What they call their work
What they do
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Parkinson's Disease Research and Support 7 activities
- Advances community awareness and health literacy about Parkinson's diseaseConducts community education efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of Parkinson's disease, including outreach to organizations on the importance of wellness in managing the condition.
- Builds capacity of community leaders and organizations serving the Parkinson's communityEquips Parkinson's community leaders and partner organizations such as YMCAs and senior centers with knowledge and resources to better serve individuals with Parkinson's and drive local change.
- Engages local volunteers to support individuals with Parkinson'sMobilizes local volunteers to provide direct support to individuals affected by Parkinson's disease, enhancing community-based care and connection.
- Hosts educational events featuring movement disorder specialistsOrganizes regular "lunch and learn" educational sessions that feature movement disorder specialists to inform and engage the Parkinson's community.
- Hosts in-person and virtual support groups for individuals with Parkinson's and care partnersOrganizes monthly in-person support group meetings in Albany County and the Colonie, NY area, a weekly "Circle of Support" group at the Parkinson's Center YMCA, and a monthly online Zoom support group specifically for women with Parkinson's. These groups provide peer connection, emotional support, and information sharing for both individuals with Parkinson's and their care partners.
- Operates email-based discussion groups for peer support and information sharingFacilitates an ongoing email-based discussion group that connects individuals affected by Parkinson's disease to exchange advice, share updates on local events and news, ask questions, and offer mutual support. This service supports peer connections across the Capital District.
- Provides access to information, tools, and resources for daily living with Parkinson'sOperates as a central hub for Parkinson's disease information in the Greater Capital Region, offering tools, tips, and resources to help individuals manage daily living. The organization also maintains a newsletter subscription service to notify subscribers of new content.
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Genetic and Neurological Disease Research Funding 1 activity
- Funds local organizations to expand access to exercise and nutrition programs for Parkinson's patientsProvides funding support to local organizations to increase access to exercise and nutrition programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease, improving wellness and quality of life.
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Adaptive Sports Programs 1 activity
- Operates the Parkinson's Center YMCALaunched and operates the Parkinson's Center YMCA, a dedicated facility offering specialized programs and support services for individuals with Parkinson's and other movement disorders.
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Charity Event Organization 1 activity
- Organizes the annual Hope Soars Gala to support Parkinson's communitiesHosts the annual Hope Soars Gala event to raise awareness and support for Parkinson's communities in the Greater Capital Region.
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Who they work with
- Albany County Department for Aging Partner — Partners with Albany County Department for Aging to connect individuals with Parkinson's to services such as meals, nutrition counseling, in-home care, and caregiver support.
- Albany Medical College's Parkinson's Lab Partner — Supported through funding for Parkinson's research initiatives.
- Capital District YMCA Partner — Collaborates to operate the Parkinson's Center YMCA.
- Capital Region Parkinson's Center Partner — Recipient of funding and collaborative support for Parkinson's care and resources.
- Colonie Golf & Country Club Partner — Venue host for the annual Hope Soars Gala fundraising event.
- Colonie Golf and Country Club Partner — Host venue for the Hope Soars Gala.
- Mount Sinai Hospital Partner — Collaborates by providing expert speakers for educational programs on Parkinson's disease management.
- Parkinson's Foundation Partner — Collaborates with the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline to provide access to disease information, medical guidance, and referrals for individuals with Parkinson's.
- Parkinson's Support Groups Partner — Organization educated on wellness for Parkinson's Disease.
- Senior Centers Partner — Organization educated on wellness for Parkinson's Disease.
- The Eddy (Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative) Partner — Collaborates with The Eddy's Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative to provide free caregiver support, respite care, counseling, and education services to families affected by Parkinson's.
- YMCAs Partner — Organization educated on wellness for Parkinson's Disease.
- cdparkinsons.org Partner — Partner organization that hosts an updated list of local support groups.
- groups.io Partner — Platform used to host the email discussion group for people with Parkinson's in the Capital District.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Integrated Psychosocial and Wellness Access Modelmethodology: integrated_support_and_wellness_fundingBy combining direct access to psychosocial resources with funding-enabled wellness programs, the organization improves quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's because integrated support addresses both emotional and physical dimensions of well-being, increasing program utilization and holistic health outcomes.
- Peer-Powered Support Networksmethodology: peer_support_networkBy fostering peer connections through inclusive support groups and email-based discussion forums, the organization enables shared experiences and emotional resilience, which enhances engagement and long-term well-being for individuals with Parkinson's and their caregivers because lived-experience exchange builds trust and reduces isolation.