Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

African American Community Conversation
2021-03-24 17:30 (America/Chicago)
Join others in Minnesota’s African American community to discuss needs around community health resources and supports. Explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. These conversations are for all community members, whether you are impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, their family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

EFMN’s community conversation series is built on the World Café assumption that “people already have within them the wisdom and creativity to confront even the most difficult challenges; that the answers we need are available to us; and that we are Wiser Together than we are alone.” During each community conversation, participants explore compelling questions that matter.

Due to COVID, this conversation will be held through an online platform. Individuals must register in order to receive the link to participate.

Click here for more information.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-03-25 18:30 - 19:30
As we move into the New Year, we invite all adults living with epilepsy to join us for a time to connect with other adults who have epilepsy, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with others who understand the journey of epilepsy. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218.624.1330.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Sleep and Epilepsy
2021-03-31 18:15
Sleep is necessary for optimal body and mind functioning, yet many do not make sleep a priority in their daily routine — especially those with chronic health conditions such as epilepsy. In this webinar, Denise Leighty, PNP, will define what sleep health is, how sleep and epilepsy impact one another, common sleep disorders, and practices you can incorporate into your pre-sleep routine to ensure you get an adequate amount of restful sleep each night.

Denise Leighty: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, specializing in pediatric neurology and sleep medicine.

Register Today!

Live Webinar on Epilepsy & Employment
2021-04-05 13:00 - 14:15
What Comes Next? Finding Your Career Path- Job Search Advice, Resources & Training for Various Stages of Your Work Life

Join us for an educational webinar on employment, hosted by, Allison Nichol, Esq., Director of Legal Advocacy, Epilepsy Foundation.

This webinar will help you:

Identify current & future employment opportunities through skills assessments
Identify job training resources & funding options
Learn how to qualify for job certificates & credentials
Explore various educational opportunities, including trade schools & community college
Understand your right to unemployment compensation
Learn the basics of becoming your own boss

Register Here

Community Conversation with Members of the Black Diaspora
2021-04-07 17:30
Join other Black Minnesotans to discuss needs around community health resources and supports. Explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. These conversations are for all community members, whether you are impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, their family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

EFMN’s community conversation series is built on the World Café assumption that “people already have within them the wisdom and creativity to confront even the most difficult challenges; that the answers we need are available to us; and that we are Wiser Together than we are alone.” During each community conversation, participants explore compelling questions that matter.

Due to COVID, this conversation will be held through an online platform. Individuals must register in order to receive the link to participate.

Click here for more information.

Teen Virtual Connect Group
2021-04-13 18:30 - 19:30
This space is for teens with epilepsy to meet others who understand the journey they’re on. Join us to hangout, make new friends, and talk about growing up and living with epilepsy. For more information contact: Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org; 651-262-9345.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-04-15 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org; 651-287-2315.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Virtual Creative Arts Program
2021-04-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-04-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30
EFMN and the Art Therapy program at Adler Graduate School would like to invite individuals and families who have been impacted by epilepsy to join us in a virtual art therapy studio experience. We will host a series of four weekly 90-minute group sessions via a HIPPA compliant Zoom platform. The first session will start on Tuesday, April 20, and run each Tuesday through May 25 (6 total sessions), and will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. We encourage individuals and families to attend all 6 sessions, if possible. This is a progressive artistic process.

The groups will be facilitated by a Registered and Board-Certified Art Therapist. They will be assisted by art therapy graduate students who have been trained in telehealth delivery of services. As participants, you do not need to identify as an “artist” nor worry about skills or talents in using art materials. Our process has been about mindfully providing a structure to focus participants on their intention for being in the group or on what they need in the “here and now” via brief writing in a journal. We then encourage all participants to engage in simple directed art-making experiences. We realize that since we will not be in the studio space, participants may not have access to a wide variety of art materials. With this in mind, we plan to use simple and accessible materials that you could find in or near your home or community. Our first session may be focused on brainstorming projects and material ideas.

Please note: We require all youth (17 and under) to attend with an adult (parent/guardian/family member).

Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that has a camera: a web camera or phone camera are the most common options. You must be able to be visible during the group meeting.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.
Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Contact Erik Williams with any questions at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-262-9345.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-04-22 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218.624.1330.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Diet and Physical Activity
2021-04-28 18:15 - 19:30
Diet and physical activity are crucial components for living a healthy lifestyle and can have numerous benefits for those living with epilepsy, their family, and their caregivers. Join this webinar to hear Nate Hendrickson, Director of Special Needs at TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics, talk about the power of movement for one’s health, confidence, and freedom. Using examples from his gym, Nate will show how every single person is capable of incorporating physical activity into their lives if they make smart achievable goals and will share tips on establishing your own healthy lifestyle routine.

