Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas

What Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas does

Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas (EFCST) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with a regional office in Austin. As one of 47 affiliates of the national Epilepsy Foundation, EFCST is the sole organization dedicated to the health and welfare of approximately 160,000 individuals with epilepsy residing across 79 Central and South Texas counties (89,199 square miles). The organization delivers a comprehensive suite of free or low-cost services including six seizure clinic sites staffed by 12+ partner neurologists and nurse practitioners, emergency medication assistance (30-day anti-seizure medication supplies), helmet distribution, counseling, in-person and virtual support groups, youth programs (Camp Brainstorm, STUDIO-E art therapy, Live It! Youth Transition, Peer 2 Peer), adult retreats, and a resilience scholarship program. EFCST also operates four CDC-funded evidence-based self-management programs (HOBSCOTCH, PACES, Project UPLIFT, CDSMP) developed in partnership with Dartmouth College and the University of Washington Epilepsy Center.

EFCST's technology footprint is minimal by design — there are no proprietary software products, AI/ML capabilities, or APIs; the organization runs on standard non-profit infrastructure (Classy donation platform, social media channels, website) and delivers services through human-staffed clinics and programs. In FY2024, EFCST served 17,116 individuals and delivered 178,704 services, with 243 volunteers contributing 5,602 hours, supported by 22 staff members. Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of individual donations (including the 'The 26 Club' monthly giving program and memorial/tribute gifts), corporate/employer matching and workplace giving campaigns (CHC, SECC, CFC codes), event fundraising (Walk to END EPILEPSY, golf tournaments, Over the Edge rappelling), planned giving/bequests, government grants (Texas HHSC for clinic operations, CDC for self-management programs), and merchandise sales through the Purple Market online store. The organization earned the GuideStar/Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and Charity Navigator Four Star rating in 2024, and actively engages in Texas legislative advocacy (including the successful 2025 veto of SB 3 restricting CBD access). Leadership transitioned in 2025 when 30-year CEO Sindi Rosales retired and Kimberly Martin was promoted from within to CEO.

Name

Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas

Legal name

Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas

Website

https://efcst.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1993 serving approximately 160,000 individuals with epilepsy across 79 Central and South Texas counties via free seizure clinics, medication assistance, counseling, youth programs, CDC-funded self-management curricula, education, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Epilepsy Healthcare Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (62142), Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders (HLAKAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Inclusion, Special Needs & Early Intervention Training (IEPs/IFSPs, Neurodiversity) (EDACAIAF)

Keywords

• Epilepsy support services
• Seizure clinic services
• Nonprofit health programs
• Medical social services
• Community epilepsy care

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio, TX

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals, including monthly giving program 'The 26 Club', memorial/tribute gifts, and general donations through online portal.
2. Planned Giving: Bequests through wills/trusts, IRA rollovers for those 70½ and older, and endowment gifts.
3. Event Fundraising: Golf tournaments, Walk to END EPILEPSY events, Over the Edge rappelling events, and other fundraising activities.
4. Corporate/Employer Giving: Employer matching gift programs, workplace giving campaigns (CHC, SECC, CFC codes), and corporate sponsorships.
5. Grants: Funding from Texas Health and Human Services Commission for seizure clinics, CDC-supported programs (CDSMP, HOBSCOTCH, PACES, UPLIFT), and various foundation grants.
6. Merchandise Sales: Purple Market online shop selling epilepsy awareness merchandise including jewelry, clothing, accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas (EFCST) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free direct services to people with epilepsy across 79 Central and South Texas counties, including board-certified neurologist seizure clinics, emergency anti-seizure medication assistance, protective helmet distribution, counseling, peer support groups, and CDC-supported self-management programs such as HOBSCOTCH, PACES, Project UPLIFT, and CDSMP. The organization also runs youth programs (Camp Brainstorm, STUDIO-E, Peer 2 Peer, Live It! Transition), adult retreats, seizure first aid training for schools and first responders, and the Speak Up Speak Out advocacy network, plus a Purple Market merchandise store.

