The Best Kept Secret in the Ozarks: PGO

For 25 years, PGO has worked endlessly to help hundreds of people with Parkinson’s disease in the Ozarks. Established in 1999 by founder Mel DeVries, the grassroots non-profit organization and its supporters provided the vision to create the first clinic for Parkinson’s patients known as Parkinson’s Clinic of the Ozarks in 2001. Honorary lifetime board members, such as Harry Beckett, saw potential for beneficial community collaborations to provide wellness classes to help meet the varied needs and interests Parkinson's families. Over time, the organization has expanded to offer a wide assortment of Parkinson’s resources, educational programs, support group guidance, and free wellness classes to help make life better for people living with the diagnosis.

Where We Are Today

Wellness Classes

Support Groups

1,000+

Families reached through newsletter

Scholarships Awarded

40x

Revenue growth in the last decade

Rock Steady Boxing

“A lot of people think the class is all about hitting a punching bag, but it's far from that. It's more about the friendships you make. Everyone's in the same boat so it's nice to know you are not alone. Since joining Rock Steady Boxing, we have made so many friends. It's like a second family to us. We are very grateful for the classes provided by the PGO."

Music Therapy

"We both love music and it’s good for your brain and hand coordination. I noticed that since he joined the drumming class his balance seems to be better. I recommend for any caregiver thinking about joining the class to try it; you’ll really like! The class is happy and easy going. It’s a great stress reliever.”

Yoga

“The yoga class has been an inspiration. Even though we don’t do it every day, it motivates us to keep moving. It’s helped him and even the doctor has noticed that he’s able to get up from the chair quicker. As a care partner for him, the class has helped me too because it keeps me moving and I’m able to help him a lot easier.”

Ping Pong

"While searching to find Parkinson's therapies, I was surprised to find ping pong on the list. Given the symptoms of slow reaction time, balance issues, and dexterity problems, I was skeptical if ping pong would work for me. It sounded like fun though, so I decided to give it a try. I have more ping pong balls on the floor than the table, but to my surprise, week to week, I'm shocked at my improvements."

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

The path you are about to take need not be traveled alone. Parkinson’s Group is based in Springfield, Missouri in the heart of the Ozarks. As a not-for-profit organization, Parkinson’s Group works tirelessly to help people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's disease, and over 90,000 more are diagnosed each year. Many of these call the Ozarks home. Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressive neurological disease generally associated with tremor or trembling of the arms and legs, stiffness and rigidity of the muscles, slowness of the movement, and impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking or completing other simple tasks. This disease not only affects the patient, but also his or her family.

CONTACT PARKINSON'S GROUP OF THE OZARKS

Get in touch with Parkinson's Group of the Ozarks to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

417-814-6067