STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island celebrated the launch of its new Parkinson’s Assistance Through Healing program with a grand opening event Sunday that drew individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.
The inaugural event featured interactive demonstrations of balance and kickboxing classes, along with a hands-on chocolate charcuterie board-making workshop, giving attendees a preview of the comprehensive services available through the PATH program.
The initiative aims to help people with Parkinson’s disease build strength, improve mobility and reduce discomfort through specialized classes taught by certified instructors. Program offerings include aqua aerobics, yoga, kickboxing, balance and core training, tai chi, and support groups designed specifically for the Parkinson’s community.
“We recognized a growing need for programs that support those with Parkinson’s disease here in our Staten Island community,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “Our new PATH program helps individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers get the services they need in a caring, supportive environment.”
Beyond physical fitness classes, the program provides support groups and individual respite care for primary caregivers of people with Parkinson’s. Supplemental supplies and assistive devices are available in some cases.
The program operates from two Staten Island locations: the Bernikow JCC at 1466 Manor Road and the Avis/South Shore JCC at 1297 Arthur Kill Road. The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation provides partial funding for the initiative.
Those interested in learning more about PATH can contact Cherine Hanna at CHanna@SIJCC.com or 718-475-5280, ext. 5280, or visit https://www.sijcc.org/path.
This community news was shared by the organization featured. AI was used in an initial story draft and has been reviewed by Advance/SILive.com staff.
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