HouseCalls
Case Management History

In July of 2004, we opened our office and hired our first Case Manager, Andrea Dowdall, a social worker with extensive experience. Andrea moved here from the New Orleans area of Louisiana. By the end of 2004, she had assisted 22 clients: 21 persons with MS and 1 caregiver. She made 57 home visits and 480 phone calls.

By the end of 2005, our client base had increased to 80: 59 persons with MS and 21 caregivers. During that time, Andrea made 286 home visits and 4,287 phone calls to clients and, on their behalf, to medical and social service organizations. We hired a part-time Outreach Assistant, Kim King, to help our Case Manager with her work.

By the end of 2006, our client base had grown to 166: 119 persons with MS and 47 caregivers. Andrea made 350 visits; together Andrea and Kim made 6,155 phone calls to clients, and on their behalf, to medical and social service organizations.

From our beginnings in July, 2004, until April, 2007, we have assisted 196 clients: 144 persons with MS and 52 caregivers. Andrea has logged an astounding 716 home visits; Andrea and Kim together logged 11,414 phone calls!

In 2007, we hired a second and a third Outreach Assistant, Victoria Scaccia, and Narit Gessler. In addition, we hired a full-time Case Manager, Lisa Yocum. Andrea Dowdall will continue to assist us with special projects. Our growing case load has made it necessary to increase both staff and office size. In May, 2007 we moved to our new location on Hartnell Street in Monterey.

In 2008, Lisa moved to Germany to accompany her husband who had been transferred there. We hired Dockie Lewis, LSW, to take over Case Management. Unfortunately, the worsening economic situation mandated a downsizing of our program. See the letter written by Donna Krasnow, our Board Chair, that describes our restructuring.