Register Today!

INclusive Virtual Career Fair
2021-04-29 13:00 - 16:00
Disability:IN Minnesota is hosting a virtual career fair for you to meet with employers looking to hire a more diverse and disability-inclusive workforce.

Registration is now open here.

Open to Everyone Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-08 10:00 - 11:00
All are welcome to come together for peer-to-peer support, connecting with others, sharing resources, and spending time in honest conversation about the epilepsy journey. This group is open to anyone who has a connection to epilepsy, including but not limited to, individuals living with epilepsy, caregivers and parents, those who have loved ones living with epilepsy, and people who work with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.

For more information contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org; 651-368-6209.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Loss of Loved One Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-13 18:30 - 19:30
Losing a loved one to epilepsy is a difficult journey. EFMN invites you to attend our quarterly Loss of Loved One Connect Group to find peer support, helpful resources, and to talk honestly about your grieving process. This group is specifically open to anyone who has lost a loved one to an epilepsy-related death.

For more information contact Amy Haugen, Senior Regional Manager at amy.haugen@efmn.org or 320.203.9722.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-20 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org; 218-624-1330.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Emotional Health and Stress Management
2021-05-26 18:15 - 19:30
This webinar will address the connection between emotional health, stress and epilepsy, with the further complications of life during a pandemic. Community Educator Kay King from NAMI Minnesota will help participants understand how and why COVID-19 has impacted people’s mental health, how some communities have been disproportionately impacted, and steps the general public can take to promote good mental health. Learn the warning signs of poor mental health and what to do.

Register Today!

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-27 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org; 651-262-9345.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Teen Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-08 18:30 - 19:30
This space is for teens with epilepsy to meet others who understand the journey they’re on. Join us to hangout, make new friends, and talk about growing up and living with epilepsy. For more information contact Martin Hernandez at mhernandez@efmn.org or 507-287-2103.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Community Conversation - Rural Northern Minnesota
2021-06-17 17:30 - 19:30
Join other Minnesotans from rural communities to discuss needs around health resources, current gaps, and desired supports. This conversation is specific to those living in rural communities throughout Northern Minnesota.

Together we explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. This conversation is for all rural community members, whether impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

Join the conversation here.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-17 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org; 651-368-6209.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Virtual Camp Oz
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-25 | This is a virtual event
Camp Oz will be from June 21-25, held virtually for an at-home experience. The virtual Camp Oz offers different activities from Monday to Friday that will fit the camper’s interest. Each day is split into two sessions: Art and Nature from 8:45-9:45 AM and Activity Break Out from 10:10-11:25 AM. Even from home, campers can see each other through Zoom to participate as a group. Besides the online activities, campers will receive a Camp in a Box delivery from EFMN that will include the items they may need for their camp experience.

Camp Oz is for youth with epilepsy, and siblings, ages 8-17, who have a level of independence that allows them to participate in virtual activities, move from session to session, and follow the directions virtually.

Technology Requirements:
In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, these technology requirements are important. Please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you connect with other campers, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in the home. This is to ensure less distraction from Camp Oz, and to provide your camper with the best experience!

DOWNLOAD LIST OF ACTIVITIES
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-24 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218-624-1330.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Striving for Independence
2021-06-30 18:15 - 19:30
What does independence mean to you and what tools can help you safely work towards your independence goals? In this webinar, Kevin Thomas, MSW and Kelly Mick BA, will help attendees consider different ways independence can look for individuals living with epilepsy. Along the way, they’ll explore aspects of navigating housing and home supports, healthcare, and transportation through two handy websites: DB101 and HB101.

Register Today!

Community Conversation - Rural Central & Southern Minnesota
2021-07-07 17:30 - 19:30
Join other Minnesotans from rural communities to discuss needs around health resources, current gaps, and desired supports. This conversation is specific to those living in rural communities throughout Central and Southern Minnesota.

Together we explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. This conversation is for all rural community members, whether impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

RSVP Here

Open to Everyone Virtual Connect Group
2021-07-10 10:00 - 11:00
All are welcome to come together for peer-to-peer support, connecting with others, sharing resources, and spending time in honest conversation about the epilepsy journey. This group is open to anyone who has a connection to epilepsy, including but not limited to, individuals living with epilepsy, caregivers and parents, those who have loved ones living with epilepsy, and people who work with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. For more information, contact Martin Hernandez at mhernandez@efmn.org or 507-287-2103.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-07-15 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-262-9345..

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.
