Programs and Services

Below are just a few of the programs offered at no charge to the Parkinson’s community.

To browse our Monthly Program Schedule click on the Program Calendar.

Support Programs

Support Programs are designed for both the person with Parkinson’s (PWP) and the Care Partner (caregiver of a loved one living with Parkinson’s) to connect with those on a similar journey, while learning from each other and building a sense of community that will transcend the stages of the disease. Support services include Care Advising, the cornerstone of all Neuro Challenge Programs.

Parkinson's Support Group

This group is designed for both people with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners to come together for connection and support at any stage of their Parkinson’s journey!

Care Partner Support Group

This group is designed to provide support and understanding for caregivers of loved ones living with Parkinson’s Disease at any stage of the journey.

Therapeutic Programs

Therapeutic programs are offered in partnership with like-minded organizations who seek to improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The focus of these programs is to improve functional and cognitive areas affected by Parkinson’s disease, while incorporating a client’s individual interests and creating a fun environment. Whether it be expressive arts, dance, exercise, yoga and meditation, or writing therapy, the goal in offering these programs is to increase the likelihood of successful symptom management and support members of the PD community to live well with Parkinson’s.

The Off-Key Chorale

This choral group is comprised of people living with Parkinson’s, family members, caregivers, and volunteer singers from Key Chorale. Created and led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale Artistic Director, with live musical accompaniment. The Off-Key Chorale provides an opportunity for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to improve and strengthen their voices through singing and provides a fellowship activity for people whose social opportunities are often limited by this disease.

Creative Writing Series - Virtual Program

Writing is accessible to everyone, and often people affected by Parkinson’s, and their Care Partners find it very therapeutic. This series aims to introduce selected poetic writing forms, as a healing and recreational exercise for free self-expression and as a hobby and an art form, to interested members regardless of skill level or experience. This program is offered virtually.

Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s with The Sarasota Ballet

Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s in partnership with the Sarasota Ballet offers free dance classes designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. These classes provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore movement, improve mobility, and experience the cognitive and social benefits of dance. The program is led by faculty from The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Department, who are specially trained in adaptive dance through the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program. In partnership with the Neuro
Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, The Sarasota Ballet provides more than 20 free classes each season, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to accessibility, wellness, and the transformative power of the arts.

Easy Tai Chi and Qigong - Virtual Program

Learn simple effective ancient health and healing movements and routines; modified and simplified. Energy healing can be beneficial for people coping with various medical challenges or for those who want a healthy addition to other workouts. Classes can be done standing or seated. This Tai Chi/Qigong exercise class designed with Parkinson’s in mind by Instructor, Art Stalbow. Art has been practicing these Chinese Healing Arts since the mid 1980’s, and holds 14 fitness certifications. His main audience is in the 55+ communities around central Florida.

Tai Chi and Qigong can benefit the mind and body: balance, range of motion, reduce fatigue, improve sleep and concentration, encourage relaxation, reduce anxiety, regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, boost immunity, and much more. This exercise practice uses slow, focused body movements, breathing, and guided imagery.

Education Programs

Education Programs provide knowledge about Parkinson’s disease not only to the person with Parkinson’s and their Care Partner but the entire family. When one person in a couple or family is affected by Parkinson’s disease, the other family members live with it as well. All those affected by Parkinson’s disease are FIGHTERS, they are eager to learn and educate themselves on how best to navigate their journey. They seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn from each other, becoming more empowered to fight the disease and improve their overall quality of life. Through partnerships within the community, Neuro Challenge feels a strong sense of responsibility to ensure the highest quality of resources are provided to our clients and therefore our education programs continue to evolve and expand, based on the needs and requests from the PD community.

Movers and Shakers Education and Support Program

Based out of Venice, FL and led by members of the Parkinson’s community, this program is designed to provide both educational content to support you on your journey, as well as allow for a monthly combined support group for care partners and those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Mind and Motion Education and Support Program

Based out of Ocala, FL and On Top of the World, this program is designed to provide both educational content to support you on your journey, as well as allow for a monthly combined support group for care partners and those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's Wellness Club

This program is in partnership with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and is open to people with Parkinson’s disease and their Care Partners. It is a social and educational program with a Care Advisor from Neuro Challenge Foundation. Facilitators will provide an educational handout on a different topic, have a discussion and provide resources.

Webinars

These webinars provide an opportunity to educate and empower you to live well on your Parkinson’s journey. The sponsorship support of these webinars has created a unique opportunity to engage some of the major Parkinson’s thought leaders from across the country. Many of those presenting at these programs you would often have to wait a year to see at the Parkinson’s Expo.

Schedule an appointment with a Care Advisor today.

Neuro Challenge Care Advisors provide FREE 1:1 care advising sessions by phone or video chat. Please call (941) 926-6413 or email info@neurochallenge.org to schedule time with a Care Advisor to learn more about the Parkinson’s resources and programs availble to you.

941-926-6413

info@neurochallenge.org