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Celebrate 20 years of ALS in the Heartland! Help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 in honor of 20 years of impact, support, and community. Donate today!

Programs & Services

Programs & Services

Programs & Services

ALS in the Heartland's Programs & Services

The mission of ALS in the Heartland is to provide the highest quality of support and care for people with ALS, their caregivers, and their families. This agency, now twenty years old, was founded by ALS patient families to provide care and support to those living with ALS right here, right now.  Every service is available to each family and all services are at no cost.  ALS in the Heartland is not funded by or associated with the National ALS Association (ALSA). They are a separate resource we encourage you to also utilize. We hope you will reach out and allow us to assist you and the ones you love.

Not sure where to start? You can Register for Services or contact our team at any time. We are happy to talk through your needs and help you find the right support. 

Support & Resources

Individual & Group Support

  • Our Patient Services team provides emotional support, advocacy, education, and connections to resources for individuals and families. We also offer monthly support groups for individuals living with ALS, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to ALS.
  • Learn about about Individual & Group Support Here.

Education & Additional Resources

  • Our agency has a variety of ALS specific information available, as well as referrals to numerous community resources.  Please reach out to ALS in the Heartland for reading materials, relevant videos, and helpful websites on everything from basic information about ALS to detailed descriptions about all facets of the disease.  
  • Explore Additional Resources Here.

Financial & Practical Support

Respite Grant Program

  • Our Respite Grant Program helps provide short-term, temporary care for individuals living with ALS, giving caregivers time away from direct caregiving responsibilities. The program is currently at full capacity, and new applicants will be placed on a waitlist. We still encourage interested families to apply.
  • Learn more about the Respite Grant Program here. 

Equipment Loan Program

  • We loan or purchase a variety of equipment at no cost, including mobility equipment, communication resources, bath and toileting equipment, and daily living aids. 
  • Explore the Equipment Loan Program Here.

Family & Legacy Support

Children's Funds

  • Our Children's Funds Program provides financial assistance to children age 18 and younger who are immediate family members of a person living with ALS in families we currently serve in Nebraska and Iowa. Assistance may help with activities, camps, educational opportunities, and other experiences that support a child's well-being and normalcy.
  • Learn more about the Children's Funds Program Here.

Brad Meyer Memorial Scholarship

  • The Brad Meyer Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students in families we currently serve or have served in Nebraska and Iowa who are attending private school or post-secondary education, including college and trade school.
  • Learn more about the Scholarship Program Here.

Preserving Your Voice

  • We offer meaningful ways for individuals and families to record and preserve a loved one's voice, including recordable stuffed animals and voice stickers.
  • Learn more about Preserving Your Voice Here. 

Advocacy, Research, & Referrals

Advocacy & Awareness

  • ALS in the Heartland is committed to advocating for individuals and families affected by ALS and raising awareness about the challenges they face. Through community events, educational opportunities, outreach, and partnerships, we work to increase understanding of ALS and make sure the voices and needs of those affected by the disease are heard.

Research

  • ALS in the Heartland works closely with ALS clinics and medical professionals throughout the region who specialize in ALS and can help individuals access appropriate and needed medical services.
  • We are also fortunate to provide social service support as part of the multidisciplinary team at Dr. Gary Pattee’s MDA Care Center for ALS Patients at Neurology Associates in Lincoln, NE.
  • To learn more about the MDA Care Center for ALS Patients, click here.

Referrals to experienced Medical Professionals

ALS in the Heartland does not conduct ALS research directly, but we are committed to helping individuals and families find reputable research opportunities if they are interested in participating.

The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) offers the ALS Research Collaborative (ARC), a research program that welcomes both people living with ALS and healthy volunteers. Participation can be completed from home and is offered at no cost to participants.

If you are interested in learning more about the ARC study or would like to see if you are eligible to participate, click here to learn more and sign up.

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