Wide variety of health and wellness related as well as bereavement support groups offered. New parent support group-meet other new parents and discuss topics of concern. Facilitated by the Birth Center Staff

Support groups offered for the following issues: Cancer Support Diabetes Self-Management Multiple Sclerosis Weight related support group Overeaters Anonymous Mental Illness - National Alliance for Mental Illness Support group for families of the mentally ill, Alcoholics anonymous, Nursing Moms Cesarean birth support group, Bereaved Parent Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Homecare Assistance Grant connects clients to the best available local services. Should resources within your community not be available, direct support may be provided on a temporary basis. Available Services include •Home Care - Personal hygiene services, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to and from appointments are all services that can be provided for a limited time. •Therapy Visits - Based upon individual need, an appointment with an occupational, physical, or speech therapist can be arranged. Through education and training, these therapists can help to foster independence, self-esteem, and better quality of life for the person living with MS. •Respite Care - Respite allows primary caregivers the opportunity to tend to themselves, or other family business, with the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by a properly trained individual. This service is provided on a short-term basis for a scheduled period of time. •Coming Home - Returning home from a stay at the hospital can be a difficult time of transition. We offer a four-hour visit from an aide who will meet the patient at the hospital, provide transportation home, and then get the patient settled comfortably at home.

The MS Focus Transportation Assistance Grant provides funding for individuals with MS for door to door drop off service through Uber and Lyft for neurologist appointments and infusion appointments This program also provides funding for reasonable paratransit fees or minor auto repairs.

Cooling Program offers cooling vests and accessories for adults with multiple sclerosis as well as children diagnosed with pediatric MS. Cooling vests are commonly worn over clothing and contain insulated pockets that hold small ice packs. MSAA also offers smaller products to wear under clothing as well as accessories to help cool the neck, wrists and ankles. MSAA provides these products at no charge and items are shipped directly to the client.

MSAA’s new mobile phone application, provided free of charge to individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) or their care partner to use on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android mobile phone device. Developed in conjunction with @Point of Care, this first-of-its kind app for MS offers individuals a convenient and effective tool to manage the ever-changing course of the disease. As a member of the MS community, My MS Manager™ allows you to: Track disease activity; Store medical information; Generate charts and reports across various metrics like treatments, moods, symptoms, and more

MS Navigators connects you to the information, resources and support needed to move your life forward. These supportive partners help navigate the challenges of MS unique to your situation, providing: Information and education to help people with MS and their support teams powerfully advocate for what you need, when and how you need it. Emotional support resources for people with MS as well as family and carepartners, including support groups and ways to connect with others living with MS. Help through the complexities of finding a healthcare provider, benefits, insurance and access to coverage, and employment. Resources to face financial challenges and plan for the future. Wellness strategies that can make an impact on quality of life with MS including diet, exercise, emotional well-being and connection to local wellness resources. Assessment for personalized case management.

When coping with MS becomes difficult, it sometimes helps to talk to someone who has been there. Whether someone has just been diagnosed with MS or is struggling with new or ongoing symptoms, the MSF’s Volunteer Peer Counselors are here to listen and offer support. Through our We Care, We Call program, people with MS are able to get a regular “check-in” call from other people with MS. Calls can be requested each week, every few days, or once a month. Requests for calls can be made at 888-673-6287 or [email protected]. Although women are most commonly diagnosed with MS, men with the condition face unique challenges. The MSF’s Men and MS Program puts callers in touch with MSF Volunteer Peer Counselor Jim Masterson, who has been living with MS for more than 20 years. Jim can be reached by calling 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287), or contacted at [email protected].

The MS Focus Health and Wellness Program offers you the opportunity to participate in various forms of adaptive exercise or alternative therapy. Where there are a sufficient number of people interested, classes are formed. Where classes are not available, individuals may apply for full or partial funding to participate in activities through local gyms, fitness facilities, and wellness centers. Across the country, MS Focus has sponsored classes and programs for individuals including: yoga; aquatics; exercise and fitness; therapeutic horseback riding; adaptive sports and recreation; art therapy and dance therapy All classes are led by qualified instructors, and most are free of charge for the attendees. These therapies are designed to assist in symptom management and pain relief, as well as to help improve physical and emotional health.

Cooling Program offers a variety of items, free of charge, that will help you stay cool in the heat. Available items include: Cooling vests; Neck wraps; Wristbands; Hats Our program cycle begins on February 1 and continues through June 1.

