Familia Unida Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Programs: Who is familia unida? Familia unida living with multiple sclerosis, e. G. Familia unida;was founded in the early 90s by irma resendez after her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis when she was 28 years old. A mother of two young daughters, ages 3 and 4, irma was astounded to discover that there were no services available to or accessible to the spanish speaking ms community. Irma experienced paralysis to her lower extremities and was confined to a wheelchair for almost a year. The resendez home became the casa of hope where irma and her family shared love with their new ms friends, learned about free resources, shared tears and hugs, but primarily reminded each other that they were not alone. Fulwms was incorporated as a grassroots 501-c3 nonprofit in 1998, as the first ms organization in the united states to outreach to the spanish speaking community. Today, familia unida has evolved to provide programs and services every year, to over 15,000 individuals and families living with ms and specific services for individuals living with various disabilities representing a rainbow of cultures and ethnic groups. The office is located in the heart of east los angeles. Fulwms continues to uphold its solid commitment to offer innovative and comprehensive programs and services, granting it national and international recognition. The family centered service model respects and values the diverse population served. Our programs promote healthier lifestyles, social justice engagement, socialization, advocacy, family unity and the importance of being a part of the economic development of our community. The target population represents the ms community, the disabled, ethnic minority groups, especially the non-english speaking, low-income groups, and the uninsured. Fulwms has a proven track record of success with purposeful and clear outcomes that have gained it regional,national and international recognition for its service delivery model that is inclusive of various cultures and disabilities. Our programs have a focus on providing linkage to social services and other resources, that promote economic development. The targeted audience is ethnic minority groups, especially the non-english, low-income, uninsured population. Fulwms has grown to establish solid partnerships with over 800 community based organizations, government, foundations, diverse healthcare providers, and mainstream televisions, print, and radio outlets, which include also the county of los angeles, the rosemead community center, the christopher and dana reeve foundation, local universities, the roybal foundation, kaiser permanente, rancho los amigos medical center, usc-medical center, white memorial medical center, and la care, to mention some of the most notable. C. A. R. E. (counseling advocacy referral empowerment) programthe purpose of the care program is to work one-on-one with familia unida members. The care program objectives are to focus on providing supportive services such as counseling, referrals and advocacy for those with disabilities and their families. By forming a personalized bond with our members, this program enables us to identify the real issues affecting individuals and/or their families, by providing supportive services that enhance their quality of life. We encourage our clients to be proactive in their choices related to their health, social service needs and to receive a better understanding of their human and civic rights. We also provide additional support like community resources and diverse educational speakers, plus socialization is experienced at the monthly support group meetings, kids corner, community-health-employment outreaches, one-of-the-kind, innovative; wheelchair wash event that hosts over 2,000 community members during the celebration of the americans disability act. F. U. E. S. (familia unida employment services) programthe fues program falls under the umbrella of the employment network, which is comprised of national partners collectively working to find employment for the disabled. The fues has a cooperative agreement with the social security administration. The primary goal is to assist qualified disabled individuals who receive ssi or ssdi benefits, to find appropriate jobs, vocational trainings, advanced education, and services that propel career advancement. We believe that people with disabilities have many abilities and skills, which merit successful and gainful employment opportunities. The delivery of services ranges from conducting an individual work plan, intake of skills, evaluation of skills/disabilities, providing assistance with reaching realistic goals, finding the best employer-employee match, job research, resume building, job coaching, interview tips, and linkage to other supportive services in the community that will assist in the transition from not working to becoming gainfully employed. H. A. P. I. (health access personal investment) programthe goal of the hapi program is to bridge fun, innovative activities that promote healthier lifestyles for the family while incorporating laughter, play therapy, exercise, expertise speakers, nutrition, resources, educational materials/handouts in a manner that is in language appropriate, respectful, culturally sensitive, and that provides the tools for long-term support that can be shared and reinforced with family members for maximum results. We encourage that "knowledge is power and stress the importance of communicating and sharing of lessons learned in order to strengthen supportive ties with family and friends for ultimate results and reinforced support. L. O. V. E. (leadership opportunities versatile engagement) programthe goal of the love program is to provide mentorship, work experience, or receive expertise consultation from diverse socioeconomic individuals/groups within the southern california region. Through a competitive process, cooperative agreements are made with local universities like usc, ucla, cal state universities, as well as local high schools, senior-citizen organizations, expertise consultants and the disabled community. Participants in this leader-building internship program make a commitment to a minimum of 15 to 25 hours a week. We encourage and embrace participation from different cultures, ages, genders, disabilities and languages. We have found that our cross-cultural service model, inclusive of the engagement of our community, has been a transformational and positive experience for all concerned and reinforces our mission of sharing love that is contagious!

employer network - has been established in collaboration with the ssa social security administration. Partners include the department of rehabilitation services, employment development departments, one stops, employment networks, corporations and goodwill industries this program is designed to help people with disabilities recieve the training and support that they need to go back to work and remain on the job. Including job readiness assessment/preparation, resume writing and job search. We care program (counseling, advocacy, referral and empowerment program) offers:monthly support groups - educational patient programs in multiple languages. Provides an inclusive, supportive environment to discuss topics ranging from alternative treatment discussions, stress management, diet and health. Guest speakers include neurologist, healthcare professionals and diverse educational speakers, also comedians because fulwms feels that laughter is important in the healing process. The support group topics are geared to maximize the quality of life for the individual, family and friends; and to enhance socialization. Clients are made aware of medical updates and available support services through a client-centered model of service delivery. This model starts with where the client is now and addresses daily life challenges, provides an emergency food pantry, treatment options referrals, and on a limited basis travel. Clients are taught how to advocate on their behalf in regard to housing, treatment options, healthcare, emergency medial equipment and a range of community resources. Counseling - counseling is provided for individuals who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, living with a disability or who need counseling and case management for dealing with daily life issues, including problems with significant others, children, and other family members. Clients and volunteers also provide peer support. Counseling addresses issues ranging from depression, marriage, financial stressors to those factors that affect the entire family - difficulties that transpire because of illness and physical/mental disability. Counseling sessions include conflict resolution, stress management, benefits advisement, employment, career analyses - or, in general, any daily life situation poised. Not an emergency crisis center. Workshops and training for all disabled age groups: " advocacy " information and referral" emergency food pantry" emergency medical supplies, equipment and clothing" community outreach" emergency housing referral" technology training - includes training on technology use, job readiness, and resume writing. " university internships/volunteer and youth mentorship program familia unida productions - this is in the beginning stages of development - and needs funding. It is a program that showcases the clients caregivers, children, spouses and other individuals that support our clients) served by familia unida through digital story telling. Giving insight to the implications of illness and disease, empowering and conducted through the eyes of the client and their supporters - there stories told through their personal and heartfelt testimonies. Fulwms's in-depth approach reaches beyond the necessities of life because fulwms believes in serving the whole person. Programs and services are aimed at assisting our members/clients to achieve the highest quality of life. Many members/clients have been able to obtain access to healthcare, educational services and resources that they otherwise would not have been privy to. Fulwms works with more than 1000 community partners to effectively provide comprehensive services. Our goal is to share these special stories on our website, in multiple languages reflecting the various cultures and disabilities through an inspiring approach. We also need funding to make this available in a cd format to share with many of our clients who do not have access to a computer. This would also be a part of our educational materials through our lending library.