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June News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly the Down Syndrome Guild) offers adult services and supports that focus on maximizing independence; integrating into the community; preparing for employment; increasing health and wellness; and learning essential social skills.
This monthly newsletter is created just for you and your family!
We can't wait to see you at the Grand Opening celebration for our new Lifelong Learning Campus THIS SATURDAY from 9-11 am!
Please bring your whole family and participate in our fun scavenger hunt to explore our new building; learn about new services and supports; meet our team; enjoy birthday cake (it's our 37th birthday!) and more! You will also be entered into a drawing for fun prizes!
Please note: for the safety of our members, we ask that visitors wear masks while inside the building.
"Dash For Down Syndrome" 5K Transitions to a
FUN Run/Walk!
Also this Saturday is our first 5K fundraiser with the Start/Finish taking place at our new campus!
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to barricade and redirect traffic along the entire route—so, we switched to a "Fun Run/Walk!" This means the 5K is untimed because there may be times on the route that participants might have to wait to cross due to traffic, etc.
Untimed means more family-friendly! So be sure to register (by Thursday 6/17 at 5 pm) for your whole family and enjoy a lovely run/walk for a great cause! You won't want to miss out on getting our "limited edition" Dash For Down Syndrome shirts, which were made in our new building assisted by a few adults with Down syndrome!
Find your "happy pace" at our FUN Run/Walk before enjoying our Grand Opening!
Down Syndrome Innovations is thrilled to announce that Jack Anderson recently joined our ACE (Adult Continuing Education) Program as an ACE Coach!
For some of you, Jack might be a familiar face because he’s worked part time for our organization since 2015! Jack has 6 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs.
“I have been a volunteer and part-time employee with the organization for several years,” Jack said. “I have a passion for the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations and I wanted to join the team full time!”
Jack earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
Outside of work, Jack likes to spend his time volunteering, reading and cooking!
Please join us in welcoming Jack!
Summer Programming on Tuesdays!
(Small Groups)
Spend some of your summer with Down Syndrome Innovations! Adults 18+ are invited to join in our social groups that take place on Tuesday evenings. We are excited to announce we have some upcoming in-person activities in addition to our social sessions via zoom. Session topics include boosting self-confidence, safety in the community, healthy lifestyles and more.
- In Person Activities will meet from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at our new office: 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS
- Zoom Virtual Groups will meet from 5 - 6 pm and 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Please e-mail Jessica for more information or to be added to the contact list for these sessions.
NOTE: due to the generous support of
our donors, these events are complimentary/free for our families!
Now Enrolling for Fall: Social Engagement Groups!
(Therapeutic Small Groups for Adults)
Social Engagement focuses on providing a supported environment where the self-advocate/adult can learn and practice social skills.
Utilizing group instruction, a member of the therapy team meets with self-advocates of similar ages and skills to work on initiating conversations, conversational turn-taking, staying on topic, understanding hidden rules, and so much more.
Sessions begin the week of September 20th, with 8 total sessions for a member price of $200 (discounted from $600 due to the generosity of donors). Space is limited, so be sure to enroll soon!
If you are interested in signing up
for our Fall Social Engagement Groups, please fill out a
Pathways application
to enroll! >>
Too Good Not to Share!
From time to time, we will share various resources that we have vetted to ensure you have a multitude of resources at your fingertips!
Here is one our team subscribes to and collaborates with on occasion! The Adult Down Syndrome Center is a health care clinic in Park Ridge, Illinois, that has served the medical and psychosocial needs of over 6,000 teens and adults with Down syndrome since 1992.
Why Your CDDO is Essential for Your Family
Community Developmental Disabilities Organizations (CDDOs) serve as the single point of entry for anyone seeking ID/DD services in each county. They are responsible for determining eligibility for public funding and services; coordinating access to services and supports; providing information and referrals; and maintaining a network of affiliated providers
What We Recommend: Down Syndrome Innovations wants our self-advocates and caregivers to get the funding support and services that are afforded to you. If you have not spoken with a case coordinator at your CDDO in the last year, we recommend contacting them and asking the question: “Are there any services or funding supports my adult loved one qualifies for that we are not yet taking advantage of, and if so, what are they and how do we access them?”
Photographed: a few of our ACE self-advocates taking a break after a walk around our community!
Enjoying these Summer Days!
The Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program understands the connection between physical and mental health, and that is why we integrate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into every day, getting outside when possible.
Words of Hope
Laura & Matthew Nelson
"I'm reading a book right now where a family in the 1960s had a child diagnosed with Autism. The lack of understanding, therapy, programs, and HOPE at that point for both autism and unfortunately, even for Down syndrome, is astounding. I say a prayer of thanks every time I pick up the book as I'm reminded again and again what a blessing Pathways is for Matthew, so many other kids, and for us parents, too.
I look at Matthew's future with hope...and not the kind where you squeeze your eyes shut and 'hope' things will be ok. I feel confident that he's being prepared for a good life and confident that he has the resources to help him through any difficulty. Hope is such a beautiful thing! Thank you to Marie, to Sarah, Jessie, Megan, Tyler, Amy, the interns, etc., etc., for all you do!"
~Laura Nelson, Mother of Matthew
Matthew (17) participates in Pathways Therapy Services
Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY!
A Website Page Just for You!
Don't miss your dedicated section on our new website! This is where you can find the most up-to-date information about our services and support! >>
