Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network
Jun 23, 2015
Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network
Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network’s Mission
• Ensure individuals with Down syndrome in the Piedmont area are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives
• Provide information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community at large
PDSSN’s History
Founded in 1987
Has grown and increased services to others over the past 13 years
Became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2005
While the main advocacy remains on Down syndrome, welcomes other special needs groups to many activities
In 2012, awarded a grant from the Winston-Salem Foundation and hired a part-time executive director
Affiliations: National Down Syndrome Congress; National Down Syndrome Society; Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action; and HandsOn Northwest North Carolina
www.pdssn.org highlights our mission, programs, events calendar, information about Down syndrome, resources and more.
PDSSN Organization
PDSSN Representation on Community Committees
CenterPoint’s Consumer & Family Advisory Committee
CenterPoint’s IDD Advisory Committee
Forsyth County Special Needs Planning Committee
Family Support Network’s Local Collaboration Team
Disability Rights North Carolina Board
Keynote Presentation at the NC ARC State Conference
Disability Advocates
DHHS and the Medicaid Reform Advisory Group
Programs for Families Who HaveChildren with Down Syndrome
Family Social Gatherings
D.A.D.S. Group
Ladies Night Out
PDSSN Member Scholarships
Sunshine Fund
New Parent Resource Notebook
Pre and Post Natal Program
Triad First in Family Funds
Seasonal Newsletters
Family Social Gatherings
Regular gatherings include:
• Dine Out - PDSSN family nights at area restaurants
• Winter family social
• Summer family picnic
• Spring KIDS FEST
Dine Out for Down Syndrome
Meets monthly at a different restaurants in the area
Provides opportunities to raise awareness in our community while enjoying fun meals out with PDSSN families and friends
Raises funds to support PDSSN events throughout the year
Outings are listed on PDSSN’s event calendar on our website
PDSSN sends out emails each month with information about the location
LNO – Ladies Night Out
A casual night out to catch up with friends and enjoy the support of other moms
Meets monthly at different restaurants in the area
Outings are listed on PDSSN’s event calendar on our website and emails are sent out monthly with the dates and locations
“To assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome”
The Foundation
Support
Fellowship
Action
• To create a network of fathers willing to develop a program based on the needs of the men involved
• To enhance a father’s knowledge and resources about children and individuals with Down syndrome
• To enhance personal advocacy skills
• To improve a family’s ability to cope with the unique challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome
• To provide a safe atmosphere of support where men can openly share
• To have fun and build camaraderie and friendships among fathers
• Open Forum and Info: https://www.facebook.com/DADS.Piedmont
• Closed discussion group on Facebook
• PDSSN Site: http://pdssn.org/programs-3/d-a-d-s/
Simple Mission:
Simple Goals:
Information:
:
D.A.D.S. – Piedmont Chapter
PDSSN Member Scholarships
PDSSN members can apply for funding to attend national and local Down syndrome related conferences.
Scholarship awards based on past years involvement with the PDSSN.
Sunshine Fund
Support for families who are experiencing illness, hospitalization, or other hardship by offering visits and gift cards.
Electronic care calendar that allows members to sign up to help with other families’ needs for meals, rides, etc. during times of hardship.
PDSSN New Parent Resource Notebook
Provides comprehensive information for ages birth through adulthood
Lists IDD related resources for the surrounding six counties
Available in both English and Spanish
Resources also available online at www.pdssn.org
Pre & Post Natal Program
Available to any family whose child is diagnosed with Down syndrome before or after birth
Provides up-to-date accurate written information as well as a trained volunteer
Triad First in Family Funds
TFIF offers support to families and individuals in Forsyth, Davie & Stokes Counties by connecting them to community programs, obtaining discounts, and in some cases providing funds.
PDSSN provides funds annually to TFIF for individuals who have Down syndrome and their families in the 3 counties TFIF covers plus Surry, Yadkin, and Davidson. Distribution of funds is determined by the TFIF management team.
