Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida

3372 Woods Edge Circle #103, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 319-0904 | www.MSCenterSWFL.org MISSION: To provide comprehensive care for the mind, body, and spirit of those affected by multiple scelerosis in Southwest Florida

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. This devastating disease causes damage to myelin—the substance that protects and insulates nerve fibers. There is currently no cure. Symptoms can range from vision problems to paralysis with severity varying widely among individuals. The disease affects women at a rate three times higher than men. MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. An estimated 5,000 people are living with MS in Southwest Florida.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has served the community since 2000. Its mission is to provide comprehensive care for the mind, body, and spirit of those affected by multiple sclerosis in Southwest Florida. The MS Center is not a chapter of a national organization and serves only Southwest Florida. The MS Center is a community center for those affected by this chronic disease. The center seeks to reduce isolation, improve mobility, and ease the activities of daily living for people with MS.

The MS Center is debuting its new Neighborhood Community Centers (NCCs) program—weekly meeting locations in Southwest Florida bringing services to the heart of client communities. Beginning September 2022, the MS Center established NCC sites in the cities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. A fifth site in East Fort Myers is planned for 2023.

Each NCC provides on-site mental health counseling, support group, exercise, lunch, art therapy, and monthly speakers on topics relevant to MS.

GOALS

• Improve mobility and balance • Reduce isolation • Reduce stress, depression, and improve coping skills • Provide support to the families and caregivers of MS patients • Improve knowledge of, and connection to, community resources for MS patients • Improve accessibility to MS

Center programs:

FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

Annual Gala

The MS Center’s annual fundraising Gala will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at The Vineyards Country Club in Naples. This elegant fun-filled event, “Be a Part of the Magic: April Fools & Folly,” will feature a cocktail reception and three-course dinner accompanied by jesters, jugglers, fortune tellers and palm readers, followed by a live auction, music, and dancing. Guests will be both amused and amazed, all while you support an important cause!

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS

Support One of Our Major Programs:

The MS Center’s Disability Assistance Program

Sit to Stand Lift: A lifechanging lift to help a disabled client delay or avoid moving to a long-term care facility.

Work to Disability: “Bridging the gap” for clients, transitioning from work to disability, by providing shortterm, financial assistance and case management.

MS Disaster Resource and Relief (MSDRR)

The MSDRR has been established to help with the recovery process for those with Multiple Sclerosis affected by Hurricane Ian. The Center will provide well-being calls to over 500 clients, information on disaster assistance and resources, collection and distribution of supplies/ equipment, and financial assistance for those seriously impacted by the storm.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

The MS Center is seeking assistance in a variety of capacities including committee member, event coordinator, class instructor, content creator, community engagement ambassador, seminar presenter, handyman/woman, and gala assistants. You can have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one or more areas to help a wonderful organization.

ABOUT US:

Year established: 2000

Annual revenues (most recent

fiscal year): $442,838 Total number of employees: 3

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):

Southwest Florida

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Individual donations Foundation grants Fundraising events.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Shannon Diener

Chair

Jeanne Larson

Vice Chair

Kevin Hallinan

Treasurer

Chairles Stanisce

Secretary

BOARD MEMBERS:

Peter DeFresco Julie Fisher Dayna Harpster Jeanne Larson Michael Lundon Suzanne McGuire Shane Smith Kay Jasso

Executive Director