Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisbeth Garces.
Hi Lisbeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Juan Carlos Organization
Founded in 2012 by Lisbeth Garces in loving memory of her son, Juan Carlos, the Juan Carlos Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to stimulating joy, acceptance, and achievement for individuals of all ages living with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges, including Parkinson’s disease.
Juan Carlos lived with Muscular Dystrophy and faced the challenges of the disease with courage, determination, and a joyful spirit. He passed away at the age of 15, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the organization’s work. In his honor, the Juan Carlos Organization was established to create opportunities for individuals and families facing similar challenges to experience greater inclusion, confidence, wellness, and quality of life.
Our mission is to empower participants through innovative, evidence-based exercise and wellness programs that improve balance, mobility, cognitive function, and overall well-being. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community where every person is valued and encouraged to achieve their fullest potential.
Programs include:
* Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, designed to improve balance, mobility, and fall prevention.
* The Ronnie Gardiner Method, a research-based multisensory program that integrates rhythm, movement, speech, and cognition to enhance physical and cognitive function.
Through these programs, the Juan Carlos Organization honors Juan Carlos’s memory by helping people overcome challenges, build meaningful connections, and discover new possibilities for growth and achievement.
“Inspiring Joy, Acceptance, and Achievement Through Movement, Connection, and Hope.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not always been smooth. One of the greatest challenges came after the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many nonprofit organizations, we experienced significant difficulties in securing funding, recruiting and retaining volunteers, and maintaining participant engagement.
Many of the individuals we serve, including those living with Parkinson’s disease and other physical or cognitive challenges, became isolated during and after the pandemic. Some participants were unable to return to programs because of health concerns, limited social interaction, or a lack of reliable transportation. As a result, attendance declined, making it more difficult to sustain our programs and outreach efforts.
Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to our mission. We continued to seek new funding opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and find ways to reconnect participants with programs that improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. These challenges have taught us resilience and reinforced the importance of providing accessible, supportive services for those who need them most.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Juan Carlos Organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and other physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges through evidence-based exercise and wellness programs. We specialize in programs that enhance balance, mobility, cognitive function, confidence, and overall well-being while fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
We are known for offering innovative, research-based programs such as Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance and The Ronnie Gardiner Method, which help participants improve both physical and cognitive abilities. Our programs are designed to be accessible, engaging, and supportive for people of varying abilities and ages.
What I am most proud of is the positive impact our organization has had on the lives of participants and their families. Seeing individuals gain confidence, improve their mobility, reduce their risk of falls, and build meaningful social connections is incredibly rewarding. I am also proud that the organization continues to honor the memory of my son, Juan Carlos, by helping others overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
What sets us apart is our commitment to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice. I have continued to pursue health and wellness certifications and advanced training to better serve older adults and individuals facing physical, cognitive, and neurological challenges. This ongoing education allows us to offer high-quality programs that reflect current research and best practices while addressing the unique needs of the populations we serve. Our combination of professional expertise, compassion, and personal dedication creates a supportive environment where every participant is valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is knowing that I can continue helping people who need support to live a better, fuller life, just as I wanted for my son, Juan Carlos. Every time I see someone gain confidence, improve their mobility, feel more connected to others, or discover new possibilities despite their challenges, it reminds me why this work is so important.
People living with physical, cognitive, sensory, or neurological challenges are incredibly special. They deserve the same opportunities to thrive, participate in their communities, and enjoy a meaningful quality of life. I believe everyone deserves hope, dignity, acceptance, and the chance to build a better future. Being able to contribute to that journey and make a positive difference in someone’s life is what motivates me every day and brings me the greatest joy.
Pricing:
- There is no cost for participants
- Free
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juancarlosorganization/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@juancarlosorganization1604?si=8L9_lQ1dFmQvpx4v
