Punching Out Parkinson's
POP Santa Fe
The goal of Punching Out Parkinson's is to empower people living with Parkinson's disease to maintain and improve their quality of life through exercise and community support. We aim to hit that goal everyday, constantly striving to enrich the lives of our Boxers, and everyone in the PD community of northern New Mexico.
Recent testimonials:
I’m happy to say that I was in the first RSB Santa Fe class! It continues to be just what my body wants/needs in a workout. Knowledgeable coaches push me to work hard and always challenge my body and mind. Really though - it’s the friends I have made and the fun we have that keeps me coming back. A workout is a workout, POP Santa Fe is love that kicks your butt.
— Gale S. (Joined 2017)
What a resource we have in our community! Punching Out Parkinson’s Santa Fe has undoubtedly developed into an inclusive community for which I’m truly grateful. From the kick-butt exercise programs, to a boxing sequencing coordination program, to the thoughtful brain teasers - the informed nature and dedication of our coaches and volunteers shines brightly! We are truly blessed. Trying to stay a few steps ahead of Parkinson’s is hard enough; I hate to think of where I’d be without this resource!
—Jan A. (Joined 2021)
POP Santa Fe, RSB and PWR classes, and PDClubhouse not only introduced me to a whole new physical regimen with mind-boggling punch combinations and challenging brain calisthenics (the best way to slow the progress of Parkinson's) but also added a roster of thoughtful pals to the cohort of people I care about.
—Melissa D. (Joined 2021)
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited local nonprofits to submit stories related to our March topic of Senior Services.
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
The Santa Fe Indigenous Center is a Native-led nonprofit serving Indigenous families across Santa Fe County. Through biweekly food drives, cultural events, community programs, emergency financial assistance, and a robust network of referral resources, SFIC supports the diverse needs of the local Indigenous community. Each year, the organization hosts its signature event — the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day — bringing dancers, drummers, Tribal Dignitaries, artists, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture, joy, and resilience. This year’s powwow was a vibrant success, and SFIC looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Last year, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opened Carved Stories by Hopi artist Mavasta Honyouti. Featuring all sixteen low-relief carvings from the Coming Home series — created in tandem with Honyouti’s children’s book Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story — the exhibit recounts his grandfather Clyde Honyouti’s experience at an off-reservation federal boarding school. This Indigenous-led project offers a powerful and visually compelling reflection on Hopi life, culture, and history. As Brian Vallo notes, “Carved Stories… is both powerful and beautiful.”
Kha'p'o Community School
With support from the Native American Advised Fund, sixth-grade students at Kha’p’o Community School embarked on Our Voice, Our Stories — a year-long documentary project blending traditional Tewa arts and modern digital storytelling. Through pottery, weaving, sewing, and film, students explored their cultural identity and celebrated their voices as young Tewa people.
