The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis

What The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis does

The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis (BIFSTL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in the St. Louis metropolitan area that delivers community-based rehabilitation, vocational, and mental health services to adults living with traumatic or acquired brain injuries. Its operational anchor is the Dura Mater Clubhouse, a structured program built on the Clubhouse Model of rehabilitation and adapted for brain injury survivors; members engage in work-ordered days organized into units such as kitchen, maintenance, gardening, upcycling, administrative tasks, and Meals on Wheels support. Core service lines also include vocational rehabilitation services (Employment Services Plus for TBI, Prevocational Training, Supported Employment Long-term Follow Along, Special Instruction) delivered in coordination with the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, specialized psychotherapy for ABI survivors and caregivers led by Dr. Hillel Goldstein, and education programs (Brain Injury 101, Family and Care Partner Seminar) that use a person-first language framework. BIFSTL is staffed by approximately 10 individuals and governed by a board drawn from healthcare, legal, education, and advocacy backgrounds; programs are delivered from a single headquarters at 7850 Manchester Road in Maplewood, MO.

The organization's revenue mechanics are diversified across four streams: tax-deductible individual and corporate donations; event-driven fundraising (Brain Bolt 5k, Trivia Night, Brain Jam concerts); government and foundation grants from entities including the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Adult Brain Injury program, Missouri Foundation for Health, Veterans United Foundation, and Wells Fargo Gives; and a smaller volume of service fees from sliding-scale Clubhouse memberships and out-of-pocket psychotherapy (with invoices supplied for client insurance reimbursement). Distribution is direct and local: members physically attend the Clubhouse, psychotherapy is delivered in-person, and referrals are sourced from hospitals, post-acute rehabilitation facilities, MO DHSS, physicians, speech-language pathologists, OT/PTs, and family and care-partner networks. BIFSTL is identified as the only provider in the St. Louis area delivering vocational services through Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS), with Sarah Davis serving as a CBIS Trainer.

Strategic go-to-market is community- and event-led: the Brain Bolt 5k has scaled from 101 participants in its 2023 inaugural to 236 in 2025, the annual Trivia Night raised approximately $13,742 at its 2023 edition, and Brain Jam concerts and corporate Giveback partnerships (notably with Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria in May 2024) extend grassroots reach. Earned media in KMOV (April 2025) and Ladue News (covering the March 2026 10-Year Anniversary Gala) reinforces brand standing, while recognition such as the 2022 Missouri Rehabilitation Association Eastern Chapter Employer of the Year award and features in Counseling Today and Law360 Pulse provide third-party validation.

Name

The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis

Legal name

Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis

Website

https://bifstl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BIFSTL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the Dura Mater Clubhouse and delivering vocational rehabilitation, specialized psychotherapy, and education services to adults with traumatic or acquired brain injuries in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHSADAIAK

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab)

Home & Personal Services/Fitness, Wellness & Personal Training/Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation & Corrective Exercise

SECONDARYEDALAIAH

Sports Medicine, Athletic Training & Rehabilitation Services

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Athletics, Recreation & Fitness

Keywords

• Brain injury rehabilitation
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Community based support
• Clubhouse program
• Disability employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue source including individual donations, corporate donations, event fundraising (Brain Bolt 5k, Trivia Night, Brain Jam concerts), and Give STL Day participation. Registered 501(c)(3) charity with EIN 37-1644726.
2. Government Grants: Funding from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Adult Brain Injury support, Missouri Foundation for Health, Veterans United Foundation grants, Wells Fargo Gives grants.
3. Service Fees: Clubhouse membership fees (sliding scale based on benefits coverage and financial status), psychotherapy out-of-pocket payments with detailed invoices for insurance reimbursement.
4. Corporate Partnership Donations: Monthly Giveback Tuesday programs (Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria donated 100% of proceeds), corporate sponsorships for events, donations from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, United Carpet, St. Louis Priory School.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

BIFSTL delivers community-based rehabilitation and vocational services for adults with traumatic and acquired brain injuries through the Dura Mater Clubhouse (work-ordered day program), vocational rehabilitation services via the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, specialized brain injury psychotherapy, and educational programs. The organization also sells branded merchandise and hosts annual fundraising events to support operations.

Product overview

The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis (BIFSTL) operates as a single integrated nonprofit organization providing community-based brain injury support services. The core service portfolio centers on the Dura Mater Clubhouse—a structured community-based program using a work-ordered day model—alongside vocational rehabilitation services (Employment Services Plus for TBI, Prevocational Training, Supported Employment LTFA, and Special Instruction), and psychotherapy services provided through Dr. Hillel Goldstein. Supporting offerings include Self Pay Services for consultation, Brain Injury 101 education programming, Family and Care Partner Seminars, and an awareness program using person-first language. The organization also runs signature fundraising events (Brain Bolt 5k runs, Trivia Nights, Brain Jam concerts) and operates a merchandise shop selling commemorative items. All services are tied together under the organization's 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure with a mission focused on helping individuals with brain injuries return to work and independence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dura Mater Clubhouse: A community-based program and supportive work environment for adults living with stroke or acquired brain injuries, structured around a work-ordered day.

Products and services

• Dura Mater Clubhouse A community-based clubhouse program providing structured, meaningful activities for adults with traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Members engage in a work-ordered day including morning meetings, work units (kitchen, maintenance, upcycling, Meals on Wheels support, Alchemy Cookie Unit, administrative tasks), lunch, and group activities to promote independence through peer support, skill-building, and shared responsibilities.
• Employment Services Plus for TBI Vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with brain injuries including employment preparedness, job development, job placement support, and employment retention services. Covers identifying vocational goals, determining accommodations, interview preparation, and self-advocacy training.
• Prevocation Training (PreVoc) Service using actual work experience to promote utilization of behavioral and cognitive compensatory strategies in facility-based or community site work settings. Targets interventions for production rate, social behavior, or fatigue barriers.
• Supported Employment Long-term Follow Along (LTFA) Continued support and training in integrated work settings for participants who have completed the Supported Employment Program through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and require additional intervention.
• Special Instruction Tutoring and instruction by qualified staff for specific subjects, compensatory strategies, or skills including college courses, GED preparation, adaptive skills like one-handed typing, driver's license exam prep, and assistive technology training.
• Psychotherapy Services Psychotherapy and counseling for ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) survivors and caregivers provided by Dr. Hillel Goldstein. Collaborates with physicians, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists. Accepts out-of-pocket payment with detailed invoices for insurance reimbursement.
• Self Pay Services Consultation services for individuals with brain injury, families, caregivers, providers, or educators on matters related to successful living with brain injury including post-secondary education planning, learning strategies, therapy services, substance abuse and behavioral health, and independent living options.
• BIFSTL Merchandise Shop Online shop selling branded merchandise including event t-shirts and memorabilia from Brain Bolt and Brain Jam events, stickers, and koozies to support the organization. Ships within United States only.
• Vintage Brain Bolt T-Shirts Cotton short sleeve t-shirts commemorating Brain Bolt events with logos on front and sponsors on back. Available for 2024 ($10) and 2025 events.
• BIFSTL Sticker Large 3.5 x 5 inch white vinyl sticker, waterproof, in grey and green colors.
• Vintage Brain Jam Koozie Black and yellow drink koozie commemorating Brain Jam 2023 event. Fits standard and slim cans.

Quantifiable outcome

• 236 registered runners raised over $13,700 at Brain Bolt 25 (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria (KPPO)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2024BIFSTL was one of 3 nonprofit organizations selected for KPPO's monthly Giveback Tuesday Program. 100% of proceeds from designated Giveback days donated to nonprofits. To date, KPPO has donated $435,559 to charity. BIFSTL featured on Giveback Tuesday May 28, 2024 at three locations (Ballpark Village, Rock Hill, Town and Country).
• Highway 61 RoadhousecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2024Highway 61 Roadhouse has hosted multiple Brain Jam concerts, donating a portion of food and beverage sales to BIFSTL. Venue partner for Brain Jam (2016, 2017, 2023 events).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rehab Without Walls / RWW Neurosolutions: Specialty post-acute brain injury rehabilitation provider delivering community-based, in-home, and vocational reentry services for TBI/ABI survivors nationally. Comparable because its core model — community reintegration and return-to-work for brain injury — overlaps directly with BIFSTL's vocational and community-based independence services.
• Clubhouse International: International accrediting body for the Clubhouse Model that BIFSTL's Dura Mater Clubhouse is adapted from. Comparable as the model source and peer network — many Clubhouse International members serve mental illness populations but the methodology and outcomes framework are directly applicable to BIFSTL's brain injury adaptation.
• NeuroRestorative: Provider of post-acute brain injury rehabilitation services including supported living, vocational, and community re-entry programs. Comparable as a specialty brain injury rehab operator offering prevocational training, supported employment, and community integration — directly mirroring BIFSTL's service mix but at national scale.
• Centre for Neuro Skills: Specialty brain injury rehabilitation operator offering post-acute residential, outpatient, and vocational/return-to-work programming. Comparable in domain focus (TBI/ABI rehabilitation, vocational outcomes, community reintegration), though at substantially larger scale and with a residential component BIFSTL lacks.
• Pate Rehabilitation: Specialty brain injury rehabilitation provider delivering post-acute residential, day, and vocational programs. Comparable in mission and service model — particularly the prevocational and supported employment components — but operates residential settings BIFSTL does not offer.

Emerging players

• One Heartland / Camp Without Borders: Nonprofit supporting youth with brain injuries and other disabilities through camp and community programs. Comparable in that it serves the brain injury survivor population with community-based programming, though focused on youth and recreational rather than vocational rehabilitation.

Regional players

• Missouri Brain Injury Association: State-level affiliate providing brain injury resources, support groups, and referral services across Missouri. Comparable in that it serves the same survivor population BIFSTL targets, but operates state-wide and does not run a Clubhouse or vocational rehabilitation program itself.
• TREE House of Greater St. Louis: St. Louis-area nonprofit providing equine-assisted therapy and rehabilitation services for children and adults with disabilities. Comparable as a regional disability-services nonprofit in the same geography (Lorie Hagl on BIFSTL's board is from TREE House), but serves broader disabilities rather than specializing in brain injury.

Broad incumbents

• Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA): National umbrella advocacy and resource organization for the brain injury community, including state affiliates. Highly comparable to BIFSTL in mission (TBI/ABI support, education, awareness) but operates as a broad national advocacy body rather than a local direct-service clubhouse/vocational provider.
• BJC Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis: Large hospital-affiliated rehabilitation provider in the St. Louis market offering inpatient and outpatient therapy services. Comparable as a regional brain injury rehabilitation resource and potential referral partner, but with broader acute/post-acute focus rather than BIFSTL's niche community-based vocational model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bifstlouis
• Instagraminstagram.com/bifstl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bifstl

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis