THE STORY OF VILLA LICCI
Villa Licci and TBI Community
Former Indianapolis Colts Offensive Lineman Joe Reitz and his wife Jill are the national spokespersons for Villa Licci.
In this video, Joe and Jill talk about meeting the unique needs of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how Villa Licci will meet those needs. You will also be introduced to some TBI survivors and hear their stories.
In this video, Joe and Jill talk about meeting the unique needs of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how Villa Licci will meet those needs. You will also be introduced to some TBI survivors and hear their stories.
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The Beginnings of Villa Licci
In Indiana, there are approximately 130,000 individuals living with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior to their TBI, these individuals led typical lives: filled with hopes and dreams, spending time with friends and family, going to school, and holding down jobs. As a result of their TBI, these individuals have lost some (or much) of their ability to function intellectually, socially, and physically which greatly diminishes the level of personal and professional enjoyment they experienced before their injury. Many have lost their jobs, their friends, and sometimes even their families, as their ability to function and interact with people and the world around them has drastically changed.
The life of a TBI survivor suffers drastic changes.
Most who survived a TBI suffer from loneliness and depression. They grow a deep sense of isolation living with aging parents, on the streets, in skilled nursing facilities, or group homes that mix TBI survivors with other individuals who live with developmental disabilities, autism, or addictions. TBI survivors are not like these other individuals and are unique in that they know who they were before their injury and long for this remembered self and life. They are a distinct and not insignificant unknown segment of the population who need a community to belong to and friends to share life with. Villa Licci will provide safe and independent housing, fellowship, and educational opportunities to enhance the dignity and self-worth of these survivors. Research supports increasing social well-being and establishing community as means to improve the quality of life for those living with a TBI.
Seeing this great need in the local community of Indianapolis, Indiana, a group of parents and friends of those living with a TBI came together to find a solution. Villa Licci was born of this effort.
Seeing this great need in the local community of Indianapolis, Indiana, a group of parents and friends of those living with a TBI came together to find a solution. Villa Licci was born of this effort.
Villa Licci is...
- A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization
- A residential community of adults living with the challenges that follow a brain injury
- Providing the opportunity for medically stable adults to live with minimal supervision while maintaining personal waivers and services
- Seeking to enhance each resident’s quality of life through shared experiences and relationships
- Designed with common areas where residents can exercise, eat, socialize, and relax together
Villa Licci is not:
- A community for individuals who are developmentally disabled
- A skilled nursing facility (nursing home)
- A medical facility
- A rehabilitation center
- An employment residence
Non-Discrimination and Diversity Statement
Villa Licci is committed to play its part in building an inclusive community for brain injury survivors regardless of race, religion, gender or identity. It is our goal to build a community for brain injury survivors from all backgrounds.
OUR MISSION
To provide safe and independent housing, fellowship, and dignity in a faith-centered environment for adult survivors of traumatic brain injuries.
OUR VISION
A national network of residential communities that create the social fabric and fellowship necessary for each survivor to live semi-independent lives filled with hope, self-respect and purpose.
OUR VALUES
Faith
We are inspired and guided by our Judeo-Christian belief and trust.
Compassion
We approach every situation with kindness and consideration, recognizing the unique struggles of TBI survivors.
Respect
We treat others the way we would want to be treated and are considerate of community member’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Integrity
We live out our mission and conduct all our affairs with
honesty and transparency.
honesty and transparency.
Community
We are committed to creating a home-like environment where each individual is valued as part of the whole.
Named after the patron of those with head injuries,
Blessed John Licci, Villa Licci will be a residential community for those who have previously felt isolated and alone while living with the effects of their TBI.
About our Patron
Giovanni Liccio was born in Sicily in the early 1400s. Left motherless after his mother died during his birth, his father was left to raise John on his own. One day, his father fed baby John crushed pomegranates and left him alone while he worked in the fields. Providentially, a neighbor woman came and took the baby home to nurse. When the good woman laid the baby down beside her paralyzed husband, he was miraculously cured of his ailment. After finding his child had been taken, John’s father came to retrieve his beloved son. Upon John leaving the household, the paralysis immediately returned to the neighbor. Seeing this as a divine sign, John was left with the neighbors so that he could be cared for by them.
John became a devout child. At fifteen, a priest suggested that he enter the Dominican Order. He did so and was ordained some years later. As a priest,
John became known for his good works and his miracles, especially during the construction of the convent of St. Zita. Once, a wagon full of construction materials mysteriously arrived just as funds were running out; no one knew where the goods had come from, and the driver had seemingly disappeared.
At other times, Fr. Licci’s prayers brought a boy back to life after he had fallen from a wall and subsequently died. The breadbox of a poor widow miraculously stayed full, feeding her and her six children. A thief’s hand withered when he tried to stab Fr. Licci; at the priest’s prayer, the hand was restored.
Blessed John Licci lived to be 111 – one of the oldest saints ever recorded. He was a Dominican for 96 years, the longest known time anyone has worn the religious habit. Fr. Licci died on November 14, 1511. His feast is November 14, and he is invoked against head injuries because his prayers miraculously cured three people who were living with traumatic brain injuries. We invoke Bl. John Licci to pray for the residents of Villa Licci, for all those who carry the cross of a brain injury, and for all our benefactors.
Blessed John Licci lived to be 111 – one of the oldest saints ever recorded. He was a Dominican for 96 years, the longest known time anyone has worn the religious habit. Fr. Licci died on November 14, 1511. His feast is November 14, and he is invoked against head injuries because his prayers miraculously cured three people who were living with traumatic brain injuries. We invoke Bl. John Licci to pray for the residents of Villa Licci, for all those who carry the cross of a brain injury, and for all our benefactors.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
We are unique in how we serve the TBI community
We are the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing residential communities solely for TBI survivors. We respect the innate dignity and worth of all people we serve.
We benefit from prioritizing our passion
We seek to develop meaningful relationships with TBI survivors, families, civic leaders, and part- ners. We expect board members and staff to fully engage in Villa Licci’s mission to foster success in reaching our goals.
We value teamwork and commitment in our workplace
We collaborate with one another – always fostering a learning environment. We benefit from our dedicated leadership. We value our ability to work together to achieve our goals.
We work hard to achieve growth
We take responsibility to develop diverse new resources and revenue. We foster commitment and accountability to our donors and partners. We seek opportunities to grow our Villa Licci family by communicating effectively with others aligned with our goals.
OUR GOALS
Increase awareness
and understanding of the unique challenges faced by adult survivors of traumatic brain injuries and the Villa Licci mission.
Provide opportunities
within a residential setting to nurture friendships that contribute to an overall sense of belonging and well-being for all residents.
Meaningfully engage
with all stakeholders, partners, donors, and agencies to build a network of volunteers and funding for the Villa Licci mission.
Establish
Villa Licci residential communities across the United States, serving TBI survivors throughout the country.
