Fitness Company, Empower Motivation, Introduces Scholarship Scheme for Parkinson's Sufferers in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, individuals living with Parkinson's disease have access to a range of community support programs designed to improve their physical and social well-being.
Empower Motivation Fitness (EMF), a local nonprofit based in the county, is leading the charge. EMF offers scholarship grants to help Parkinson’s patients access its Rock Steady Boxing program—a fitness initiative designed for individuals with Parkinson’s and movement disorders to improve their physical health through boxing exercises. The program is supported by research showing that high-intensity exercise may help slow the progression of Parkinson's symptoms [1].
EMF offers three scholarship options: Assessment Grant, Full Grant, and Half Grant. The scholarships are specifically for the Rock Steady Boxing program. Besides boxing, EMF complements its program with other therapies like art, music, and voice therapy, offering 15 classes per week [6].
David Fletcher, the founder and CEO of EMF, emphasizes the organization's mission to make movement-based therapy more accessible. More information about EMF's programs and scholarship opportunities can be found on their website [7].
In addition to EMF, senior centers and community programs in Anne Arundel County provide Parkinson’s support group meetings and various fitness and social activities suitable for individuals managing Parkinson’s. For example, weekly schedules at local centers include Parkinson’s support sessions, chair-based fitness classes, and other activities aimed at maintaining mobility and social engagement [2].
Senior Helpers Baltimore, serving the surrounding region including Anne Arundel County, provides specialized in-home care tailored for Parkinson’s patients. Their services include companion care and assistance with daily activities to help individuals age in place safely and comfortably [5].
General healthy living programs and resources from the Maryland Department of Health are also accessible locally, which may include educational resources or registry information relevant to Parkinson’s disease [4]. Exercise alternatives such as chair-based fitness, Tai Chi, gentle yoga, and water-based workouts are also recommended for seniors with chronic pain or movement challenges, which can complement Parkinson’s care but are not Parkinson’s-specific programs [3].
The Department of Aging in partnership with Hopkins is also offering a Parkinson's support group [8]. For detailed current schedules and eligibility, contacting local senior centers, Empower Motivation Fitness, or Senior Helpers Baltimore would provide the most direct assistance.
Moreover, EMF hosts monthly support and caregiver group meetings, and details about the upcoming April 18th Caregiver's Conference can be found in the "Events" section [9].
With approximately 3,000 residents living with Parkinson's in Anne Arundel County alone [10], it's clear that the community is coming together to support those affected by this neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, with nearly 90,000 Americans diagnosed each year [11].
For those in need of support or seeking to learn more about Parkinson's disease and available resources, Anne Arundel County offers a wealth of options. A Community Support Groups Handbook is available now, according to "Life In The Area" [12].
- Embracing a holistic approach, Empower Motivation Fitness (EMF) complements its Rock Steady Boxing program—a fitness initiative designed for individuals with Parkinson's and movement disorders—with therapies like art, music, and voice therapy, focusing not only on physical health but also mental health and wellness.
- Recognizing the importance of nutrition in health and wellness, the Maryland Department of Health provides general healthy living programs and resources that may include educational resources or registry information relevant to Parkinson’s disease, offering additional support for individuals living with Parkinson's in Anne Arundel County.
