising Management Program, and works to keep on top of the newest practices and innovations in the nonprofit sphere.

When asked about what inspires her about Plus One Foundation and her thoughts on the future horizons for the community we serve, Kacey explained: 

“I am making it my life's mission to provide enriching opportunities to everyone, regardless of their limitations. Each person should have the opportunity to see, feel, and enjoy all of life's experiences.”

When looking towards the future:

“Plus One is a leading outlet for education, and I believe one area that will improve the lives of those with neurological conditions is AI. It will require educating the community to leverage the potential therapeutic and life improvements AI can bring.”

Each of our staff and Board members have unique talents and perspectives that drive their commitment to Plus One Foundation; together we can learn from our shared experiences. Kacey‘s conception of Plus One to help in the recovery journey for those with TBIs underpins all that we do and has motivated us to support those with all kinds of neurological conditions. 

Summer Spotlight

By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors

In this summer spotlight, we highlight Kyle Bain, our Fundraising and Development Officer. Kyle is pioneering in a new role created this year by the Board. He provides support and leadership to our board and executive director to help raise resources for programing for those with neurological conditions.

Prior to joining the Plus One team, Kyle worked as a producer and copywriter. He's worked at museums, video production companies, small creative agencies, and big tech companies like Microsoft.

When recently asked about what makes Plus One Foundation special for him, Kyle explained:

As someone who grew up with a parent managing a neurological condition, I love what Plus One is doing: bringing people together for a common good, making a difference, and helping people lead joyful, fulfilling lives.

Each of our staff and Board members have unique talents and perspectives that drive their commitment to Plus One Foundation, and together we can learn from our shared experiences. Kyle’s creativity and energy helps us build greater resources to enhance the delivery of programming.

TBI 2025!

In 2024 our educational team completed the first year of the highly watched Think aBout It series. 

With brain research as one of the last frontiers in medical research our yearlong education campaign on neurological conditions and TBIs is exciting for the community. Each month we featured educational information and outreach on a contemporary neurological topic. 

We know that about 2.8 million Americans sustain brain injuries each year, and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with disabilities related to traumatic brain injury. That means, for many, the effects of TBIs are long lasting. 

We are announcing TBI25 Think aBout It. Each quarter we will continue to explore topics in traumatic brain injuries, music therapy and neurology, neurodegenerative diseases and resources for caregivers.  

In October we begin TBI25 with a segment on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The team will cover research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma.

Education is at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions. Look for the upcoming segment on CTE this fall.

You can learn more about our education campaign here.

Thomas Lehrich, Plus One Foundation.