While every state has been adversely affected by the economic recession that started in 2008, New York was hit especially hard. Diminished resources demand that nonprofit leaders rethink and reform their organizational missions, structures, and practices. With support from NYSHealth, the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, New York City (NYC) Chapter was awarded an Economic Recovery grant to ensure sustained services throughout the region and to defray the cost of merging with the Southern New York (NY) Chapter. As a result, the NYC and Southern NY Chapters of the National MS Society officially integrated on October 2009 to share operating expenses and increase efficiency.

Grant Goals:

• Merge and restructure programmatic operations of the two chapters to cut administrative costs, reduce duplication, and reshape its programs.
• Continue seamless—and enhanced—service delivery.

Grant Outcomes:

• United with the Southern NY Chapter and officially became known as the NYC-Southern NY Chapter.
• Increased financial health and overall impact potential for the Chapter.
• Expanded vital programs and services to nearly 10,000 people with MS living in the combined service area, as well as more than 47,000 associated family members, caretakers, and employers.

• Integrated the phone systems and implemented video conferencing systems to upgrade communication capabilities.
• Updated communication materials by re-branding and printing a variety of educational and promotional materials.

Provided employment services and job-seeking assistance, as well as outreach to Spanish-speaking people with MS, in the service area formerly belonging to Southern NY.

Grantee Information: