View Parkinson’s Calendar
About Our Program
Since 2018, the Parkinson’s Connection at the Katz JCC has offered classes, special events, and support groups to help people with Parkinson’s and their families, with accessibility as our goal.
o Financial accessibility with free as well as paid class offerings.
o Physical accessibility with class options offered virtually over Zoom as well as in-person at the Katz JCC.
o Functional accessibility with classes offered at a wide range of fitness levels. Most are even offered seated and standing options so that those at nearly any level of Parkinson’s can participate.
o Most importantly, accessible EVERY DAY, with live classes offered six days a week and a virtual library accessible 24/7.
Our dedicated staff of coaches works every day to make sure that none of our members fight Parkinson’s disease alone.
Free Virtual Classes
Raise Your Voice – Group Speech Therapy Class:
This virtual class focuses on strength, loudness, and clarity of speech along with education and cognitive exercises. It is provided free of charge through a generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Instructor: Judy Koza, a licensed language speech pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and she is licensed in NJ, PA, and DE.
Offered most Mondays from 2-3pm.
Contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org to register and receive weekly Zoom links.
Virtual Yoga for Parkinson’s:
Regular practice of yoga is an effective way to increase flexibility, balance and improve overall fitness while minimizing the tremors, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s. All levels are welcome. The Tuesday evening session is provided free of charge through a generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
Instructor: Suzanne Polikoff
Offered Tuesdays at 6:30pm.
Contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org to register and receive weekly Zoom links.
Free Hybrid Classes
Movement & Motivation (Drums):
This hybrid (offered over Zoom and in-person at the JCC) class uses movement patterns and rhythmic drumming to challenge the brain, building/strengthening neuropathways to increase safety in movement. Class is adaptable to each individual and provided free of charge through a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation and a generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
Cost to participate: FREE
Offered Tuesdays from 1-1:45pm.
Offered in-person in the Richard G. Klein Wellness Studio and virtually over Zoom.
Contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org to register for in-person attendance or to receive weekly Zoom links.
Movement & Motivation (Dance):
This hybrid (offered over Zoom and in-person at the JCC) class will help you explore your body’s possibilities and improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, and gait. An ideal class for those with Parkinson’s and other chronic illnesses. This class is provided free of charge through a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation and generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
Cost to participate: FREE
Offered Tuesdays from 1-1:45pm.
Offered in-person in the Richard G. Klein Wellness Studio and virtually over Zoom.
Contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org to register for in-person attendance or to receive weekly Zoom links.
In-Person & Hybrid Movement Classes
We are pleased to offer many in-person programs to improve your fitness and function, as well as your overall quality of life, including:
Rock Steady Boxing
The first initiative of its kind, RSB is a non-contact, boxing-inspired training class proving to dramatically improve the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. Using exercises adapted from boxing training, participants train to increase endurance, agility, strength, and coordination. There are four different levels of classes offered, depending on the participant’s level of Parkinson’s and overall fitness. No boxing experience is necessary, and people of all ages are invited to participate.
Hybrid Rock Steady Fitness
Based on the RSB model, RSF classes include physical and cognitive exercises using shadowboxing, agility work, strength training and a variety of other drills but no bag contact. Classes are appropriate for all levels and are taught modifications for a variety of needs. Subscriptions include five weekly live classes that you can attend in person at the Katz JCC or over Zoom and a digital video library of classes available anytime.
Martial Arts for Movement
This non-contact martial arts class focuses on improving movement, balance, coordination, memory, and confidence. Participants will learn self-defense and Taekwondo forms. Supported by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation and a generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, this class runs in 6-week sessions.
PWR! Moves + Yoga Flow
PWR! Moves are Parkinson’s-specific exercises that help maintain and restore skills that aid everyday movements. Yoga for Parkinson’s improves balance, reduces anxiety, builds strength, and creates a sense of wellbeing. Combining these two practices gives you a truly unique class experience that will aid your physical and mental wellbeing.
Pedaling for Parkinson
Based on research from Cleveland Clinic has shown that cardio exercises, like cycling, can significantly slow the progression of Parkinson’s and even temporarily reduce symptoms. Science, music, and motivation are combined to create a unique indoor cycling experience tailored to the needs of those with Parkinson’s.
