Most don’t immediately see a connection between Parkinson’s disease and a game of cornhole, a yoga class, or a boxing workout. But at Monterey Bay Power Over Parkinson’s (POP), those movement-based activities are all part of the same therapeutic strategy.
Founded in 2017, the Monterey nonprofit helps locals living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners navigate the physical, emotional, and social challenges of the condition through a program built around movement, education, and connection.
That work is supported in part by Montage Health’s Community Benefit program, which awarded POP a $10,000 grant in 2025 to help fund program coordination, instructors, and facility expenses that keep the organization running.
“Community Benefit is rooted in the idea that health doesn’t happen in isolation,” says Yasmine Elsherbini, director of Montage Health’s Community Health and Wellness department, which oversees the Community Benefit program. “Partnership is key to building a healthier community, and Monterey Bay Power Over Parkinson’s reflects exactly the kind of work we aim to support.”
A program designed for Parkinson's
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, research shows that targeted exercise and specialized programming can help people manage symptoms, maintain function, and improve quality of life. POP was created to bring those resources to Monterey County residents.
The organization offers 21 classes each week, Monday through Saturday, led by certified instructors experienced in working with movement disorders. Programs include:
Several of these, including Rock Steady Boxing, SPEAK OUT!, and Dance for PD, are nationally recognized, evidence-based approaches developed specifically for people living with Parkinson's.
Beyond structured exercise, POP also builds social and cognitive engagement into its model through group activities like support groups, cornhole, drumming, painting, and board games, all designed to reinforce coordination, connection, and community in a relaxed setting.
“POP is a safe place where people with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers find comfort, connection, and community,” says Ramie Allard, board president of Monterey Bay Power Over Parkinson’s. “Through activities like boxing, card games, and social engagement, our members are building neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to grow stronger through practice and repetition. More than anything, POP is a family, exercising, learning, growing, and thriving together.”
Measurable results
POP conducts ongoing assessments that track balance, gait, strength, flexibility, and mobility among participants at various stages of the disease. Because Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, maintaining function is often considered a significant success.
Most assessments completed in 2024 showed little to no decline among participants. For mid- to higher-functioning participants, the 10-meter walk test showed another encouraging trend: Participants took fewer steps to cover the same distance, indicating longer, more purposeful strides. That's significant because Parkinson's commonly causes a shuffling gait that can increase fall risk.
Survey results also point to benefits beyond physical performance. Among participants surveyed:
- 98 percent reported improved quality of life
- 94 percent of care partners said the program positively impacts their loved one
- 85 percent felt emotionally supported
- 53 percent of care partners reported improved personal well-being
One participant described the program as creating "a feeling of much hope."
Investing in the health of Monterey County communities
“Monterey County is home to diverse communities and health needs, and that requires equally diverse approaches to support,” Elsherbini says. “Through Community Benefit, we look for programs like Monterey Bay POP that are grounded in real-world need, bring people together, and translate evidence into meaningful, everyday improvements in quality of life.”
POP’s reach extends to about 500 people yearly, including participants, family members, and caregivers.
“Montage Health’s support has been essential in helping us sustain and grow these programs,” Allard says. “That investment provides ongoing consistency in the programs and classes POP can offer to the community.”
Discover more about how Montage Health supports local organizations to build a healthier community through partnership.
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