The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York serves 22 counties encompassing the Capital Region, the North Country and the Upper Hudson Valley. The Epilepsy Foundation of NENY is an independent affiliate of the national Epilepsy Foundation. Our mission is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research. Over the past twenty-nine years, this organization has grown from a small grassroots volunteer-led organization to a multi-service organization, staffed by twenty-one professionals who serve thousands of individuals with epilepsy every year. It is estimated that 45,000 residents of Northeastern New York are living with epilepsy.
Every day, residents of Northeastern New York face the physical, emotional, and social uncertainties of epilepsy. To help them better understand the condition, and deal with the consequences of having a seizure disorder, EFNENY offers individuals with epilepsy, their families, caregivers, and friends the following services:
- Advocacy
- Counseling
- School Educational Programs
- Family Education Programs
- Professional Inservice Training
- Information and Referral
- Service Coordination/Case Management
- Support Groups
Annual Special Events
Confections in Chocolate – Wolferts Roost Country Club
Our main fundraising themed gala, this evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, music, dancing, silent and live auctions, a raffle. Guests are treated to decadent chocolate desserts created by local restaurants and pastry chefs!
Epilepsy Awareness Day – Legislative Office Building—Albany, NY
Meet with your legislators and help us advocate for epilepsy legislation, programs and services.
Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Recognizes individuals and companies that have generously donated their time, talents and treasures
Annual Stroll for Epilepsy – Dutchess to Ulster County
Come out and join others to walk for epilepsy! Registration is required.
Bowl for Epilepsy – Sunset Recreation
Event t-shirts are given to all participants who collect $50 in pledges.
Prizes are awarded to the individuals, families and corporate teams who raise the most money.
Annual Saratoga Stroll for Epilepsy – Saratoga Spa State Park
Come out and join others to walk for epilepsy! This is a 3 mile walk thru the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park. BBQ lunch immediately following the walk. Registration is required.
Annual Golf Tournament – Wolferts Roost Country Club
Enjoy a day of golf at one of the area’s most beautiful golf courses!
Registration fee includes lunch, round of golf with cart and awards reception.
Interested in learning more about joining our Board of Directors?
The Epilepsy Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our Board is composed of individuals with a variety of professional backgrounds, and we are always looking for new individuals to share their time and talents.
We ask all of our board members for the following commitments:
- Become a Member of the Epilepsy Foundation ($25 annual fee)
- Attend scheduled board meetings (5-6 meetings annually held on Thursday evenings)
- Support our various fundraisers throughout the year
- Serve on one committee (Board Development, Finance, Personnel, Advocacy, Audit)
- Serve on one special event committee (Confections in Chocolate, Golf Tournament, Saratoga Stroll for Epilepsy, Upper Hudson Valley Stroll for Epilepsy)
- Participate in our annual Leadership Giving Campaign
If you are interested in being considered for membership on the Board of Directors as openings arise, or would like additional information, please call Jeannine Garab, Executive Director at (518) 456-7501, or send an email to jgarab@epilepsyneny.com.
Interested in Joining the Planning Committee for an Upcoming Special Event?
We are currently welcoming volunteers to our planning committees for the following special events:
Stroll for Epilepsy Hudson Valley – event date May 22nd
Saratoga Stroll for Epilepsy – event date September 11th
Epilepsy Golf Tournament – event date October 5th
In addition, our Confections in Chocolate gala committee will begin meeting in June, 2011 for our March, 2012 event. To join a planning committee, please contact Susan Kaczynski at skaczynski@epilepsyneny.com
Interested in Volunteering in our Office to assist with a Special Project?
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To add your name to our volunteer list, please email Darcy Below at dbelow@epilepsyneny.com . Volunteers can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to several days working on special projects. Projects could include assisting with mailings, assisting with marketing/outreach projects, making follow-up phone calls for special events, creating signage for special events and a wide variety of other duties.