Product overview

The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas (EFCST) is a non-profit charitable organization offering a comprehensive suite of epilepsy-related services and programs rather than a unified technology product. The organization operates a clinical services division providing seizure clinics, emergency medical assistance, and medication support; youth and family programs including Camp Brainstorm, STUDIO-E art therapy, youth transitions, and peer education; adult support services such as counseling, support groups, and adult retreats; self-management programs including HOBSCOTCH, PACES, Project UPLIFT, and CDSMP; education and training services with seizure first aid certification; and advocacy through the Speak Up Speak Out network. EFCST also operates a Purple Market retail store. The organization serves 79 Central and South Texas counties from its main office in San Antonio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Camp Brainstorm: Five-day, four-night overnight summer camp experience for youth with epilepsy ages 8-17.
• STUDIO-E
• Live It! Youth Transition
• Peer 2 Peer
• HOBSCOTCH Memory Program
• Project UPLIFT
• PACES in Epilepsy
• Chronic Disease Self Management Program
• Speak Up Speak Out
• Purple Market

Products and services

• Seizure Clinics Free neurological examination by board-certified neurologists, EEG, MRI, laboratory diagnostics, medication assistance, and case management for uninsured/underinsured Texas residents with epilepsy at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level. Available at six locations across Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen/Weslaco, Laredo, San Antonio, and Eagle Pass.
• Emergency Medical Assistance Provides a 30-day supply of anti-seizure medications at no cost to patients unable to afford prescriptions, with staff assisting enrollment in patient assistance programs. Targeted at low-income individuals and families living with epilepsy.
• Helmet Distribution Program Provides protective helmets free of charge to adults and children with epilepsy at high risk of head injury who cannot afford them. Helmets are hand-painted by inmates at the Women's Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas.
• Counseling Services Free in-person or e-counseling sessions for individuals and families affected by epilepsy to discuss social and personal issues, including coping tools for memory problems. Delivered by licensed counselors.
• Support Groups Peer support groups providing forums for learning about resources, exploring options, and making connections. Available both in-person and virtually for individuals and families affected by epilepsy across multiple Texas locations.
• Camp Brainstorm Five-day, four-night overnight summer camp offered free of charge to youth with epilepsy ages 8-17, offering activities like swimming, kayaking, and rock climbing in a medically monitored, supportive environment at Camp Aranzazu.
• HOBSCOTCH Memory Program Eight-session program using Problem Solving Treatment and Memory Strategies to help adults with epilepsy manage memory problems, delivered by certified HOBSCOTCH Memory Coaches. Developed with Dartmouth College.
• PACES in Epilepsy Eight-session epilepsy self-management program delivered via phone conference led by epilepsy professionals and peers, covering topics including stress, depression, memory, and community participation. Developed with University of Washington.
• Project UPLIFT Eight-week telephone-based program teaching skills for managing stress, mental health, and quality of life through mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques for people with epilepsy.
• Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) Six-week workshop for adults with chronic health conditions including epilepsy, focusing on decision-making, problem-solving, and action planning to increase confidence and well-being.
• STUDIO-E Art Therapy Program Group art therapy program allowing youth and adults with epilepsy to explore creativity, meet others, and express themselves through painting, sketching, and sculpting with licensed art therapists.
• Live It! Youth Transition Program Educational program for teens ages 12-19 and their caregivers promoting independence and growth, with monthly meetings in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin plus online participation.
• Peer 2 Peer Education Program Eight-session training program for teens and young adults to become certified Peer Educators who educate their communities about epilepsy. Developed by the National Youth Council and supported by CDC.
• Adult Retreats Men's, Women's, and Young Adult retreats providing outdoor activities, educational sessions, and peer connections for adults with epilepsy ages 18 and older.
• I'm Still Here Epilepsy Resilience Scholarship Scholarship program honoring Carmen Avalos, offering one $2,000 and two $1,500 scholarships to students demonstrating courage and commitment to education despite epilepsy challenges.
• Education and Training Services Comprehensive training programs including Seizure First Aid Certification, Cultural Outreach, Seizure Smart Schools, First Responder training, and workplace education reaching over 8,000 people annually.
• Seizure First Aid Certification Training In-person and on-demand certification training teaching seizure recognition and first aid response, providing two-year certification upon successful completion. Available for schools, workplaces, and community groups.