Find support groups and educational programs for those living with multiple sclerosis or have a loved one with MS. Some groups serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents of children with MS or carepartners Some groups focus on a specific topic, such as support, advocacy, education, physical activity or wellness. Others may be more social in nature. You can find a support group or educational program that fits your schedule. The options range from single-session programs to weekly support group meetings. Established MS self-help groups include both location-based and national, online options.

Volunteer opportunities include Self-Help Group Leaders, or other Connection volunteers, MS Ambassadors, MS Activists, Event Volunteers, Office and Project Based Volunteers.

Computer Program provides laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on limited or fixed incomes. Either a laptop computer, or a desktop computer with a monitor, keyboard and mouse, will be granted. Internet access and technical support will be the responsibility of the grant recipient.

When coping with MS becomes difficult, it sometimes helps to talk to someone who has been there. Whether someone has just been diagnosed with MS or is struggling with new or ongoing symptoms, the MSF’s Volunteer Peer Counselors are here to listen and offer support. Through our We Care, We Call program, people with MS are able to get a regular “check-in” call from other people with MS. Calls can be requested each week, every few days, or once a month. Requests for calls can be made at 888-673-6287 or [email protected]. Although women are most commonly diagnosed with MS, men with the condition face unique challenges. The MSF’s Men and MS Program puts callers in touch with MSF Volunteer Peer Counselor Jim Masterson, who has been living with MS for more than 20 years. Jim can be reached by calling 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287), or contacted at [email protected].

MSAA’s free services help improve lives. Programs include a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning educational videos and publications, including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator; safety and mobility equipment distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; educational programs held across the country; MRI funding; and Lending Library among other services.

MSAA Equipment Distribution Program offers clients products designed to improve safety, dignity, mobility, and independence. MSAA provides these products at no charge and ships directly to the client. Items distributed through the program include home safety products such as shower chairs and grab bars, as well as mobility devices including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs. Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor.

There is a great deal of helpful and inspirational material about MS available today. At MS Focus, we understand that not everyone has access to the wide range of resources out there. That is why we maintain a Lending Library, where books, DVDs, and CDs are all available for loan -- at no charge to you -- through the mail. Items can be sent across the United States, so, no matter where you live, you can benefit from these materials.

The goal of the grant is to provide you with goods or services that will improve your life, but are not available through our other programs. These items range in value, with a max of $1,000 per recipient, and can vary from household essentials to hobby supplies. The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is only open from June 1st - September 1st. Applications submitted outside of this window will not be accepted.

Volunteer opportunities include Self-Help Group Leaders, or other Connection volunteers, MS Ambassadors, MS Activists, Event Volunteers, Office and Project Based Volunteers.

MS Navigators connects you to the information, resources and support needed to move your life forward. These supportive partners help navigate the challenges of MS unique to your situation, providing: Information and education to help people with MS and their support teams powerfully advocate for what you need, when and how you need it. Emotional support resources for people with MS as well as family and carepartners, including support groups and ways to connect with others living with MS. Help through the complexities of finding a healthcare provider, benefits, insurance and access to coverage, and employment. Resources to face financial challenges and plan for the future. Wellness strategies that can make an impact on quality of life with MS including diet, exercise, emotional well-being and connection to local wellness resources. Assessment for personalized case management.

MS Focus' Emergency Assistance Program provides full or partial financial assistance for urgent needs related to rent, utilities, or medication. Funds are limited and restrictions apply. Please note: this is a one-time-use program. Individuals who have previously received help with rent, utilities, or medications through this program may not apply again.

Helpline specialists are available to assist individuals with MS, and the people close to them, adapt to the changes they may be experiencing as they go through a life-long process of adjustments to best suit their evolving needs. MSAA’s specialists can offer encouragement to clients and their care partners to identify obstacles and discover ways to overcome them. Helpline specialists may also recommend the program(s) offered by MSAA and other resources that would be of help to the client, and assist him or her with the application process.

This organization's role is to ensure the best quality of life for those coping with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by providing: support, educational programs, research, and investigations of various medical and complementary treatment options.

The Assistive Technology (AT) Program may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of a wide range of devices. These allow those with MS to function more independently in their daily lives, as well as more easily participate in recreational, educational, and vocational activities. These include: Aids for daily living; Communication devices; Computer aids; Environmental control systems; Home and vehicle modifications; Orthotics; Seating, positioning, and mobility devices; Aids for vision and hearing; Cooling aids