ACT for Multiple Sclerosis

ACT for Multiple Sclerosis is the premier non-medical resource for individuals in the Coachella Valley who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis We offer clients (and their loved ones) a variety of programs and services to help them live with MS, its symptoms and debilities by providing the tools and resources necessary to successfully improve their quality of life while living with this incurable medical condition.

The foundation of our services is the Enhanced Strength Training (STEM) Program. Clients receive one-on-one physical training and exercise with a professional personal trainer twice a week. Sessions are held in a gym or the client's home if mobility is a problem. The goal is to maintain or improve the strength, balance and flexibility of each enrolled client.

The Aquatic Exercise and Training Program offers additional and/or alternative forms of exercise using water-based aerobic and balance techniques. When combined or used independently of the STEM program, the goal is to maintain or improve client strength, balance and flexibility. Individuals with mobility restrictions or severe balance issues, may be eligible to receive a one-on-one session in the pool with a qualified water exercise instructor.

Multiple Sclerosis can lead to increased joint and muscle tightness, as well as decreased circulation in the extremities. The Flexibility and Circulation Improvement Program gives clients two professional therapeutic massages each month so they may maintain and/or improve their flexibility and overall circulation. In-home sessions may be arranged for those with mobility restrictions.

Our adaptive yoga class develops flexibility, balance, spasticity, breathing and reducing stress. It is taught by a professional yoga instructor experienced in working with people who have MS.

The Mobility Aid/Device Assistance Program enables clients with impairment of the lower extremities to receive some form of assistive device (e.g. walker, wheelchair, scooter, home assist aids, etc.) to remain mobile. This income-eligible program provides financial assistance in obtaining the appropriate device for the individual's needs.

ACT For MS continues to provide fitness, social, educational, and mental health support to individuals living with MS. All our work takes a prevention-focused, evidence-based approach. Working with our board of directors, ACT for MS has implemented a strategic plan that covers the following:

• Board Development
Goals:
- Increase active participation by the board
- Increase diversity of the Board
- Expand expertise of the Board, e.g. legal
- Develop Board leadership succession plan
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Intent: To bring strength to the Board in areas where we are currently lacking expertise, and to extend our impact in terms of community outreach through diversity (age, demographics and ethnicity) of Board members.

Responsibility: Executive Committee

• Clients
Goals:
- Maintain client base with quality services
- Expand client base geographically to include East Valley
- Expand providers where and as needed, so clients travel as little as possible
- Continue to provide medical community with information about our programs and their effectiveness
- Continue to measure results of the programs
- Expand computer/media training for clients
- Explore additional services to offer
- Research partnerships with other NPOs

Intent: To ascertain additional requirements for improving the quality of life to our clients and offer these quality-of-life-enhancing services to a broader spectrum of clients.

Responsibility: Client Services Committee and Program Manager

• Development
Goals:
- Expand donor base
- Purchase a donor database to assist in donor cultivation and 'moves management' donor cultivation
- Develop donor recognition program
- Develop a planned giving/legacy program
- Conduct an annual giving campaign
- Expand number and size of grants
- Develop program to develop sponsorships from businesses
- Review potential sponsorship from pharmaceutical firms again
- Expand participation in World MS Day with National MS

Intent: To improve the scope and effectiveness of our fund-raising abilities in order to support expanded client base and services

Responsibility: Executive Director, Executive Committee

• Marketing
Goals:
- Expand the use of social media
- Provide bi-annual newsletters for clients and donors
- Emphasize client stories in marketing
- Expand outreach campaign to clients, medical community, general public and businesses

Intent: To increase awareness of the disease and our programs to assuage its effects for our clients amongst our donor base, the medical community and the general community at large.

Responsibility: Board and Staff

Next Steps:
- Develop a more detailed action plan for each of the areas above, including specific steps, additional support required, projected timelines and costs.
- Review plan annually, revise as needed.

Our organization's goal is to provide the physical, social, educational and financial resources to help individuals with MS in Coachella Valley to live stronger longer. Due to COVID, our strategies and goals have changed to maintenance and slow, steady growth.

ACT for MS has a committed board and staff. Due to COVID, we downsized from 3 paid staff to 1. Outside vendors are hired as needed. We do this to keep our expenses variable, instead of fixed. We want to make sure that as much of our revenue as possible is used for the programs that serve our clients.

In the past three years our organization's major accomplishments are:

(1) Staying solvent despite COVID

(2) Maintaining services despite fundraising activities being shut down

(3) Maintaining services with only one staff person, as opposed to three

(4) Increased participation by the board

5) Increase in services provided to the people served