Communities of Support
People living with Parkinson's often feel disconnected, not just from friends and family who may not understand what they're experiencing, but also from others walking the same path. Care partners often face the same challenge. Information is important, but information alone rarely provides the understanding, encouragement, and sense of belonging that people need to navigate life with Parkinson's.
That's why we’re building communities of support.
Meaningful connection doesn't always happen by accident. Strong communities require skilled leadership, thoughtful facilitation, and environments where people feel safe sharing their challenges and victories. Support groups are much more than places to exchange information. They can be places where people gain confidence, build relationships, and discover they don't have to face Parkinson's alone.
The Parkinson's Resilience Network
PRI is developing the Parkinson's Resilience Network—a nationwide network of facilitated support communities designed to help people living with Parkinson's and their care partners connect with others who understand their journey.
Rather than creating isolated groups that operate independently, our vision is a connected network guided by shared principles, proven facilitation methods, and ongoing support. Participants will have access to psychologically safe communities that encourage open conversation, mutual support, practical learning, and personal growth.
The goal isn't simply to create more support groups. It's to create stronger support experiences.
Facilitator Certification
The quality of a support group often depends on the quality of its leadership.
Many support group leaders step into the role because they care deeply about helping others. Yet few receive formal training in group facilitation, communication skills, conflict management, or creating psychological safety.
PRI's Facilitator Certification Program is designed to change that.
The program will equip facilitators with practical tools and proven approaches for leading effective Parkinson's support communities. Participants will learn how to encourage meaningful participation, navigate difficult conversations, foster connection among members, and create group experiences that are welcoming, supportive, and productive.
Certified facilitators will become part of a growing national community of leaders committed to strengthening support for people affected by Parkinson's.
Building Connection Across the Country
Every person living with Parkinson's deserves access to a supportive community, regardless of where they live.
Through facilitator training, ongoing education, shared resources, and peer collaboration, PRI aims to help establish and strengthen support communities across the United States. Over time, the Parkinson's Resilience Network will connect facilitators and participants through a common mission: helping people face Parkinson's with greater confidence, connection, and hope.
Connection has the power to change lives.
By investing in leaders and building communities that last, PRI is working to ensure that no one has to navigate Parkinson's alone.
The Parkinson’s Resilience Group Network will become the global standard for Parkinson’s support, offering all who suffer an accessible, consistent and solutions-oriented channel to express their lived experience and get real-world answers to the questions their journey raises.
Our support communities are currently in development. If you want updates, early previews and launch announcements, we invite you to sign up for notifications below.