A student to life.
philomath (adj): is a lover of learning and studying
“Living with a spinal cord injury transformed my perspective on life. It turned out to be the most impactful experience I’ve ever had, shaping me into the person I am today. I’m deeply thankful for the support I’ve received along this journey, and now I’m committed to offering the same to others. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve received is to “remain a student of life”—always keep learning and applying what you’ve learned. Even when you think you have all the answers, there’s always more to discover. Stay open.”
—
Mia Natalia - T9 Complete SCI
President & CEO
Our Mission
Our mission at Philomath is to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries and those facing financial challenges by providing essential grants. These grants support their return to work, career advancement, and entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring they have the resources to build independent, fulfilling lives.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a world where every person with a spinal cord injury has equal access to the support and resources necessary for optimal health, independence, and quality of life, regardless of their financial situation.
Did you know…
Many people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) face challenges when it comes to employment due to a variety of physical and societal factors. These reasons include:
1. Physical Limitations
2. Lack of Accessible Workplaces
3. Health-Related Challenges
4. Social and Employer Bias
5. Educational and Skill Barriers
6. Financial Barriers
Looking at the data, the picture is stark: while employment among people with disabilities overall has improved - 22.5% were employed in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bureau of Labor Statistics - those with SCI still suffer serious economic fallout. Studies show that individuals with traumatic cervical SCI often face sustained reductions in both income and employment for five years or more post-injury just to give you an example. JAMA Network Indirect costs from lost earnings remain huge - an average of $29,354 per year, with lifetime losses running into the hundreds of thousands. PubMed
On top of that, a significant portion of people with SCI struggle with poverty: past research in the U.S. found more than 20% living below the poverty line, with especially high rates among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. MSKTC
These data highlight just how urgent support is for workforce reintegration, financial stability, and career development for those affected by SCI.
Philomath Center was founded to help bridge these gaps - empowering people with SCI to reclaim independence, rebuild their careers, and overcome systemic barriers.