Our Programs
All our programs are offered at no cost to clients and family members. We can do this thanks to the generosity of individual and company donors in addition to sponsorships and grants.
During the state restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we moved most of our programs to online Zoom sessions. When we did, we saw a sudden increase in participation from members with mobility challenges. For this reason, once the restrictions were lifted, we began coupling our in-person sessions with Zoom sessions. Every member, regardless of their abilities, can now choose the classes they want and either log on or join in at the office.
While the health benefits of the classes themselves are significant, the social component can be equally important; "How we feel" is part physical and part mental, and nothing helps the mental piece more than enjoying the company of our peers. Every week we offer a variety of programs designed to lift spirits and promote physical activity. We also host guest speakers several times a month to talk on subjects ranging from diet and relationships to break-through therapies.
Support Groups
For a person living with MS, the road to wellness involves more than just the medical treatment of the disease. Wellness is a dynamic state of physical, emotional, and social well-being that can be achieved even in the presence of a chronic illness or disability. Our Support Groups offer individuals with MS a supportive and caring atmosphere where a variety of topics may be discussed. These in-person groups can additionally be attended in real-time over Zoom.
We offer weekly facilitated Men’s and Women’s Support Groups, monthly Lunch On The Town outings, a Pueblo Support Group, and our new Weekly Social Group for everyone.
Movement Classes
Based on the science of movement and its impact on multiple sclerosis, Brynn Adamson, PhD, leads two movement classes a month. The zoom/in-person hybrid format allows anyone to participate — even those who might have trouble getting out of the house. The movements selected for each class are designed to stimulate neuro-communication in the body, helping mitigate the effects of MS. From Zumba and Tai Chi to stretching, these popular classes are as fun as they are beneficial.
NeuroPong
Currently running in both Pueblo and Colorado Springs, NeuroPong is "medicine with a dose of FUN!" Come laugh and commune with your MSA friends for two hours of play that will work harder than you do! Dr. Antonio Barbara created the NeuroPong program after discovering that ping pong helped him regain much of the strength and control he had previously lost to MS. Today NeuroPong is sweeping the globe due to the undeniable benefits it has for those with a wide range of neurological conditions. Come see for yourself and get ready to smile!
Somatic Chair Yoga with Kaye Anderson
Developed by Kaye Anderson, Gentle Somatic Chair Yoga is designed to release tension and let the mind reconnect with the body. The result is better ease of movement with no post-movement or post-workout aches. There are two classes each month. The first class is hosted by Kaye Anderson herself. The second class is hosted by Katie Weber, who infuses her yoga instruction with a touch of Ayurveda and Reiki. Both of these instructors offer classes that are joyful and kind, and everyone at every level comes away feeling better. Check the Event Calendar for class times.
Regular Physical Therapy Sessions
PT With Patty, currently on an extended hiatus, is a popular program hosted by Patty Gladfelter, a retired physical therapist with MS. Shaped around the interests of the class's participants, each session focuses on a different muscle group or physical concern (such as how to get up from a fall) and leads participants through adaptive home exercises designed to help them stay strong and resilient. Each online session features downloadable handouts on the day’s exercises. While she remains on hiatus, Patty invites everyone to review her class list on her "Quick Links" sheet. Organized by date and showing the topic and muscle group addressed in class, the list links to specific classes on the Event Calendar. There you can view the class video and handouts. View the "Quick Links" List of Patty's Classes.
Social Interaction
From our bi-weekly exercise programs with Brynn Adamson, art therapy with Amy Brown, nutrition talks with Janice Baker, our heavily-attended guest speaker events and seasonal music therapy, to our ever-popular Bingo games, there is always something coming up for our members to look forward to! As with every other program we offer, these social programs, including supplies, are offered free to participants.
