FALL 2013 CENTRAL VALLEY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
EMPLOYMENT AND MS RESOURCES The National MS Society recognizes the critical connection between economic security and quality of life. Throughout the course of living with multiple sclerosis, many people will have to deal with a changing status in the workforce prior to being able to apply for Social Security retirement. An individual’s sense of security is unique given levels of household income, age, savings, dependents, career paths and lifestyle, but many federal and state government programs and legislation that people with MS may eventually access are the same.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE, STATE DISABILITY, ACCESSING JOB RETRAINING OR UNDERSTANDING APPLICABLE LAWS FOR YOUR CURRENT JOB? At the Northern California Chapter, we have a comprehensive approach to address workforce shifts that our members experience. On our website you will find a collection of critical links and recorded teleconferences that address key issues such as applying for California State Disability Insurance, Federal Social Security Disability Insurance, disclosing your disability, and career changes. Another great resource is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is available to both employees and employers for free and is funded by the US Department of
Labor. This is a resource which helps people with disabilities continue to succeed in the job they already have. JAN is the leading source of expert and confidential technical assistance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Also recommended is www.Disabilitybenefits101.org. This website clearly defines the differences between benefits and resources available to people with disabilities. Accessing these tools may help answer many of your questions. Our chapter is here to help you consider your choices. If you need to talk with someone, call 1-800-344-4867 and connect with a trained individual consultant who will help you consider the different choices. You can also connect with your local Community Development Manager, Tim Overweg at 209-214-6022 or email timothy.overweg@nmss.org. â—Š
FIND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES ONLINE You can access these employment resources online at www.NationalMSSociety.org/can. Click on the Programs and Services tab in the middle of the page.
08 UPCOMING PROGRAMS Registration is required for all programs. To register, please visit our Program Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 1-800-344-4867. For more information please call Tim Overweg, Community Development Manager at 209-214-6022.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED ORIENTATION Tuesday, November 5th 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. NMSS Modesto Office, Conference Room 422 McHenry Ave., Modesto Are you newly diagnosed with MS? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed as well as family and friends who want to learn more. Join National MS Society staff to discover resources and get answers to some of your MS questions. The registration deadline is Monday, November 4th.
CENTRAL VALLEY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES FALL 2013 “CHRISTMAS STORIES: THE RADIO PLAYS” Sunday, December 15th 2:00 p.m. Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto The Gallo Center and the theatre department at California State University-Stanislaus previously collaborated on the very successful “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play.” This delightful show will be done in the style of a 1940s radio production - but with multiple stories! Featuring “The Gift of the Magi” and other beloved holiday tales, it will be an evening of joy and Christmas spirit. Relive the bygone days of a golden era with a poignant and laugh-filled evening of old-time radio. If you love “Prairie Home Companion,” you are sure to enjoy this heartwarming collection of sounds, stories, and songs that bring Christmas to life. As is our tradition, we are asking everyone to stay for a few minutes after the show so we can take a group photo in the decorated lobby of the Gallo Center. The registration deadline is Monday, December 2nd.
YOUNG WOMEN’S MEET-UP GROUP Are you a young woman living with MS? Maybe you are raising children, or working full-time in a career, or earning a degree, or running a small business – all while managing MS. Would you be interested in connecting with others like yourself who are in the same age and stage of life, but who also know the impact living with MS? If so, please contact Community Development Manager, Tim Overweg at 209-214-6022 or email him at timothy.overweg@nmss.org.
REGISTER AT NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/CAN | 1-800-344-4867
THE STRETCH THAT RELAXES Yoga combines breathing with movements that can alternately stimulate or calm the body. Many people with muscle tightness or decreased range of motion find that yoga practice brings noticeable improvement. Because yoga is relaxing and noncompetitive, it is especially recommended for people with MS. Benefits can be felt when poses are held for as little as five seconds, as many poses are designed to allow gravity to help stretch muscles. The rhythmic, abdominal breathing done in yoga is also important for people with MS who may not be able to achieve deep breathing through vigorous exercise. Deep breathing aids circulation and helps maintain respiratory health, diminishing the possibility of lung infections such as pneumonia. If you are living with MS and would like to learn more about yoga opportunities at the Yoga Health Institute in Modesto or at I am Yoga in Turlock, as well as financial assistance to help with the cost, please contact Community Development Manager, Tim Overweg at 209-214-6022 or email him at timothy.overweg@nmss.org.
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HELP US FIND MS YOGA TEACHERS The Northern California Chapter is hoping to expand yoga opportunities in the Central Valley. If you know of a yoga studio or instructor who may be interested in receiving training to lead an MS yoga class in your community, please contact Tim Overweg at 209-214-6022 or timothy.overweg@nmss.org.
DO YOU KNOW A DOCTOR, NURSE OR THERAPIST WITH AN INTEREST IN MS? The National MS Society offers resources not only for those affected by MS but also for healthcare professionals who treat MS. Increasing access to quality MS care throughout Northern California is a priority for our Chapter. To help us share resources with professionals in your community, please contact Tim Overweg at 209-214-6022 or timothy.overweg@nmss.org.
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MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Bayside
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BAY AREA • Free From Falls on Thursdays, October 10th
- December 5th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Oakland • 8th Annual MS Family Day on October 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in San Francisco • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 6th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in San Francisco • MS Connection Dinner & Networking Event from 6:00 - 8:00 p. m. in Berkeley
SOUTH BAY • Morning Mingle on October 17th, November
21st and December 19th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Santa Clara • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 5th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Santa Clara • 2nd Annual Time to Trim the Tree on November 12th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Santa Clara • Bunco on December 10th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Santa Clara
SELF-HELP GROUPS MERCED COUNTY • Merced: MS Challengers - Susan: 209-631-
GREATER SACRAMENTO • Mix and Mingle Networking Hour on
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October 16th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in Sacramento Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 7th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Carmichael Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 7th from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. in Chico Navigating Employment and Benefit Options for People with MS on November 12th (employment) and November 13th (benefits) from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Vacaville Coping with MS on November 20th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Sacramento
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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY • Manteca - Sue: 209-482-7034 • Stockton AM - Laurie: 209-915-1730,
Velma: 209-951-2264 • Stockton PM - Brenda: 209-951-0536, Mary: 209-334-5670 • Tracy - Linda: 209-833-6882
STANISLAUS COUNTY • Modesto - Marti or Jane: 209-521-8956 • Turlock - Bill: 209-664-1427, Frances: 209-
667-2184
NORTH BAY • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November
6 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in Petaluma • Navigating Employment and Benefit Options for People with MS on October 26th from th
TUOLUMNE COUNTY • Sonora - Stephen or Gloria: 209-532-5646