• Speak Up Speak Out Advocacy Network Public Policy Network advocacy program protecting rights of people with epilepsy through legislative education and grassroots mobilization, requiring 1-2 hours per month from participants.
• Purple Market Online Store Online shop selling epilepsy awareness merchandise including jewelry, clothing, accessories, and Camp Brainstorm apparel with proceeds supporting foundation programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 17,116 people served annually
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Danmar ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelmet supplier for the helmet distribution program serving individuals with epilepsy at high risk of head injury.
• Women's Federal Prison Camp, Bryan, TexasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen inmates hand paint and airbrush designs on helmets distributed through the program, adding self-confidence and dignity to recipients.
• Camp AranzazucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner location for Camp Brainstorm annual summer camp for youth with epilepsy ages 8-17. Provides accessible, medically monitored camp experience.
• Dartmouth College / Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped HOBSCOTCH program; research partner demonstrating program effectiveness in improving quality of life and objective cognition for adults with epilepsy.
• University of Washington Epilepsy Center / Health Promotion Research CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped PACES in Epilepsy program with direct input from adults with epilepsy. Conducted randomized control evaluation with CDC funding.
• Epilepsy Foundation National OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization; one of 47 affiliates. Provides national programs, advocacy, research coordination, and brand support.
• Epilepsy Foundation National Youth CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped Peer 2 Peer program; supported by CDC for education and enrichment for teens and young adults with epilepsy.
• Ascension Medical Group (Austin)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinic partner providing seizure clinic services at 1600 W 38th Street Ste 200, Austin, TX 78731
• Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center (Corpus Christi)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinic partner providing seizure clinic specialty services at 2606 Hospital Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
• KNeurology (Weslaco/RGV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinic partner providing seizure clinic services at 1402 E 8th Street, Weslaco, TX 78596
• Mercy Ministries of LaredocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinic partner providing seizure clinic services at 2500 Zacatecas Dr, Laredo, TX 78046
• Maverick County Health Department (Eagle Pass)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinic partner providing seizure clinic services at 3406 Bob Rogers Dr Ste 250, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
• GuideStar / CandidminorOthersProvides Platinum Seal of Transparency rating for nonprofit transparency and accountability.
• CharityNavigatorminorOthersProvides Four Star rating for nonprofit financial health and accountability.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Alzheimer's Association: A large disease-specific health nonprofit delivering care navigation, support groups, education, advocacy, and fundraising events. Highly comparable operating structure to EFCST at significantly larger scale.
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: A large, established disease-specific nonprofit with a comparable service mix (clinic/residential referrals, education, advocacy, fundraising events) for a chronic neurological condition. Useful comparison for scale and operating model.
• American Heart Association: A flagship national health nonprofit combining patient services, education/training, advocacy, and large-scale fundraising events. Comparable multi-channel nonprofit operating model.
• Parkinson's Foundation: A national nonprofit focused on another chronic neurological disorder with overlapping service categories (patient education, support programs, research funding, care partner support). Comparable disease-nonprofit operating model.
• Muscular Dystrophy Association: A national disease-specific nonprofit providing clinical care, summer camp experiences, support services, and advocacy for a chronic neuromuscular condition. Its summer camp model parallels EFCST's Camp Brainstorm.
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: A specialty-disease nonprofit with a comparable care-and-research mission, accredited care network, and event-driven fundraising model. Useful analog for how a small regional affiliate can scale specialty clinical services.

Direct peers

• Epilepsy Foundation (National Office): The national parent organization of which EFCST is one of 47 affiliates. Operates the same disease-specific mission, programs, and brand network serving people with epilepsy across the U.S.
• Epilepsy Foundation Texas: A sister-affiliate of EFCST serving the Houston/Dallas and other Texas regions. Same Epilepsy Foundation national network, disease focus (epilepsy), and service mix (clinics, education, advocacy, support).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/efcst
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/EFCSTX
• Facebookfacebook.com/texasepilepsy
• Instagraminstagram.com/efcst
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/efcst

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas