EPILEPSY FOUNDATION CENTRAL & SOUTH TEXAS

 
 

 

 


 
Mission Statement

 

"The Epilepsy Foundation will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.

 

The Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas (EFCST) is an independent affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation, a national organization located in Landover, Maryland.  We are a non-profit, charitable agency, designated as a 501 (c) 3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

The EFCST serves 79 counties in the Central and South Texas area. (Enclosed in the bold line of the diagram) which include the cities of Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Harlingen, Laredo, McAllen, San Angelo, San Antonio, Victoria, and Waco among others.

 

 

Purpose:  The Epilepsy Foundation is the only Central & South Texas voluntary health, and Social Service organization dedicated to the prevention and cure of seizure disorders, the alleviation of their effects, and the promotion of independence and optimal quality of life for people who suffer from this disorder. We accomplish our mission through the support of research, education, advocacy, and increased community awareness.

 

History:  In 1991, the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) responded to need for comprehensive epilepsy services in underserved areas of the country.  San Antonio was selected because of its central location in South Texas and it was the site of the first Epilepsy Community Service Center in the nation.  This choice was based on a long-standing relationship with the local community that has existed since 1976.  At that time, EFA began an employment program for persons with epilepsy, which became one of the most successful programs of its kind in the nation. Today we continue to be a leader in providing programming specifically for the epilepsy community of Central & South Texas.

 

Services:

 

Epilepsy Clinic:                          Providing outpatient comprehensive treatment of epilepsy for both teens and adults based on a sliding scale fee for services-regardless of ability to pay.  Clinics are held in San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Harlingen, Laredo, San Angelo, Temple, and Uvalde.

 

 Information and Referral:          Provides accurate epilepsy information and appropriate referrals to community agencies.  A phone call provides clients with no-cost informative brochures and information about epilepsy and EFCST programs.

 

Employment Assistance:             Providing adults a comprehensive no-cost approach to achieving quality of life through life skills, job readiness training, job referrals, job coaching, and informing employers about epilepsy in the workplace.  The South Texas Employment Program is a Community Rehabilitation Program sponsored by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.

 

Family Support Services:           Parent, adult, teen, children, and sibling support groups meet regularly to share common experiences and solve individual problems through discussion and mutual support.  Parent telephone network available, one on one parent and family education, and family activity programs like CAMP.

 

Community Education:               Providing current and accurate epilepsy information to schools, social service agencies, employers, and the local community at no cost.  Education programs targeting School Nurses, Teens, Seniors, Women & Epilepsy, First Responders, Hispanic Awareness, and a Mentoring program have been created.  Education is additionally provided through conferences/seminars, health fairs, public service announcements, and other outreach campaigns.

 

Advocacy:                                 Provide education to individuals, and families regarding their legal rights and responsibilities and how to obtain assistance when discrimination occurs.   Parent advocacy trainings and legislative workshops offered.

 

Funding:  Fundraising events throughout the year, CFC funding, private and corporate donations, federal grants and grant requests-98% of funds        raised stay in our community and only 16% of funds to administrative and fundraising cost.

 

10615 Perrin Beitel, Suite 602, San Antonio TX  78217-3142

Telephone: 210.653.5353 Fax: 210.653.5355 Toll Free: 1.888.606.5353

Web Site: www.efa.org            www.efcst.org              Email: staff@efcst.org