Multiple sclerosis organization faces shortage of funds

By Elise Franco

efranco@vindy.com

Canfield

A local agency that formed 20 years ago is facing a critical shortage of funds.

Joe Chevraux, executive director of the Multiple Sclerosis Agency in Canfield, said the nonprofit was formed two decades ago after the national branch moved out of the Youngstown area.

Chevraux, who joined the agency last May, said since then, the local branch has struggled to bring in enough money to operate efficiently.

“We formed because the National MS Agency left behind 800 people needing their services,” he said. “We’ve been struggling since that time, and we could easily close our doors without donations.”

The MS Agency provides free services to residents of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Mark Smallwood, board member, said past officials didn’t take an active approach in fundraising and engaging community awareness.

“We’ve got some fund-raising things going on here now, and we’ll see an influx in time,” he said. “But while these things come to fruition, we could use a few promises from people to direct their annual giving to us.”

Chevraux said the agency is working with a small annual budget of $150,000.

He said the group applied for a financial program through the United Way but won’t know until June 2012 if it has been accepted into the program. He said the agency also teamed up with Nemenz IGA in Canfield to do check-out collections.

Chevraux said the agency’s best fundraiser is the annual Super Walk on Sept. 25. The walk, at 10 a.m. at the Mill Creek Park Wick Recreation Area, could raise $14,000, he said.

“Until then, we’re down to our last few thousand dollars. We’re critical,” he said. “We take pride in how we manage our money. We just need money to manage.”

Chevraux said anyone who wants to donate or wants more information can call him directly at 330-533-6772.