MS Community Centers
We now have six MS Community Centers across Southwest Florida. Each community center provides a full day of activities every week. The day starts with exercise and a support group meeting. Then in the afternoon lunch is served followed by an art class. The local community centers provide opportunities to socialize and learn from others with multiple sclerosis.
MS Community Center days are held on Mondays in Bonita Springs, Tuesdays in East Lee County (Buckingham), Wednesdays in Naples, and on Thursdays in Cape Coral and in Fort Myers. RSVP is required. Services and activities are for registered clients of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida. If you are new to the MS Center, call 239-319-0904 to learn more about us and register to become a part of our growing MS community.
The Disability Assistance Program is designed to assist our most disabled clients.
Most of these clients are wheelchair bound and some are partially paralyzed.
Sit-to-Stand lifts and Work to Disability assistance are the primary programs.
Learn more about how you can receive assistance or support the program.
Save the Date 02/24/24
“Roaring Twenties Speakeasy Casino Night”, our annual Gala, will be held at the Vineyards in Naples on 02/24/24. The exciting event will raise funding for services to Southwest Florida residents with MS.
Reflecting the energy and excitement of the roaring twenties, the evening will start with tastings of fine bourbons and wines, followed by fine dining, a live auction, and a casino party.
“The MS Center helps patients grow in hope, community, and strength,” says Shannon Diener, MS Center Board Chair, donor, & advocate. “It is a community that helps one another, while keeping their mind and body active so they are more hopeful and stronger.”
The center’s goals are to reduce isolation, improve mobility,
and reduce the risk of poor outcomes related to daily living.
Clients of the MS Center can take advantage of the center’s social interaction and wellness programs. Services include case management, connection to resources, MS-focused exercise classes, art therapy, mental health support and coaching, educational activities, and more.
%
Percent Women
Served Last Year
%
Over age 60
The MS Center’s service area of Southwest Florida includes an estimated 5,000 people living with multiple sclerosis, along with their affected family and friends.
In 2015, the organization had served 52 people with MS.
The MS Center now provides free services, information and support to over 500 people annually.
“When you walk in the door of the MS Center, there is a positive energy, comradery, and peace. It is amazing to meet other people with MS in a positive atmosphere and be able to give back,” says Lynne S, client of MS Center.
Linda and Ken Sumner,
Art Therapy Program Annual Sponsors
“It’s so important for people to have a place to go, so they’re not isolated or overwhelmed. The MS Center is critical for people who may not have access to help any other way….” Linda Sumner.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). The disease causes inflammation that damages myelin — the substance that covers and insulates the nerve fibers. When myelin or nerve fibers are damaged or destroyed messages within the CNS are altered or stopped completely. As a result, the patient can suffer from a wide range of symptoms depending on where the damage (or scarring) occurs in the body. Symptoms can range from optic neuritis to the loss of the ability to walk. Severity can also vary widely from person to person.
The disease affects women 3 times more often than men. Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50. An estimated 5000 people are living with MS in Southwest Florida. Over the last 5 years, the Center has attracted an average of 45 new clients each year.
About
Multiple Sclerosis Center of 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 only serves Southwest Florida.
REGISTRATION #CH-12523. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com