Dallas Area Parkinson Society
About Dallas Area Parkinson Society
Dallas Area Parkinson Society gives people living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and families in North Texas a place to land with exercise classes, monthly educational sessions, support groups, and plainspoken information. The appeal is simple: you can get help learning how to live with Parkinson’s without having to travel far for it. For donors, that means backing support that is both local and immediately useful.
What sets DAPS apart is how grounded its programs are in everyday life. From exercise classes like Move.Laugh.Connect, Dance for PD, and South Paws Boxing Club to virtual options for people facing mobility or transportation challenges, the support is built around access, routine, and community.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Exercise classes
Exercise programming for people with Parkinson’s disease, including Move.Laugh.Connect, Dance for PD, and South Paws Boxing Club.
Educational Series
Monthly educational sessions with Parkinson’s experts on treatment options, medications, nutrition, exercise, and related topics.
Support groups
Support groups for people affected by Parkinson’s disease, including groups created for women with Parkinson’s disease and men with Parkinson’s disease.
Speech classes
Speech classes supported for local Parkinson’s patients.
Swallowing classes
Swallowing classes supported for local Parkinson’s patients.
Educational materials and monthly newsletter
Publication and distribution of Parkinson’s-related education materials, including a monthly newsletter and monthly meetings with speaker topics of interest.
Virtual classes
Virtual classes for people who face mobility or transportation challenges.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Dallas Area Parkinson Society is dedicated to impacting and improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Who they serve
People living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and families in North Texas.
Their impact
- DAPS serves 1,200 North Texas individuals through exercise classes, speech classes, education, and support groups.
- In 2025, the first Dallas Annual Walk for Parkinson’s brought together more than 350 community members.
- In 2025, DAPS doubled its exercise programs across Dallas, Denton, and Collin County.
How your donation helps
- Speech, swallowing, and exercise classes
- Monthly newsletter and educational materials
- Educational Series events
- Support groups
- Local outreach and awareness efforts
- Fundraising campaigns that stay in North Texas
Our story
Dallas Area Parkinson Society began with one familiar kind of frustration, not being able to find the help you need when Parkinson’s enters your family. After Clarice Dougherty’s husband, Brook, was diagnosed and she could not find the resources she needed, she looked to Houston Area Parkinson Society and asked, “If Houston can do it, why not Dallas?” In 1978, that question became Dallas Area Parkinson Society.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Dallas Area Parkinson Society’s services.
People affected by Parkinson’s disease can attend exercise classes, monthly Educational Series events, support groups, and virtual classes at North Texas locations or online. DAPS also accepts presentation requests by email at daps@daps.org.
In their words
If Houston can do it, why not Dallas?
No one should face Parkinson’s disease alone.
Events
Grow with DAPS
annualAnnual fundraising campaign launched in April during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Educational Series
monthlyMonthly educational sessions held in five North Texas cities with Parkinson’s experts and lunch provided.
Keep Living Well Symposium
annualA Parkinson’s symposium featuring experts and community education.
Dallas Annual Walk for Parkinson’s
annualCommunity walk supporting awareness and the local Parkinson’s community.
Veteran Potluck
annualA community potluck honoring veterans and their loved ones.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Dallas Area Parkinson Society has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteer facilitators for classes and support groups
- Event volunteers
- Fundraising committee members and people with fundraising experience
- Sponsors for programs, the newsletter, educational series, and events
Volunteer opportunities
- Facilitating classes
- Helping at events
- Weekly office volunteering
- Serving as a volunteer presenter or program helper
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How can someone start using DAPS programs?
People affected by Parkinson’s disease can get started by joining exercise classes, the monthly Educational Series, support groups, and virtual classes. DAPS offers programs in multiple North Texas locations.
What kinds of exercise programs does DAPS offer?
DAPS offers exercise classes that include Move.Laugh.Connect, Dance for PD, and South Paws Boxing Club.
Where are the Educational Series sessions held?
The Educational Series is offered in five cities: Dallas, Denton, Duncanville, Garland, and McKinney.
How can someone request a presentation?
Presentation requests can be sent by email to daps@daps.org.
Similar nonprofits
Other american red cross nonprofits in TX.