OBI's GEEK program has built community capacity for brain health care over seven years, providing $3 million to 24 organizations since 2018, training 3,600 individuals, and leveraging $6.5 million in additional funding across Ontario

  • The 2024 cohort tackles diverse challenges from psychosis to brain injury, supporting evidence-based recovery services, seniors' mental health programs, therapeutic recreation, and justice system education on brain injury impacts
  • The Royal's psychosis clinic, for example, demonstrates transformative impact, integrating evaluation into daily operations, launching community sport partnerships, and becoming organizational model for evidence-informed psychiatric care

Over seven years, the Ontario Brain Institute's Growing Expertise in Evaluation and Knowledge Translation (GEEK) program has demonstrated a powerful truth: community is not just where care begins, it's where it thrives.

Established in 2018 in response to feedback from community organizations, GEEK builds evaluation capacity and generates real-world evidence by providing essential funding and expertise to programs dedicated to improving brain health and enhancing the lives of individuals with brain disorders.

Impact by the numbers

GEEK's seven-year impact tells a compelling story:

  • $3 million provided to 24 community organizations across Ontario and beyond
  • 3,600 individuals trained in evaluation capacity
  • 120+ knowledge activities shared, including webinars, presentations, and publications
  • $6.5 million in additional funding leveraged by partner organizations

Behind these numbers lies something deeper: spaces of belonging, improved access to care, strengthened skills and agency, and amplified community voices. Each GEEK-funded initiative supports those impacted by brain conditions in ways that create lasting change.

By supporting community-led organizations, GEEK advances OBI's mission to improve brain health for all Ontarians, ensuring that Ontario is not only a leader in brain health innovation but also a place where people thrive, supported and empowered to live their best lives.

2024 GEEKs in action

The 2024 GEEK cohort continues this legacy, tackling a wide range of brain health challenges with tailored, community-led programs and services:

- The Royal – Ozerdinc Grimes Family Regional Psychosis Clinic (Ottawa) Expanding evidence-based recovery services for individuals with schizophrenia through a collaborative, needs-based model of care.

- Progress Place – Senior's Corner Program (Toronto) Supporting seniors aging in place with mental health support, social engagement, and community participation to reduce isolation and foster well-being.

- City of Ottawa, Inclusive Recreation Branch – ABI Day Program (Ottawa) Helping individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI) regain independence and confidence through therapeutic recreation and multidisciplinary support.

- Brain Injury Canada – Correction System Education Program (National) Educating justice system personnel on the impacts of brain injury, fostering understanding, and enabling more compassionate, informed responses.

In just one year, GEEK has already helped these programs achieve measurable outcomes.

“The OBI GEEK grant helped us enhance the Seniors Corner program, including securing a new location flagged by members. Guided by evaluation insights and partner collaboration, we found a space that better meets everyone’s needs. GEEK support has strengthened our commitment to a more effective, responsive program for our community.” — Jennifer Brodlieb, Progress Place