First In Families of North Carolina - Believe, Achieve, Give Back.
Eligibility Requirements:
Triad First In Families supports any family in which one family member has a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury.
The family/individual must be living in their own rented or owned home, not in a group home.
Total household income cannot exceed $65,000 per year.
PDSSN Programs Open to the Community
Exceptional Families Program
Next Chapter Book Clubs
No Limits II Dance
Community Education Programs
Annual Down Syndrome Update
Community Grants
Exceptional Families Program
Partnership with Family Support Network
Meets 10 times a year on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Little Creek Recreation Center
Guest facilitators support discussions regarding topics of interest to parents of children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
A light supper and childcare are available but reservations for both are required
Professionals are welcome and Infant Toddler Credit is available
Next Chapter Book Club
Promotes literacy and encourages friendships among adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities
Members meet for one hour a week at local bookstores, coffee shops and cafés to read and discuss a book of their choosing
Anyone can participate, no matter their reading or ability level
Two trained volunteers facilitate each group
Currently 4 adult clubs in Forsyth County
Will expand to other counties when enough people show interest
No Limits II Dance Club
A fun evening out for adults with disabilities (18 years and older)
Dance, play Bingo, ride in a limo, enjoy refreshments and door prizes
Dates in 2014: 2/21; 5/2; and 9/12
Community Education Programs
PDSSN Community Education Programs are open to everyone.
Our speakers have included: speech language pathologists; occupational therapists; ear, nose and throat doctors; special needs trusts attorneys; estate planning professionals; and others.
PDSSN hosts an annual Down Syndrome update meeting every January, at which Dr. Tamison Jewett presents the most current medical information available about Down syndrome.
Community Grants
PDSSN makes donations to groups that support people who have Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities.
Some recipients: Triad First in Families, Beyond Academics, The Special Children’s School, No Limits II Dance Club, Friday Socialites, and the Family Support Network.
Dress Down for World Down Syndrome Day
Please join us this year by encouraging companies and organizations to help promote the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome by “Dressing Down” on March 21st. We’ll be sending out more information by email soon.
March 21, 2014 marks the 9th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. This day was chosen to symbolize the third copy of chromosome 21 in Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome.
Last year, PDSSN celebrated individuals with Down syndrome in our community with our first Dress Down for Down Syndrome day.
The PDSSN Buddy Walk
Usually held in October which is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Promotes awareness, acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.
Fun for all includes: food, carnival games, music, magic shows, inflatables, train rides, and the famous talent show!
2013 Buddy Walk Results
Revenue Expenses Net
2013 Walk $55,220 $10,633 $44,587
2012 Walk $46,932 $10,388 $36,543
2011 Walk $22,048 $9,255 $12,793
2013 Accomplishments
Launched new website - PDSSN.org
Founded D.A.D.S. Group – Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome
Launched Dress Down for Down Syndrome
Implemented monthly Dine Out for Down Syndrome event
Held Most Successful Buddy Walk
Distributed Baby Bootie Boxes
2013 Accomplishments Continued
Received Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Programs of Excellence Award from NC Council of Community Programs for the Next Chapter Book Club
Selected by Leadership Winston Salem Action Learning Team for Board Development Project
Increased Community Awareness – magazine articles and PepsiCo donation
2014 Initiatives
Down syndrome awareness video
Support for Spanish speaking families
Leadership Winston-Salem Action Learning Board Development Project
Increase number and variety of social and educational gatherings
Build and expand partnerships with community organizations
Add No Limits II Dances to PDSSN’s programs
PDSSN Member Benefits
Support, social, and educational opportunities
Input and voting privileges regarding PDSSN issues
Information on Down syndrome, resources, and advocacy
Parent resource notebooks
Support if a family member is hospitalized
Scholarship funds to attend local and national conferences
Opportunities to be involved and make a difference!
Thank you!