The Tampa JCCs and Federation Parkinson's Program
Your donation helps to fund our Parkinson's program
which provides a comprehensive assortment of
evidence-based resources for people with Parkinson's and their families.
Upcoming Events
Philip Shayman Lunch and Learn
Parkinson’s Disease 101:
A Guide to Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Options
Featured speaker: Jennifer Koebert, PA-C, USF Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center
Wednesday, July 23
Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC
522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa
FREE - Lunch Included
RSVP By Phone 813.291.2253 or email Pnina Levermore
From exercise to education, support groups to social events, the Tampa JCCs and Federation's Parkinson’s Program provides opportunities to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
For those who are not able to attend in person, we are pleased to offer most of our Tampa JCCs and Federation Parkinson's Program activites virtually as well as in person.
To learn more or register for the Tampa JCCs and Federation Parkinson’s Program, please contact Pnina Levermore, Director, Active Adults & Parkinson's Program, at 813-291-2253 or pnina.levermore@jewishtampa.com.
$20/month or $100/6months
The Tampa JCCs & Federation's Parkinson’s Program is a partnership between the Tampa JCCs & Federation, the University of South Florida Health Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, and Tampa General Hospital. Currently, more than 400 participants with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers and families in the Tampa Bay area engage with the Program each year.
The Tampa JCCs & Federation's Parkinson's Program offers a wide variety of programs for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, including:
- Exercise classes led by Parkinson’s-trained fitness instructors to improve participants’ physical condition through aerobic activity, strength training, balance and stretch.
- Support groups, led by a licensed clinical social worker, tailored individually to patients and care partners to enhance coping skills, reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, and provide opportunities for participants to express themselves.
- Voice Therapy & Tremble Clefs, led by a speech pathologist, addresses voice projection, breathing and posture.
- Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting workshop to focus on brain, facial, eye and fine motor control.
- Lunch & Learn education events provide helpful practical information from subject-matter experts.
- Weekly Brain Games to flex memory, strategy, and attentiveness.
- Social events and holiday celebrations to build connection and community, relieving isolation that can lead to depression and anxiety.
Parkinson's Fitness Classes
Weekly LSVT BIG for LIFE
Thursdays, 12:00 PM (SBG – in person only)
Led by Tampa General Hospital BIG for LIFE certified physical/occupational therapists. BIG for LIFE includes 7 BIG Maximal Daily Exercises, practice of functional movements & activities, walking BIG!, and other fun exercises with a focus on the amplitude of movements.
Rock Steady Boxing
Mondays, 1:30 PM (SBG – in person only)
Tuesdays, 1:00 PM (Cohn – in person only)
Tuesdays, 1:30 PM (SBG – in person only)
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM (Virtual)
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM (Cohn – in person only)
Fridays, 1:30 PM (SBG – in person only)
A fun activity that focuses on building strength in the core. Rock Steady Boxing conditions for agility, speed, endurance, and hand-eye coordination.
Let’s Move with Jerry Simon
Mondays, 11:00 AM / Jerry Simon
(Cohn + Virtual)
Just the right amount of challenge with weights, bands, and stretching
Voice Therapy for Parkinson's (VTP) and Tremble Clefs led by Cory O'Brien (Certified Speech Therapist)
Pre-registration Required.
Mondays 3:00 PM (Cohn + Virtual)
Wednesdays 3:00 PM (Virtual)
Targets improving the strength of the vocal mechanism to allow for a strong, clear voice. VTP is based on vocal exercises that have proven to be effective for those experiencing voice/speech changes due to Parkinson’s.
Tremble Clefs is a therapeutic singing program that successfully addresses a critical symptom of Parkinson's –communication.
The Art of Movement:
Tai Chi-inspired balance and flow
Fridays, 1:30 PM (Cohn + Virtual)
Learn fluid movement forms to improve your balance, strength, and coordination. Rooted in the principles of Tai Chi, this class promotes mindfulness in motion, helping you cultivate inner calm while enhancing physical stability and body awareness.
PD Wave Parkinson’s Water Aerobics for Vitality and Energy
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:15 PM
(SBG – in person only)
This gentle, low-impact aquatic fitness class is designed to enhance mobility, balance, and flexibility while reducing stress on the joints. The buoyancy and resistance of the water provide an encouraging environment to move with confidence—no swimming experience needed!
Parkinson's Cycling - Spinning with Yvette Rubenzer
Thursdays, 1:00 PM
(Cohn – in person only)
Thursdays, 1:00 PM
(SBG – in person only)
Riding an indoor, stationary bicycle has been shown to reduce Parkinson's motor symptoms by as much as 35%. That’s a good reason to hop on a bike and go for a spin.