Pilates for Neurological Disorders
Specifically designed to aid those with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, MS, and stroke recovery, this class improves strength, balance, and flexibility in a supportive, gentle, fun environment. Limit 5 participants per class.
Tai Chi for Balance
Research shows that practicing Tai Chi can improve balance, stability, and flexibility in older adults, including those with Parkinson’s disease. Practiced regularly, it can also help reduce pain and fibromyalgia. This beginner-level Tai Chi class of slow-flowing movements is designed for those who wish to address balance impairments while also improving mobility and overall wellness. Class is taught with seated and standing options.
Yoga for Parkinson’s
Regular yoga practice can increase flexibility and balance while improving fitness and minimizing tremors, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s.
* Assessments are mandatory before starting Rock Steady Boxing or Rock Steady Fitness classes. Rock Steady Boxing participants must also have good-quality wraps and gloves to attend in-person classes.
Private Training
If you have time constraints or more specialized needs, you may prefer private training. Several of our coaches are available for private training in Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves, Tai Chi, Cycling, Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Raise Your Voice. You can also receive a truly personalized fitness routine by working with one of our certified personal trainers who specializes in working in tandem with your care team to achieve your goals.
Dates and times will be set by your trainer.
One-on-One Half Hour Training: 1 session: $40 • 5 sessions: $190 • 10 sessions: $360 • 20 sessions: $680
One-on-One Hour Training: 1 session: $55 • 5 sessions: $260 • 10 sessions: $495 • 20 sessions: $935
For more information, please contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org for more information.
In-Person Wellness Programs
Exercise combined with social connection can have a profound impact on your ability to live well with Parkinson’s. For more information or registration, please contact Megan Matis at (856) 424-4444 x 1151 or mmatis@jfedsnj.org.
Buddy Connection
Members seeking a friend or mentor within the Parkinson’s Connection can register to be connected with a “buddy.” Buddies are other members of our group who have volunteered to be a peer support person and support other members of our community. *The Buddy Connection Program does not provide therapeutic services. Mentors are not trained mental health professionals.
Let’s Take a Break (Caregiver Support Group)
Join others who understand the ups and downs of being a care partner to someone with Parkinson’s Disease. This group will provide a forum to discuss and better understand PD symptoms while also offering effective coping strategies and tips for managing daily life. This group is provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation.
Parkinson’s Support Group
This group is open to anyone affected by Parkinson’s Disease, including care partners, family, and friends. Attendees share experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy guest speakers with expertise on a variety of relevant topics.
Urban Poling Club
This is an informal weekly gathering of Parkinson’s Connection members on the JCC’s indoor track for those interested in walking together. If you wish to try Urban Poles, we have sets you may borrow. Also known as Nordic Walking, using poles can improve posture, gait, and arm swing while taking pressure off the hips and knees.
Parkinson’s Connection classes, groups, and the information on this website are not intended or implied to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. All content is for general informational purposes only. You are encouraged to discuss any information with your physician.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Parkinson’s Connection needs volunteers for various programs such as Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and more. Training is provided and volunteers will need to attend a brief 15-minute orientation prior to starting.
Various dates and times are available
Please contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.org for more information.
Parkinson’s Connection Service/Mitzvah Project
Are you looking for community service hours or mitzvah project? The Parkinson’s Connection program at the Katz JCC offers a great opportunity for your teens to volunteer, raise funds or find a creative way all their own to contribute to our classes and programs.
For more information, please contact Megan Matis mmatis@jfedsnj.orgfor more information.
Community Partners
Many of our Parkinson’s Connection classes and programs are offered for free or at a reduced cost to participants thanks to generous donations from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Foundation, and the Jewish Women’s Foundation. If you are interested in sponsoring a program, class, or event for the Prkinson’s Connection, please reach out to Megan Matis mmatis@jefsnj.org or call (856) 367-6181 x1151.
How to Donate
Donations from families, friends, and others help to greatly offset the expenses of this program. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the JCC Parkinson’s Program, contact Nancy Caporusso at ncaporusso@jfedsnj.org or make a donation online.
To donate by mail, please send a check to:
Katz JCC, Attn: Nancy Caporusso
1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill NJ 08003
** Please be sure to include a note that your donation should be applied to the JCC’s Parkinson’s Connection Programming *
Happening today at the J!
