Functional Performance

Fundraising Goal:  $5000

At Functional Performance, we are committed to improving access to fitness for individuals with disabilities across Northwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. For the 2026 Erie Gives event, our goal is to raise $5,000 to help sustain and grow our adapted fitness program. Funds raised will support the continued delivery of inclusive group fitness classes, contribute to our adapted athlete scholarship fund, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation, and help us maintain low, affordable membership rates. Your support also ensures our program can continue operating three days a week throughout the year. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference in building a stronger, more inclusive community where all individuals can thrive through movement.

Your support creates measurable impact. Because of the generosity of our Erie Gives donors and other fundraising efforts, over the past year Functional Performance has been able to:

• Fund 156 adapted fitness classes over the past year, allowing us to hire qualified adapted fitness coaches who provide individualized support to meet the unique needs of each athlete.
• Provide 12 months of scholarship support so athletes can participate regardless of financial circumstances.
• Educate 42 future healthcare and fitness professionals through hands-on adapted fitness experiences in partnership with Gannon University and PennWest Edinboro University, including undergraduate and graduate students in Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and related disciplines.
• Advance innovative clinical education through our partnership with Gannon University. This collaboration was recognized nationally with the 2026 Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions Award for Innovation and Excellence in Clinical Education, highlighting Functional Performance's role in preparing the next generation of healthcare providers while improving access to inclusive fitness for individuals with disabilities.

Mission

To improve exercise access for individuals with disabilities in Erie, PA, and beyond. We provide dynamic and inclusive group fitness classes, deliver hands-on adapted fitness education to inspire current and future fitness professionals, and lead research in adapted exercise, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

About Us

Functional Performance provides accessible exercise opportunities for individuals of different abilities living with a physical
and/or intellectual diagnosis in the Erie community. Our adapted fitness group fitness classes promote improved physical health, helping to enhance strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. In addition, adapted fitness can increase independence with mobility and self-care tasks while also fostering a sense of inclusion and social interaction, leading to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life. To improve accessibility and to train future fitness providers in adapted fitness methods, Functional Performance collaborates with
local allied health faculty and students from Gannon University and PennWest Edinboro University Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Health and Physical Education, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy graduate and undergraduate programs.