Syracuse Jewish Family Service offers CNY’s first Parkinson’s-specific activities programming
Syracuse Jewish Family Service (SJFS) of Menorah Park is now enrolling participants in a new program unique to Central New York : M-Power U (MPU): A Learning Community for Parkinson’s Disease is being offered as an ongoing, weekly four-hour social and learning program.
According to SJFS Director, Judith Huober, M-Power U/Parkinson’s will allow SJFS to customize its successful approach to individuals with early memory loss to serve the particular needs of people affected by Parkinson’s Disease, “empowering them to take charge of their emotional, cognitive, and physical health to mitigate the impact of early cognitive changes and improve overall wellness.” Supportive services are also available to family members and other care partners, such as counseling, coaching and care management.
“Through our work with people in the CNY community who are facing early challenges from memory loss and other brain health issues, we’ve realized that individuals with Parkinson’s who have cognitive concerns need similar opportunities to learn and adapt in an upbeat, interesting, and really enjoyable setting,” said Huober. “Participants will benefit from MPU’s targeted and holistic approach addressing cognitive, social, emotional, and practical challenges, through the combined use of educational and creative exercises and always in a context of peer validation and support. Our approach incorporates relaxation and stress reduction, cognitive exercises, Tai Chi/Chi Kung, arts-based activities, and periodic excursions to cultural venues in the area.”
Seed funding for this program was obtained from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, in collaboration with the Brookdale Foundation, to initiate MPU/Parkinson’s.
SJFS is also partnering with the MPU Rock Steady Boxing program in Liverpool to help raise awareness of the combined benefits of both programs in addressing the physical and cognitive changes associated with Parkinson’s.
Location: United Church of Christ, 215 Blackberry Rd, Liverpool, NY
Time:9:30 am- 1:30 pm
Availability: Anyone in the CNY community with Parkinson’s Disease and early memory loss or cognitive concerns
Cost: $45/day (includes lunch and a snack);$40 with pre-payment
To schedule an enrollment assessment, or to learn more about becoming a participant or volunteer, please contact:
Ellen Somers, SJFS Assistant Director
315-446-9111, ext. 225