ABOUT US
Edwards, Colo. • Nov. 2, 2009 – Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is the new name of the nation’s leading provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their support partners, announced Kim Sharkey, CEO, Can Do MS.
Formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Can Do MS conducted months of research, assessments, planning and strategic development to position its distinct competitive advantages in the fast-evolving field of MS care management. Based on the research, the board of directors determined the new name best reflects the organization’s core beliefs, builds a stronger brand and creates new national collaborative opportunities with organizations. This initiative of Can Do MS will expand the organization’s national reach and grow its support while helping more people change the way they see themselves living with MS. Read full news release...
NAME ANNOUNCEMENT - Nov. 2, 2009
We're proud to introduce Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, a leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. Since Jimmie Heuga founded our organization in 1984, our positive can do philosophy has helped thousands of people living with MS realize what is possible.
We changed our name to best reflect our mission and our passion to help more people with MS and their support partners use the power of health, wellness and positive motivation to DISCOVER THEY ARE MORE THAN THEIR MS.
Join us as we lead our organization's vision into the future and expand our commitment to help more people live their best lives. Please look for our new website early 2010 and brand campaign in the coming months. Read full name announcement...
ABOUT US
Overview
Can Do MS, formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, is an innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. A national nonprofit organization, we empower people to move beyond their MS by giving them the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, actively co-manage their disease and live their best lives.
Who do we serve?
The organization has helped thousands of people living with MS transform challenges into possibilities in health and life. In 2008, we provided programs and services to more than 10,000 people.
How were we started?
Can Do MS honors the legacy and beliefs of the organization’s founder, Jimmie Heuga, a pioneer in the MS care management field. Heuga embodies a positive, can do philosophy and perspective that complements the traditional medical model and standard of care to address people’s mental, physical and emotional needs. Since 1984, we’ve been at the forefront of promoting the culture and belief that everyone living with MS has the power to live full lives.
What do we offer?
Our approach is rooted in a uniquely empowering whole person, whole health, whole community philosophy to maximizing health and living with MS. Can Do MS offers a range of individualized experiential learning formats, including multi-day workshops, weekend seminars, online resources and peer support programs. We compassionately equip individuals with the expanded knowledge, skills, awareness and confidence to become active co-managers of their health. We enhance and complement traditional models of care by focusing on the physical, interpersonal, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of living with MS.
The organization offers three principal programs: CAN DO, CAN DO 2 and JUMPSTART
Who’s part of the Can Do MS network of professionals?
Can Do MS has a network of more than 100 health care professionals from around the U.S. and Canada, including exercise physiologists, nutritionists, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, physicians, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, registered nurses and other health care specialists. Our health care professionals are dedicated to teaching people with MS and their support partners how to take control of their lives and health by focusing on what they can do and live their best lives.
How do we collaborate?
We also work collaboratively with many MS care providers and organizations around the U.S. and Canada to provide our lifestyle empowerment programs where they’re most requested and needed. In 2009, Can Do MS formed a collaborative partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to align resources and more effectively improve the quality of life of people with MS and their support partners. We are also members of the Consortium of MS Centers and MS Coalition. The MS Coalition is an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those affected by MS.
How have we been recognized?
Can Do MS earned four stars, the highest rating possible, for the second consecutive year from nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator for our ability to efficiently manage and grow our finances. We were in the top 18 percent of the 5,000 nonprofits evaluated by Charity Navigator in 2008. We’re members of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and have obtained certification from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
Read more:
- The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis earns second consecutive coveted rating for fiscal responsibility
- Read How We Became A Top-Rated Charity article by Richard Neustedter, Board of Directors Interim Chair
- Can Do MS's Programs
- Program Participant Stories
- Can Do MS's Media Kit
JOBS
There are no openings at this time.
Our Mission
The Heuga Center leads the way with comprehensive programs that empower people and families living with MS to transform and improve their quality of life.
Our Core Values
Empowerment, Positive Approach, Education, Comprehensiveness, Innovation, Effectiveness, Empathy, Responsibility
• Empowerment: Empower people to acquire the knowledge, tools and information they need to achieve a high quality of life and a sense of control over MS
• Positive Approach: Embrace a positive, “can do” philosophy and perspective that complements the traditional medical model and standard of care to address people’s mental, physical and emotional needs
• Education: Provide unique offerings to build knowledge, skills, tools and motivation for people and families living with MS
• Comprehensiveness: Recognize that MS affects many people, and ensure that the quality of life needs of both people with MS and their support partners are met
• Innovation: Deliver client-centered programs via an interdisciplinary team dedicated to developing a personalized prescription for overall health and MS management
• Effectiveness: Demonstrate value and impact through the practice of evidence-based medicine and achievement of the highest possible outcomes
• Empathy: Deliver programs and services with caring, understanding and commitment
• Responsibility: Demonstrate highest integrity in areas of programming, privacy, fiscal responsibility, organizational transparency and programming
Vicki Farinacci Flynn Promoted to Development Manager
Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is pleased to announce that Vicki (Farinacci) Flynn has been promoted within the development department from Special Events & Corporate Relations Manager to Development Manager. Vicki will remain involved in fund raising events as the supervisor of a new Special Events Coordinator but will have the opportunity to expand her development skills and knowledge by working more directly with individual donors and our annual giving campaign, while continuing to foster corporate relations. “We are excited to have the opportunity for Vicki and our development department to grow and tackle new challenges as we head into our next 25 years,” says Kim Goodrich, Director of Development, “Vicki brings an energy to our fund raising efforts that will allow us to continue growing our revenue and our programming so we can empower more people living with MS to live their best lives.”
Board Announces New CEO Kim Sharkey
On behalf of The Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Kim Sharkey to Chief Executive Officer of The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis. The Heuga Center’s Nominating Committee, in conjunction with JVA Consulting conducted a thorough assessment of needs and capabilities. We determined Kim is the best choice to continue leading the organization as we provide comprehensive health and wellness programs for people and families living with MS. Read more...
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| IRS 990 Page 1.pdf | 1.79 MB |
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| IRS 990 Page 3.pdf | 1.51 MB |
| IRS 990 Page 4.pdf | 542.12 KB |
| Programs Continuum Coordinator Job Description-1 2010 (4).doc | 518 KB |
