In the heart of our NeuroRestorative Michigan’s Novi program, something magical is happening. At the vocational center, a plastic spoon is no longer just a utensil; it is the building block of a masterpiece. This year, those in our vocational program are hard at work creating stunning centerpieces for the Brain Injury Association (BIA) Spring Tribute Legacy Dinner.
The theme for this year’s gala was “Shattering the Glass Ceiling,” honoring two extraordinary women. Inspired by this vision of elegance and breakthrough, Vocational Supervisor Brittany Matthews, CBSI, and her team set out to create centerpieces that look like delicate, hand-blown glass. Under the dedicated guidance of job coaches Emily Sampey and Joy Iversen, COTA, those involved are proving that with creativity and teamwork, any barrier can be broken.
Turning Everyday Items into Art
The process is a fascinating blend of art and science. Using heat guns and needle-nose pliers, individuals melt and manipulate plastic spoons into individual petals. They even use the spoon handles to create intricate curls for the flower centers. This year, the team introduced UV resin to fuse the pieces, a process that requires those working with it to wear protective gear and use specialized lights to harden the resin.
The final result is breathtaking. Once the flowers are complete, they are placed in cylinder vases wrapped in melted plexiglass to maintain that “glass-like” feel. Whether suspended in clear Orbeez with white pearls or accented with shattered mirror pieces and candles, each of the 100+ pieces is entirely unique.
“When a piece is made in-house from beginning to end, that is the true value of working as a team. Everyone’s unique skills combine to make something great.” — Brittany Matthews, CBSI, Vocational Supervisor
Beyond the Centerpieces: Our Michigan Programs
While the BIA banquet is a seasonal highlight, our Michigan vocational programs offer a year-round, vibrant environment for growth. As part of our specialized health and rehabilitation services, our goal is to empower individuals to re-learn skills and gain independence so they can live their best lives. We partner with local businesses for daily tasks like inventory management and car part organization, but we also take on creative, custom commission jobs.
At NeuroRestorative Novi, we believe variety is the key to engagement. Our facility boasts a woodshop, a ceramics kiln, and a thriving garden. We even host “Fresh Food Fridays,” where those involved plan a menu, cook, and serve fresh meals. For those focusing on wellness, our on-site fitness center supports personal health goals, while puzzles and social areas provide the perfect space for a well-earned break.
Whether it is through vocational rehabilitation, work therapy, or life skills training, the individuals we serve approach every task with a shared sense of discovery. As Brittany often says, “No job is too big, no job is too small. We’re going to do it all.”
Inspiring Independence Through Vocational Excellence
NeuroRestorative is proud to be a leading provider of rehabilitation services across Michigan, with locations including Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and many more. Are you interested in seeing how our brain injury specialty programs help individuals gain skills and community connections?
Call us at 800-743-6802 or visit NeuroRestorative.com to learn more about our vocational programs.
