Parkinson’s Resource Organization receives gift from H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO) is building a global wellness network for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The project got a shot in the arm in April – Parkinson’s Awareness Month – with a $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.
The virtual, vetted, video-driven website resource directory is called The Wellness Village, which is currently found at: http://www.parkinsonsresource.org/wellness-village/. The site already includes about 60 professionals and products that support the Parkinson’s community, which include family members and caregivers who also seek specialized services associated with the disease. Each month, the website receives about 20,000 visitors, and social media reaches beyond 70,000 people. With the grant funds, The Wellness Village is expected to grow to an unprecedented number of partners and visitors from the Coachella Valley and beyond.
“We think that local is global and global is local,” said Jo Rosen, Founder and President of PRO, whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1989. Since then, she has committed her life to helping others going through the same life changes and challenges. “Most people affected by Parkinson’s go through the same struggles and have similar needs. Researchers and wellness professionals all over the world are seeking relief for those diagnosed. The Wellness Village connects all of us in the journey of Parkinson’s until a cure is found.”
PRO was formed in 1990 with a simple mission: working so that no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s. The organization holds various workshops, support groups and provides one-on-one coaching. It also distributes a monthly newsletter to people affected by Parkinson’s and offers other outreach to educate the general public.
“Parkinson’s Resource Organization has been enriching people’s lives for years, and we are happy to support them,” said Catharine Reed, Program Director for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.
The Coachella Valley Spotlight partnership also offers recipients media exposure by featuring the organization on CBS Local 2’s “Eye on the Desert,” in public service announcements and on the cbslocal2.com.
“PRO’s Wellness Village is innovative, utilizing 21st century tools to serve decades old needs,” said Mike Stutz, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates CBS Local 2.
To find out more about PRO, visit parkinsonsresource.org. For more information about the Coachella Valley Spotlight grant, go to cbslocal2.com, and click on the Coachella Valley Spotlight logo on the home page.
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About CBS Local 2
As the local CBS affiliate, Local 2 is the Valley’s very own local news and entertainment source, committed to providing the community with the connectivity that it benefits from the most. As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, CBS Local 2 is proud to partner with The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation to present Coachella Valley Spotlight, which supports local charities.
About the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is a private foundation that generously supports educational and other charitable projects. Since 1988, the Berger Foundation has contributed over $800 million to charities throughout Southern California and the United States.
