Familia Unida Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Incorporated as a grass-root 501-c3 nonprofit in 1998 as the first MS organization in the United States to outreach to the Spanish speaking community. 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 and learned at that time there were no services available or accessible for 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 and especially reminded each other that they were not alone. Resendez went back to school after her diagnosis of MS and successfully earned an Associate Degree, Bachelors in Social Work work and her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Older Adults while serving her community through the founding of Familia Unida. The office has been located in the East Los Angeles County- Community & Service Center - Centro Maravilla Center, for over 18 years! The organization was initially founded to provide support services and resources to the Spanish speaking community living with Multiple Sclerosis, targeting vulnerable, low-income and immigrants living with MS in the County of Los Angeles. However with the large demand for services in the Greater Los Angeles Area from individuals living with Chronic illness and various disabilities and with Familia Unidas' open door policy more and more individuals in need of the wrap of services arrived for help. Familia Unidas' reputation grew among the community as the "one stop for information and referrals" through a cultural sensitive and appropriate service model that always begins where the individual request assistance. Familia Unida heard the communities plea to expand the services bases on their needs 8 years ago and officially revamped the organizations mission to widen the services scope and core principles to include support to anyone who was living with a disability, chronic illness,low income, including immigrants who faced similar challenges. Today Familia unida serves over 15,000 individuals representing a rainbow of cultures, disabilities and especially vulnerable populations that are in need of assistance so that they too can be included in the economic growth of their community and who deserve to be counted. Those we serve often express gratitude for our services and the linkage to resources that changed and improved their quality of life. Familia Unida has earned the reputation as the safe place that doesnt turn anyone away, if Familia Unida cant help you directly, they will find the place where you need to go. We accept all that walk in our door or reach us for assistance via telephone, email and during our community in person outreaches. Familia Unidas team conduct initial individual assessments to determine the best resources or support, such as health-care options, social security benefits, disability rights advocacy referrals, counseling, food pantry are some examples and often times needing more than one service or referral.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 that have received National and International recognition. The family centered service model respect and value the diverse population served. Our programs promote healthier lifestyles, social justice engagement, immigration education, socialization, family unity and the importance of being a part of the economic development of their community. Motivation & Sabor - MS Program - This program is designed to remind newly diagnosed MS community members and long time MS individuals that they are not alone and that there is hope, support and resources available. Through a culturally sensitive and appropriate format, (Spanish and English) Individuals and their families can meet new friends, learn about different ways to manage MS, socialize and learn about making informed choices about your rights and path to a healthier lifestyle. -Learn about MS Updates & Resources -Have a dialogue with Expert Speakers -Dance to the Rhythm that moves you at the monthly support group meetings bridge resources, support and an abundance of wellness activities that are fun and inspiring -" A Mexican Sabor to MS wellness said Founder, Irma Resendez". S.M.I.L.E. "Support Mission Individuals with Leadership & Empowerment'. Project Familia Unida provides the residents of Mission Plaza Family Apartment living in the greater Los Angeles Area, improve the quality of life of low income people living in the greater Los Angeles area improved quality of life by providing education, information, leadership development, youth services, health and nutritional information, recreation, affordable housing and economic development and other areas of support identified and requested by residences.PRIMARY GOAL is to empower MPTA and its Residents (132 Apartments and up to 600 residences) and families with support to better themselves and build a strong cohesive community. Through the wrap around of services, support and involvement with Familia Unida, the residents will enhance their personal positive growth, increase their choices and options so that Residences will have increased opportunities to further themselves as a stronger contributor of the economic development NOW, in their Future and for their diverse Community.CARE (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 is designed to identify the real issues and areas of support needed for the client and their family. The Familia Unidas proactive approach empowers the clients to make informed choices related to their health, social service needs and to obtain a better understanding of their human and civic rights. We also provide linkage to additional support from our community based partnerships, healthcare providers, government programs to maximize their resources and personalized needed, host educational speakers promote socialization that 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 whereby wheelchairs are cleaned and tuned up, hair-cuts and manicures are given to our guest, community partners provide educational resources during a fun time where live entertainment and a meal is also shared, showcasing the abilities of all through music, dance and live performances. FUES (Familia Unida Employment Services) ProgramThe FUES program belongs to the Employment Network, which is comprised of national partners collectively working to find employment for the disabled. The FUES is a cooperative agreement based program between Familia Unida and the Social Security Administration since 2005. The primary goal is to assist qualified disabled individuals in receiving SSI or SSDI benefits to find appropriate jobs, promote and, educate employers. We believe that people with disabilities have many abilities and skills which merit successful and gainful employment opportunity. The delivery of services ranges from conducting an individual work plan, intake of skills, evaluation of skills/disability, providing assistance with reaching a realistic goal for finding the best employer-employee match, employment 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.HAPI (Health Access Personal Investment) ProgramThe goal of the HAPI Program is to bridge fun innovative health access activities that are inclusive of the family while incorporating laughter, play therapy, exercise, expertise speakers, resources, educational materials/handouts in a manner that is in appropriate language, respectful, culturally sensitive and providing tools for long-term support that they can share with family members or refer to for maximum results. We encourage that "knowledge is power" and reinforce the importance of communication and sharing of lessons learned and strengthening supportive services ties with family and friends for ultimate results and continued support.LOVE (Leadership Opportunities Versatile Engagement) ProgramThe goal of the LOVE Program is to provide mentorship, work experience, or obtain expertise consultation from a diverse socio economic individuals/groups

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.