When it comes to addressing the complex needs of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), it takes a collaborative network. Two organizations, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and the Center for Movement Challenges (CFMC), are leading the way through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.
While each group has its own distinct goals, their partnership highlights how complementary missions can amplify impact.
Independent Goals with Shared Heart
APDA is a national nonprofit with a clear and comprehensive mission: to provide support, education, and research to help those impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest. Their focus spans across age groups and disease stages, aiming to meet people where they are with accessible, community-centered resources.
CFMC, a local grassroots nonprofit organization based in Sandy Springs, Georgia is committed to empowering people with Parkinson’s through movement-based community programs, education, and peer support. Their work prioritizes improving physical, mental and cognitive health, resilience, and connection through consistent exercise and mutual engagement. CFMC often operates on the front lines, where lived experience meets innovation.
A Powerful Partnership: Optimizing Movement, Together
One standout example of collaboration between APDA and CFMC is the Optimizing Movement classes, sponsored by APDA and powered by CFMC’s local expertise. These classes go beyond standard physical therapy- they create a community rooted in encouragement, mutual accountability, and research-backed exercise focused on balance, posture, core strength and mobility..The classes are taught by physical therapists from Synapse NeuroRehab & Wellness who specialize in Parkinson’s and other movement challenges.
With APDA’s sponsorship, these classes are more accessible to the broader community, reducing financial barriers and expanding reach
These group exercise classes incorporate elements of physical therapy, LSVT BIG®, and PWR®, serving as maintenance sessions for members. The classes are designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy sessions, helping members to maintain their progress.The classes are offered at three levels:
- Level 1/2: Held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, these fast-paced classes involve standing exercises, on and off the floor movements.
- Level 2.5: Conducted on Tuesdays, these slower-paced classes cater to members with cognitive challenges.
- Level 3/4: Held on the first and third Wednesdays, these classes are seated and with assistance provided to participants by Mercer University physical therapy students, under the supervision of Dr. Niamh Tunney. APDA’s support of these classes not only benefit the Parkinson’s community, but provide the opportunity for real time, hands on experience for future physical therapists making them better prepared.
Whether it’s CFMC’s boxing, yoga, or stretching classes, in-person, online or LIVE virtual, the goal is the same for CFMC and APDA: to empower individuals with Parkinson’s to take control of their physical and emotional well-being. While medications help improve symptoms, ONLY exercise can slow disease progression. Start taking control TODAY!
Championing the YOPD Population
Both APDA and CFMC recognize the unique challenges faced by people diagnosed with Parkinson’s before the age of 50- a group identified as Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). It takes a Network of Professionals, a tribe of supporters, to help manage any Parkinson’s journey, and the sooner you start building that network it will help you live a longer and better life, to its fullest potential.
- CFMC’s YOPD Mentoring Program connects individuals with experienced peers to foster connection and share lived strategies, through Instagram @yopdmentoring.org
- CFMC integrates YOPD-specific considerations into its blogs featured on CFMC’s social media as well as CFMC’s website @ centerformovementchallenges.org offering a strong focus on family life, career impact, and early-stage symptom management.
- APDA’s PRESS Program, which stands for Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services, offers structured guidance for newly diagnosed individuals.The APDA's PRESS program is an 8-week program designed for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease within the past five years, and their care partners or family members.
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Program details:
- Focus: It aims to empower participants and provide emotional support by equipping them with knowledge and coping strategies for living with Parkinson's disease.
- Format: The program is structured as a support group, fostering a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, feelings, and strategies for coping with Parkinson's.
- Topics Covered: The curriculum includes crucial topics such as:
- What's Next After Diagnosis
- Medication Management of Parkinson's
- The Importance of Exercise
- Dealing with Physical Symptoms of PD
- Impact of Parkinson's on Daily Coping and Relationships
- Tips for Daily Living
- Caring for Others, Caring for Yourself
- Building Your Healthcare Team
- Facilitation: Each group is facilitated by a trained healthcare professional with expertise in group facilitation and Parkinson's disease.
- Availability: The program is offered both virtually and in-person at various APDA chapters nationwide, according to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
- Cost: The PRESS program is free of charge.
- Commitment: Participants are required to commit to attending all eight weekly sessions, as they are not designed as drop-in sessions.
- Registration: Pre-registration is required, and space is limited (typically to 12-15 participants)
The shared vision is clear: early intervention, peer support, and holistic care are essential to improving long-term outcomes for those with YOPD.
Reaching the Underserved and Under- sourced
Traditionally, exercise classes were predominately offered in-person at a gym. There are many barriers for people living with Parkinson’s to attend in-person such as transportation and mobility issues, physical limitations, work, travel and family schedules, and lack of available programs and instructors in their area and more.
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In order to bridge the gap and to expand its reach CFMC created 5 programs:
- Online exercise classes and wellness services available 24/7 ANYTIME ANYWHERE, A growing library of 75+ exercise videos, with new videos added every week. Classes include boxing (standing and seated, in English and Spanish), optimizing movement, yoga and meditation, and stretching. Wellness services include nutritional guidance, physical and occupational therapy, speech maintenance, and social services @centerformoveentchallenges,org.
- APDA also offers online exercise videos and posts upcoming online exercise classes on their Virtual Events Calendar.
- CFMC offers FREE LIVE virtual boxing classes on You Tube Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 AM EST @CFMCMovingwithPD
- Care partners program includes customized exercise classes and specialized skills training online and in-person. Online exercise programs are ideal for care partners whose personal time is seriously restricted and limited. Available 24/7 ANYTIME ANYWHERE
- For those looking to start a Parkinson’s program, CFMC offers an Affiliates Certification Course online @centerformoveentchallenges,org
- Both APDA and CFMC offer support groups. Support groups offer a safe place where people with Parkinson’s, their families and care partners can make friends with others who can truly understand their journey, share challenges and successes, gain knowledge, support, resources and guidance..
- APDA’s nationwide network provides connection and community along with information and referral, education and support programs, health and wellness activities, and other events to facilitate a better quality of life, while also funding vital research. It is this grassroots structure that distinguishes APDA from other organizations serving people with PD.
Joint Educational Workshops and Resource Center
- We are excited to share that beginning in 2026, CFMC and APDA Georgia Chapter will be partnering in quarterly joint educational workshops as a means to join communities and expand our reach. Details to be announced.
- CFMC hosts a Resource Center located at the Walter & Estelle Strauss Wellness Center Sandy Springs, Ga. which includes a robust offering of APDA’s educational materials.
Looking Ahead: More Than a Partnership
What began as a strategic alliance has grown into a model for community-centered collaboration.
Together, CFMC and APDA are making sure that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone, especially those navigating the path of young onset. Through movement, mentoring, education, and a shared commitment to dignity and inclusion, APDA and CFMC are helping thousands move forward- stronger, together.
To learn more about how to get involved with APDA or CFMC’s programs, visit their websites @centerformovementchallenges.org or call (404 ) 548-5521 OR @AmericanParkinsonsDiseaseAssociation.org or reach out to your local APDA chapter To locate an APDA Chapter near you check out the full listing.
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