Thoughtful Breathing & Meditation with Linda Klug
Tuesdays, 2:30 PM
(SBG + Virtual)
Introduction to breath awareness techniques and mindful meditation to reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
Power Hour - Strength & Agility
Mondays at 6:00 PM
(SBG in person only)
Power Hour is a higher-intensity exercise class designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s who are ready to push their physical limits. This energetic, athletic workout combines strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and agility drills to improve mobility, endurance, and overall fitness. Modifications are provided to suit individual needs.
Lunch & Learns, Social Mixers and Educational Events
These offerings provide supportive social interaction and help give participants a sense of community and belonging. Partnered with classes geared specifically to their needs and taught by Parkinson’s trained staff, this creates a unique atmosphere not found anywhere else.
Support Groups - (virtual)
All support groups meet every other week
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
Mindy Bursten.
Care Partner Support Group
Every other Monday 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Patient Support Group #1
Monday 10:00 – 11:00 AM every other week
Patient Support Group #2
Monday 12:30 – 1:30 PM every other week
Patient Support Group for the Newly Diagnosed
Friday 11:15 AM every other week
Growth Support Group
Friday 10:00 – 11:15 AM every other week
Support groups allow participants to develop peer support and exchange information with others struggling with similar challenges.
In group meetings, participants confront difficulties, share thoughts and feelings, as well as resources.
In our Parkinson’s support groups, we aim to develop self-efficacy and provide the opportunities for emotional adaptation. We provide a safe space where peers may express themselves, their struggles and triumphs, and have the opportunity to help other by sharing their own experiences.
Joining a support group is a great way to obtain further resources by hearing the experiences of others.
Other Parkinson's Resources at the JCC
ART LOOKING:
The cognitive power of art (virtual)
Led by facilitators from the Tampa Museum of Art
First Tuesday of the month, 11:00 AM
Art looking can affect brain wave patterns and the nervous system, raise serotonin levels, and enhance brain function. Tampa Museum of Art educators lead participants through the exhibit and discuss the artwork. Docents utilize guided looking techniques to inspire conversation and reflection amongst the participants. Participants will enjoy the therapeutic benefits of having conversations about art and learn from each other.
Brain Games: Jeopardy, Word Find, etc.
Thursdays, 10:15 AM (Virtual)
A fun morning of games and puzzles to engage the brain and sharpen the mind.
Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting Workshop with Cathy Daumen
Fridays, 10:30 AM (Virtual)
Helps reinforce the brain signals to improve eye and hand coordination.
This is a 3-step approach: exercising the large arm/hand muscles, working with the fine motor skills, and exercises to improve handwriting.
All 3 areas need to work together for success.
The Tampa JCCs & Federation's Parkinson's Program Schedule 2024-2025
All activities are in-person; also virtual if indicated with a  |
JCC on the Cohn Campus in Citrus Park
13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, FL 33625
| Mondays | 11:00 AM | Let's Move |
| Mondays | 3:00 PM | Tremble Clefs/VTP Δ |
| Tuesdays | 1:00 PM | Rock Steady Boxing* |
| Wednesdays | 11:00 AM |
Rock Steady Boxing* |
| Thursdays | 1:00 PM | Parkinson's Cycling |
| Fridays | 1:30 PM | The Art of Movement |
Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC in South Tampa
522 N. Howard Avenue Tampa, FL 33606
| Mondays | 1:30 PM | Rock Steady Boxing* |
| Mondays | 6:00 PM | Power Hour |
| Tuesdays | 1:30 PM | Rock Steady Boxing* |
| Tuesdays | 2:30 PM | Meditation |
| Wednesdays | 1:30 PM | PD Ping Pong (Dates Vary) |
| Wednesdays | 2:00 PM | Yoga for Parkinson's |
| Wednesdays | 2:30 PM | PD WAVE |
| Thursdays | 12:00 PM | LSVT BIG for LIFE |
| Thursdays | 1:00 PM | Parkinson’s Cycling |
| Fridays | 1:30 PM | Rock Steady Boxing* |
Virtual
Only
|
Mondays |
Various times | Patient and Care Partners Support Groups** |
| Tuesdays (1st Tuesday of the month) |
11:00 AM | Art Viewing |
| Thursdays | 10:15 AM | Brain Games |
| Fridays | 10:30 AM | Fine Motor Skills |
|
Fridays |
Various times | Patient and Care Partners Support Groups** |
*Rock Steady Boxing classes are an affiliate program of Rock Steady Boxing, Inc.
**Support groups are biweekly.
Δ Voice Therapy for Parkinson's is a 10-week series.
Parkinson's Program in Action
Parkinson's Symposium
Congressman Gus Bilirakis at the Tampa JCCs & Federation Parkinson's Symposium.
TJCC&F Parkinson's Program on Spectrum News
