Pictured: Members of the Neuro Challenge Foundation. Photo by Noah Magnifico.

On March 10th SRQ Media recognized five local nonprofits who have leaned into change, particularly after an extremely challenging year, at the SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota where all parties were thrilled to be gathered together in person. The Change Agents in Philanthropy Awards focus on the capacity of the independent sector to be innovative in the face of change in fundraising, donor cultivation and development, mission, programming, branding and visibility and operations. We are pleased to highlight each of the nonprofit groups recognized at the luncheon as part of our Wednesday Philanthropy edition.

In the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing aftermath, the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, like many other foundations and nonprofits across the country, faced a litany of challenges. But for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, their obstacles were particularly unique. Their programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease - which range from therapeutic to educational to emotional support - typically conducted in person, had to be switched to an online format. This forced the team at the Neuro Challenge Foundation to not only create an online program to conduct their programs on, but also learn how to interact with people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers on this new online platform.

How do you dispel potentially life altering advice over zoom? Advising people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families on future care plans is no easy task. The Care Advisors adapted to this challenge by honing their active listening skills - offering up care, advice, and a shoulder to lean on when patients and their families had to deal with COVID related issues like feelings of depression and isolation.

In the long run, however, the Neuro Challenge Foundation’s transition to online Care Advising proved beneficial to all. The shift allowed the Foundation to provide Care Advising to people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families throughout the country, not just in the Sarasota area. The shift to online programming also allowed the Foundation to conduct their 2021 Parkinson’s Expo virtually - attracting people from 36 states and 14 countries.

According to CEO Sara Grivetti, “You have to remember that change can be positive. If you don’t change, you remain stagnant. That’s just not something we are willing to do.”

Pictured: Members of the Neuro Challenge Foundation. Photo by Noah Magnifico.