Messiah University awarded Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant to launch wellness initiative for individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Messiah University is proud to announce it has received a $17,000 Community Grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation to support Stepping Forward: A Year of Holistic Programming for People with Parkinson’s Disease. This interdisciplinary, yearlong wellness initiative is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease through creative, evidence-based programming. Thanks to this generous grant, it will be offered at no cost to participants.
The Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant program supports local health, wellness and educational initiatives that enhance the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. The funding will enable Messiah University PREP (Preventative and Rehabilitative Exercise Programs) to expand access to integrated, whole-person wellness services throughout central Pennsylvania. 
We are grateful for the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant and for the ongoing support of PREP at Messiah University,” said Krystal Robinson-Bert, associate professor of occupational therapy and program lead for Stepping Forward. “This grant allows us to offer meaningful, free programming for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease—enhancing quality of life, building community and promoting wellness. It also provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage in hands-on learning through service, preparing them to become compassionate and skilled professionals.
Kris Hansen-Kieffer, Messiah’s executive director of community wellness, added, “This initiative allows us to open our fitness facility to the broader community, fostering holistic health and meaningful intergenerational engagement while filling a gap in our medical care system.”
Launching in summer 2025, Stepping Forward is a yearlong, interdisciplinary initiative developed by Robinson-Bert in collaboration with Hansen-Kieffer. The series builds on four years of data-informed pilot work and brings together specialists in occupational therapy, physical therapy, music, counseling and fitness.
“Stepping Forward is rooted in the belief that individuals with Parkinson’s thrive best when their care is personalized, creative and holistic,” said Robinson-Bert. “Our team is committed to offering integrated programming that addresses physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being.”
Planned program highlights include:
- Summer 2025 – Adaptango 2.0
A dance-based program for advanced participants, using adapted Argentine tango to enhance mobility, balance, and connection. PT graduate students will provide clinical support. - Fall 2025 – PWR! Moves: Body, Mind, Connection
A whole-person wellness experience addressing physical function, education and psychosocial support to encourage long-term engagement and health. - Fall 2025 – Jingle & Joy: Parkinson’s Caroling Celebration
A festive choral workshop promoting vocal strength, breathing and community connection through singing. - Spring 2026 – Adaptango 1.0
An introductory adapted tango course focused on improving motor symptoms and physical confidence in a fun, social environment. - Spring 2026 – The Resilient Mind Workshops
A mental health series designed to empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners with tools to build resilience and thrive emotionally and spiritually. - Summer 2026 – Pen to Paper Handwriting Program
A fine motor and dexterity training course aimed at strengthening handwriting skills, motor control and independence.
To learn more about the Stepping Forward Program, visit https://fitness.messiah.edu/prep/.
About Messiah University
Founded in 1909, Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university in central Pennsylvania, just 12 miles from the state capital, Harrisburg. The University enrolls more than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students across 80+ undergraduate majors and 30+ graduate degree and certificate programs. Recognized for its outstanding academics, career preparation and experiential learning programs, Messiah is also known for its championship athletics, celebrated arts programs, transformational faith formation, service and global engagement, including study abroad in 40+ locations. Learn more at messiah.edu/about.
About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).