Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Loss of Loved One Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-13 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-02-11 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Virtual Creative Arts Program
2021-05-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-04-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-04-20 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

African American Community Conversation
2021-03-24 17:30
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.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-03-18 18:30 - 19:30
We invite you to join us to meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. Our Virtual Parent Connect group provides an opportunity to meet others, provide 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 or 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.

Open to Everyone Virtual Connect Group
2021-03-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-01-16 10:00 - 11:00
We invite you to come together to offer and receive support, connect with others, and spend 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 who have loved ones living with epilepsy, people who work with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.

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.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-02-25 18:30 - 19:30
We invite all adults living with epilepsy to join us for a time of peer-to-peer support, sharing of resources, and honest conversation about the triumphs and challenges of living with epilepsy. For more information, contact Angela at abedwards@efmn.org; 651.287.2315 or Amy at amy.haugen@efmn.org; 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
2021-02-18 18:30 - 19:30
We invite you to join us to meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. Our Virtual Parent Connect group provides an opportunity to meet others, provide 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 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.

Teen Virtual Connect Group
2021-02-09 18:30 - 19:30
Calling all teens who are living with epilepsy! Our Teen Connect Group is for you! Join us to hang out with one another, find support, and talk about what it means to live with epilepsy as a teenager. 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.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-01-28 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, Regional Outreach Manager 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.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-01-21 18:30 - 19:30
We invite you to join us to meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day to day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. Our Virtual Parent Connect group provides an opportunity to meet others, share experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information contact Lisa Peterson, Regional Outreach Manager at 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.

Loss of a Loved One Virtual Connect Group: Seasonal Grief
2020-12-17 18:30 - 19:30
Holiday Gathering and Open Discussion: We invite anyone who has lost a loved one to an epilepsy-related cause to join us for the opportunities to share what it means to grieve during the seasons of life. These seasons may revolve around holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or any significant dates that you shared with the loved one you lost.

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.

Contact Amy Haugen with any questions at amy.haugen@efmn.org or 320.203.9722.

Brain Surgery in Epilepsy Webinar
2020-12-15 18:00 - 19:00
If you or your loved one has failed two or more seizure medications, you might be wondering about what other treatment options exist. Learn about the various surgical options for epilepsy and how someone can start the process of finding out if they are a surgical candidate.

The webinar will be presented by Dr. James White from the Minnesota Epilepsy Group. Dr. White specializes in Neurology, Epilepsy, and Seizures and holds his medical licenses in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. (Learn more about Dr. White)

Join us to hear what Dr. White has to say about brain surgery in relation to epilepsy!

Register Here!

Adventurous Endeavors – Sea Turtle Travels
2020-12-12 13:00 - 14:00
Take to the sea on Saturday, December 12th with Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut for a live presentation all about sea turtles. We’ll learn all of the cool ways to identify different sea turtle species and get an exclusive up close and personal view of the care and feeding of the aquarium’s own sea turtle residents.

Event is open to all youth.

Parent Virtual Connect Group: A Year for the Record Books
2020-12-10 18:30 - 19:30
2020: A Year for the Record Books: We invite you to join other parents and caregivers as we celebrate our accomplishments throughout 2020. We encourage you to also reflect on the traditions of your family and friends in these months, and bring a tradition to share with the group.

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.

Contact Lisa Peterson with any questions at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218.624.1330.

Seizure Smart Webinar (60 minutes)
2020-12-07 17:00 - 18:00
1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. 1 in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. This 60-minute webinar will provide training on recognizing the most common seizures types and responding appropriately. Participants will also learn about the causes of epilepsy, triggers, and treatment options.

Register here!
