MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SERVICE AGENCY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Multiple Sclerosis Service Agency is committed to serving people with multiple sclerosis by providing the highest level of programs, services and education to assist in maintaining a quality of life with the maximum level of independence achievable, regardless of sex, race, religion, nationality or economic status.

ABOUT US

The Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which provides programs/services to people physically challenged with multiple sclerosis in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, regardless of sex, race, religion, nationality or economic status. 

The agency was formed in January 1991 after the decision was made by the National MS Society to close their offices in Youngstown and move to their current location in Independence, Ohio.  This move left almost 800 patients with MS in the area with no local support to turn to.  It was decided that the people of the Mahoning Valley should not have to travel to the Cleveland area to receive the care that they needed.

PROGRAMS ANDSERVICES

The Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency, after much consideration, has put together a substantial grouping of programs and services for people suffering from MS.  Unlike many other organizations, the agency provides these services at No Charge to those requesting our help.  Some of the programs/services that the agency provides are:

                  Adaptive Aquatics Program

                  The MS Clinic at St. Elizabeth Health Center

                  Six Monthly Support Group Meetings

                  Equipment Loan Program

                  Information and Referral Calls

                  MS “HAPPENINGS” Newsletter

                  Educational Programs and Workshops

                  Counseling/Referrals

                  Holiday Programs and Picnics

                  Therapeutic Riding Program*

                  Tai Chi/Yoga Programs*

*To be implemented in 2012

The Adaptive Aquatics Program meets three times per week.  The Downtown Youngstown Y meets every Wednesday and the Boardman Davis Y meets on Mondays and Fridays.  Water exercises are extremely beneficial to both men and women with multiple sclerosis.  When in the water, disabilities are often much less noticeable as the water provides a sense of weightlessness and buoyancy.  The water provides support and increases the individual’s range of motion.  Water exercise also has a low rate of injury and eliminates body overheating and stress. 

The MS Clinic at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown is held the first and third Wednesday of each month and provides diagnostic and therapeutic services for persons diagnosed with MS or suspected of having MS. 

The agency has six locations for support group meetings in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties.  We would also like to have a seventh special support group for children whose parents suffer from MS sometime soon.

The agency has many donated equipment items for loan out.  Canfield Medical Supply provides storage for these items until they are needed.  Equipment includes air conditioners, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, tub seats and many other useable items.

The agency receives over 2,000 phone calls each year with requests for information and referral.  The agency sends out, free of charge, any brochures or booklets as requested, regardless if they are in our service area or not.

The agency also creates the “MS HAPPENINGS” newsletter on a quarterly basis that is sent out to over 1,000 addresses.  The newsletter keeps everyone up to date on new and existing programs, area events and upcoming fundraisers.

The agency, with local support holds educations programs and workshops at various times of the year.  These events are free and open to the public.

Consultation with those newly diagnosed and their families; intervention and referral for families in crisis is an important educational service to our clients.

Each year the agency hosts a Holiday Party in the Winter and a Family Picnic in July.  Attendance is normally around 125 people for each event.

As we are not associated with any National MS organization, all of our funding is dependent upon local support of individuals, foundations and corporations.  The agency does not receive any Federal, State or United Way funding. 

Phone: 330-533-6772 (MSSA)

Address:  11836 South Avenue

                North Lima, Ohio 44452