ALS Association Texas Chapter
Create a world without ALS
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Rather than focusing solely on one area of ALS support, we focus on the entire ecosystem: local care, to support patients who need help now, advocacy, to ensure public policy serves the needs of ALS patients, and research, so that one day nobody will suffer from ALS again. All three of these areas serve an important, equal purpose for improving the lives of current and future people with ALS.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
General Overview of Programs
The Association's operating programs focus on educating people with ALS (PALS) and their families about living with ALS.
This is accomplished through a comprehensive network of programs including; connection group meetings which offer support to PALS and their families. It provides an opportunity to talk and share information with people in similar situations. We also offer workshops including our Annual Caregivers Conference, "Ask the Doctor", and a 3-part series for Newly Diagnosed Patients. There are also seminars for respite care providers, and "The ALS Informer" (our quarterly news magazine) which provides practical information for PALS, their families and caregivers.
Additionally, our patient care services department links people with critically needed community services and helps them through the health care insurance system. For those in need, the Equipment Loan Closet provides needed durable medical equipment to PALS free of charge. The Association may also provide financial support for respite care services.
ALS Connection Meetings
Our Texas Chapter facilitates monthly meetings in various cities throughout the state. Our meetings are designed to benefit persons diagnosed with ALS, their family members, and/or caregivers. It also offers an opportunity for helpful information to be shared that benefits the ALS community. We also offer Caregiver specific meetings for anyone involved in the care of a person with ALS.
Equipment Loan Bank
Our Chapter is able to loan durable medical equipment and augmentative communication devices to persons diagnosed with ALS, based upon a recommendation from qualified professionals (such as wheelchair seating experts and speech pathologists).
ALS Multidisciplinary Clinics
Our patient care clinics house the doctors and medical professionals, including physicians, speech pathologists, and counselors, that an ALS patient needs to see. These physicians work together to ensure each patient gets top-quality care. This multidisciplinary approach is scientifically proven to extend patients' lives.
Case Management
Case managers support people with ALS in Texas through phone, email, social media and face to face consultations. These consultations provide invaluable disease management support and advice on improving quality of life.
Where we work
Awards
Meme of the Year 2014
SXSW Film Festival
External reviews

Videos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Ultimately, to create a world without ALS! Until that happens, we continue to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through research and advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
There are several organizations that support ALS patients, but The ALS Association is different. Many organizations focus solely on one area of ALS support, but we focus on the entire ecosystem:
1. LOCAL CARE, to support patients who need help now
2. ADVOCACY, to ensure public policy serves the needs of ALS patients
3. RESEARCH, so that one day nobody will suffer from ALS again.
All three of these areas serve an important, equal purpose in improving lives of current and future people with ALS.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Rather than focusing solely on one area of ALS support, we focus on the entire ecosystem: local care, to support patients who need help now, advocacy, to ensure public policy serves the needs of ALS patients, and research, so that one day nobody will suffer from ALS again. All three of these areas serve an important, equal purpose for improving the lives of current and future people with ALS.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We employ a team of subject matter expert in the areas of case management and strategic program development. We also partner with organizations that serve people with ALS (hospital systems, DME companies, medical professionals) to enhance resources.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
We have increased our programming funding by 60% since calendar year 2015. That increase has enabled us to increase digital awareness, connecting us with over 1100 patients in 2017. We have also been able to partner with 4 new multidisciplinary clinics in the state providing essential care to Texans with ALS.
We hope to increase patients access to clinical care, increase our relevancy to patients at all stages of ALS, build a state advocacy program, increase awareness in our federal advocacy program, and create a patient support model that focuses specific needs.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
ALS Association Texas Chapter
Board of directorsas of 09/17/2019
Mr. Trent Parten
Ms. Rebecca Moss
Randy O'Hare
Bob Ballou
Jeff Duncum
David Gaume
Mary Klenke
Richard Lautzenheiser
Rebecca Moss
Trent Parten
John Spiekerman
Chris Clark
John Fleming
Khaliah Guillory
Sterling Hillman
Kristofer Knapstein
Alison Talarcek
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes