Raise Your Voice Speech Therapy Class:

Raise Your Voice speech services is proud to offer a free weekly group speech therapy class for the Parkinson’s Connection. Our classes focus on speaking with Intent and cognitive exercises. Private speech therapy services are also available through our program with Judy Koza, licensed language speech pathologist. Judy is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and she is licensed in NJ, PA and DE.

Cost to participate: FREE

Movement & Motivation (Drums):

This class incorporates simple foot movement patterns with rhythmical drumming patterns.

Research supports that challenging the brain with new learning experiences such as drumming rhythms helps to build or strengthen new or existing neurological pathways. Increased neurological pathways help coordination thereby increasing safety in movement. Melanie’s drumming class has been modified to address neurological challenges unique to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and MS. Therefore, her class might include drumming while vocalizing, using facial muscles or tongue twisters. This class is a sit and stand format and can be adapted to individual needs.

Cost to participate: FREE

Movement & Motivation (Dance):

Explore your body’s possibilities through music both old and new alike and improve your balance, flexibility, coordination and gait. An ideal class for those with Parkinson’s and other chronic illnesses. This class is based on the National Program Dance for PD. This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Cost to participate: FREE

Two to Tango Ballroom Dance:

Learn ballroom and Latin dances have been shown to improve balance and movement.  Bring a loved one, a friend, or solo for a fantastic experience!
Taught by Lindsay & Justin David, MA CCC-SLP.

Dates: Sundays, February 21 – March 21, 1-2pm
Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at [email protected] to register.

Laughter Yoga:

We’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine! The Laughter Yoga Method can reduce stress, anxiety and depression using laughter exercises that simulate laughter leading to a genuine laughter experience. Classes begin with a warm-up and breathing followed by laughter and traditional chair yoga exercises.

Benefits of Laughter Yoga include reduced blood pressure, increased circulation and strengthening of the immune system. Dr. Kataira, a medical doctor in India and creator of Laughter Yoga, claims laughter whether induced or spontaneous produces positive changes in physiology and neurochemistry of the brain leading to a heightened sense of well-being. Instructor: Melanie Montana, Certified Yoga Instructor, Chair Yoga Instructor and completed her Laughter training in NYC.

4 Week Session starting Sunday, May 23

Time: 11-11:45am

Cost to participate: FREE

Register through Mindbody.

NEW! Yoga for Parkinson’s:

Regular practice of yoga is an effective way to increase flexibility, balance and improve overall fitness while minimizing muscle spasms, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s.

Regular yoga practice offers many benefits including: induces relaxation, lessens or alleviates tremors, reduces muscle tension and other pains, diminishes rigidity, improves balance and coordination, sleep, muscle strength and motor control, enhances focus, concentration and alertness, increases flexibility, creates deeper, easier breathing, provides tools to stand tall with great posture, balances emotions, calms the mind, creates a peaceful spirit. All levels are welcome.Taught by Sue Polikoff

6 Week Session: Sundays, April 11 – May 16, 11am-12pm – SESSION FULL

Bring It Up:

Coach Stacey and Coach Mel will gather once a month inviting new members of our group to meet our community, bring up topics, share ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

We invite the experts! YOU!….. to join us and welcome our new members, share information, experiences, ideas and socialize with friends.

Become part of the community and find your strength to fight back.

Cost to participate: FREE

Several programs of the JCC Parkinson’s Connection program are supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

This inaugural fundraising event for Parkinson’s Connection programming at the Katz JCC was a day of virtual exploration and hope. The day included two breakout sessions including classes for friends and family, caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s disease.

View More event information & review sponsor materials

Make a Donation to Parkinson’s Connection

The Katz JCC’s Parkinson’s Connection program has a virtual membership available. Enrollment in the virtual membership gives the participant access to both weekly live Rock Steady Boxing classes and a library of recorded classes through Mindbody. New participants will need to undergo a virtual assessment before participating in classes. The monthly membership fee is $19 for Katz JCC Full Facility Members and $29 for guests. The one-time virtual assessment fee is $50.

All participants, whether subscribed to the paid virtual membership or not, are invited to participate in any of the free live classes each week held through Zoom, including Speech Therapy group class on Mondays and Movement and Motivation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Rock Steady Boxing:

This non-contact boxing program promotes fitness and function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. In addition to providing fitness, the program has been shown to improve confidence, quality of life and energy levels. A one-time $50 virtual assessment is required before participating. Participants can purchase boxing gloves for an additional $25 and they can be picked up at the Katz JCC.

Participants must also be enrolled in the Parkinson’s Connection virtual membership to participate. For more information about this program, please contact Stacey Macaluso at [email protected].

For more information on any of the virtual Parkinson’s programs, contact Stacey Macaluso at [email protected].

This indoor cycling class is specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that cardio exercise significantly slows the progression and reduces symptoms temporarily.

Wednesdays, starting May 5 / Time: 11-11:30am / Instructor: Stacey Macaluso

Fridays, starting May 7 / Time: 11-11:30am / Instructor: Megan Matis

Location: This class will be held on the Katz JCC Basketball Court or on the outside pool deck, weather permitting, for May.

Cost: $10/1 class, $40/5 classes, $60/10 classes / Purchase a class card for class through Mindbody.  Class card packages can be used for Pedaling for Parkinson’s or Yoga for Parkinson’s

Questions? Contact Jayne Miller-Morgan at 856-424-4444 x1140/[email protected]

Regular practice of yoga is an effective way to increase flexibility, balance and improve overall fitness while minimizing muscle spasms, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s.

Regular yoga practice offers many benefits including: induces relaxation, lessens or alleviates tremors, reduces muscle tension and other pains, diminishes rigidity, improves balance and coordination, sleep, muscle strength and motor control, enhances focus, concentration and alertness, increases flexibility, creates deeper, easier breathing, provides tools to stand tall with great posture, balances emotions, calms the mind, creates a peaceful spirit. All levels are welcome.Taught by Sue Polikoff

In-person classes begin Fridays, starting May 21 / Time: 12-1pm

Location: Katz JCC Social Hall

Cost: $10/1 class, $40/5 classes, $60/10 classes / Purchase a class card for class through Mindbody. Class card packages can be used for Pedaling for Parkinson’s or Yoga for Parkinson’s

Masks are required to be worn during class and at all times in the building.

Questions? Contact Jayne Miller-Morgan at 856-424-4444 x1140/[email protected]

This class is specifically designed for those with MS, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. Benefits include improved strength, balance and flexibility. Basic Pilates positions will be taught using related apparatus in a supportive, gentle and fun environment.

Wednesdays, May 5 – June 9
Times: 12:15-1:20pm or 1:45-2:35pm

Location: JPilates Studio

Register Online

Masks are required to be worn during class and at all times in the building.

In-Person Cost: $100/Full Facility Member, $120/Basic Member & Guest

As of March 12, 2020 all in-person Rock Steady Boxing classes have been POSTPONED until further notice. 

This non-contact boxing program promotes fitness and function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.  Participants will train on boxing equipment including heavy bags, jump ropes, gloves and focus mitts.  In addition to providing fitness, the program has been shown to improve confidence, quality of life and energy levels.

There are 10 classes running every week at various times and days. All levels are welcome. Registration is through Mindbody.

An evaluation must be completed prior to entry into the program (Cost: $75). This includes an introduction, balance assessment and gloves. To schedule your assessment, please contact Stacey Macaluso: [email protected].

In-Person Cost for 8 classes: $90/JCC members, $125/community

In-Person Cost for 16 classes (attending 2x a week): $135/JCC members, $187.50/community

As of March 12, 2020 all in-person classes have been POSTPONED until further notice.

Explore your body’s possibilities through music both old and new alike and improve your balance, flexibility, coordination and gait. An ideal class for those with Parkinson’s and other chronic illnesses. This class is based on the National Program Dance for PD.

Cost: Free and open to the community

This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Participants with Parkinson’s Disease will receive encouragement from peers, practice daily exercises, functional movements and walk BIG. It’s fun, challenging and will provide you with an opportunity for social interaction while exercising.

Class requirement: Must have previously completed individual LSVT Big treatment protocol with a PT or OT.

Led by Dr. Dan Pinto, OCS from Breakthru Physical Therapy + Fitness

POSTPONED until further notice.

Cost: $80/Full Facility Member, Basic Member & Guest

As of March 12, 2020 all in-person classes have been POSTPONED until further notice.

Combine the three basic forms of Tai Chi along with Qigong methods to help improve daily activities and life skills for those with chronic conditions. Both seated and standing positions will be taught.

In-Person Cost: $60/Full Facility Member, $80/Basic Member & Guest

As of March 12, 2020 all in-person classes have been POSTPONED until further notice.

This speech therapy class will help strengthen your voice. No prior individual therapy is required to participate. These classes are great for those with Parkinson’s Disease and will be conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist who has completed LSVT training, Loud for Life and Loud Crowd programs.

In-Person Cost: $80/Full Facility Members, $100/Basic Members and Guests

Select private training for Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Tai Chi for Wellness, Movement and Motivation, Raise Your Voice or personal training in our Fitness Center.

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 Stacey Macaluso: [email protected].

The Parkinson’s Connection needs volunteers for various programs such as Rock Steady Boxing, Tai Chi for Parkinson’s, Pedaling for Parkinson’s and Raise Your Voice Speech Therapy Group Class. Training is provided and volunteers will need to attend a brief 15 minute orientation prior to starting.

Various dates and times available

Please contact Stacey Macaluso for more information. [email protected] / 856-424-4444 x 1151

Are you looking for a service or mitzvah project? The Parkinson’s Connection program at the Katz JCC offers a great opportunity for your teens to volunteer, raise funds or donate funds and equipment to our programs.

For more information, please contact Stacey Macaluso for more information. [email protected] / 856-424-4444 x 1151