Q & A with Sharon's son, George. Ep. 62 Special Guest: Celeste Harris Houston Area Parkinson Society

Celeste Harris, LMSW
Director of Social Services
Houston Area Parkinson Society
https://haps.org/

An interview with Celeste Harris from the Houston Area Parkinson Society: A Social Worker’s Purpose https://www.togetherforsharon.com/cel...

I’m from a small town in South Texas (Brownsville), came to Houston for university and never wanted to leave. I knew I wanted to be in a “helping” profession, but it wasn’t until I discovered the profession of social work and the myriad of ways that social workers aid the community that I found my vocation.
About HAPS

Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) is a non-profit organization that serves, educates and advocates for those affected by Parkinson’s disease in our community. Founded in 1974, HAPS is one of the oldest independent, local Parkinson’s disease social service organizations in the United States providing comprehensive specialized support to those with Parkinson’s and their families in the eight-county greater Houston area.

HAPS offers numerous programs and services to the Parkinson’s community. Nearly 50 weekly in-person and virtual exercise classes including boxing, yoga, full-body aerobics, dance, Tai Chi, water exercise, strength and endurance, ping pong, speech, and PWR!Moves are led either by physical, occupational, or speech therapists, or those who are licensed or certified in their field. In addition to physical exercise, HAPS creates a sense of community and a place to socialize. Enrichment activities such as Women and PD, Game Night, book club, and holiday events offer a lighthearted and fun environment for people to connect with others.

Monthly professionally facilitated support groups bring people together with a goal of making emotional and mental well-being a priority. These groups allow participants to share experiences and engage in discussions that are proactive and productive.

HAPS also provides transportation services to and from physician visits and HAPS events. Social services are available and include access to social workers for individual and family consultations, case management, and home visits; respite care and financial assistance. Throughout the year, HAPS offers educational programs covering a multitude of disease specific topics and a monthly newsletter to keep the community informed on Parkinson’s related news and events.

All services and programs are free of charge to those with Parkinson’s and their care partners or caregivers.

Disclaimer for YouTube:
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Dr. George Ackerman or TogetherForSharon®. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Dr. George Ackerman or the TogetherForSharon® name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific speaker, organization, product, or service.