It was around 11a.m. by the time I arrived at the Howard House, the Foundation’s long-term care home. The blue, two-story building stood there, contrasting slightly from the rustic houses that surrounded it. At the door, my uneasiness was greeted by the faces of eight individuals. Some were in wheelchairs, a few were watching TV, while two others played cards in the corner. Although it was much different from the environment I was used too, it didn’t take long for me to realize this wasn’t the typical “residential facility” I was expecting to find.  It was a home.

Some of the Howard House Gang.

       Jim Abraham, the former director of Howard House greeted me and explained, “We truly are a very big family. Even the people who work here fill this vision as well. All of us work together as part of a family group to help eight people have a good day given their individual situations.”

       The residents include a former dentist, a war hero, an engineer, and an anthropologist.  “All have their own unique personality,” said Judy Angelo, a staff member at the Howard House. “Even though I’ve been here for years now, I’m constantly learning things about each person; about the depth of the different injuries, and how to deal with different mood swings or behaviors.”  

       Each  individual has different physical and behavioral problems that need to be addressed. The staff works with each resident on a personal level, figuring out what strategies work most effectively.  The goal is to improve life’s little details that most of us take for granted.

       The idea of the Howard House originated with Bill and Dee Smith. Many years ago, their son, Kevin, had an aneurysm on his way to pick up his girlfriend for a date. He was attending college at the time. He was lucky to live, but the accident left him wheelchair bound and with a severe mental handicap. Kevin’s parents knew he would need a long-term residency that would provide him with the 24-hour care needed for his condition. By the year 1987, their idea materialized into what is now known as “The Howard House.”

Howard House's dedicated Staff.

       In addition to physical therapy and addressing more serious medical needs, the staff at the Howard House spends their days cooking with the residents, swimming, taking them out for ice cream, dancing, working in the garden, and going on outings to places like the Wild Animal Park and the local bowling alley.  “I like it pretty well here,” said Kevin Smith, a resident of the house for 15 years.  “We have fun.”  

Bill Smith & Sandrine Bigaouette

     Sandrine Bigaouette, the new director of Howard House, is joining the staff with many years of experience working with brain injured adults. She was a rehabilitation counselor for seven years at Hidden Valley Ranch. “Nothing can be more rewarding in a day than to know you have made a difference in someone else’s life for the better”,  Sandrine explained. She added, “ I believe we can provide a better life for them by showing that we care.”

There is currently an opening at Howard House. If you or someone you know has an interest, please call Sandy, Director of Howard House at 760-480-7468.

     Howard House is owned and operated by the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation.  The board is pleased to be able to offer a home for eight survivors and to provide the support for their families as well. As Abrahams said, “Having a comfortable home for their loved ones allows them to move on with their lives as well.”