Looking Back on April

April was full of more successful events! Here’s some of the fun things DSAW staff and members were able to do!

Rad Rec Group

Our Rad Rec Group enjoyed a couple of fun events this month. Rad Rec events occur throughout the community at many of our local partnerships in Southeastern WI. This month a fun afternoon was spent at the Majestic in Brookfield to watch the movie, “Champions”, a movie with a great message and featuring individuals with Down syndrome. Another day was spent with peers practicing social and community skills at the Domes and then playing card games at the DSAW office.

Play Day at Monkey Joe’s

DSAW families and kids had a great time coming out to play at Monkey Joe's in Waukesha this month! Kids had fun exploring and playing on giant inflatable jump to slick slides, rockin’ arcades, and jungle playgrounds. There were plenty of smiles to go around!

Self- Advocates hard at work

We love our self-advocates, employments services, and the job coaches that support them! This duo is a team: Reini Ruiz (taller) and Nyan Krumree. They work at Neu Tools in New Berlin and are two amazing young men! They were recognized by DSAW’s Job coach Stephanie Gross in April.

DSAW-Sheboygan "Run With Angels" Event A Huge Success!

DSAW-Sheboygan was chosen to be the beneficiary of the Run with Angels Dinner and 5K. This yearly event is hosted by the Blind Horse in Kohler in memory of the General Manager's daughter who passed away in 2015. DSAW participants were able to honor an individual with Down syndrome or a loved one who they’ve lost. The walk/run in their honor allowed family members to be surrounded and supported by so many others who share in a similar journey.

The June 8, Thursday night dinner included both a voice and silent auction. Then on Saturday, June 10th the 5K run/walk was open to the community and provided a great space to showcase our organization. It was heartwarming to see the love and support that there is in our community for our mission!

Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference

Dawn Nuoffer, President/CEO of DSAW was one of seven presenters at the Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Engauge Workforce Solutions in Menomonee Falls, WI. The conference attendees included business leaders who were looking for information on hiring neurodiverse individuals for openings in their workforce.  The conference also featured business leaders who have expanded their talent base to include individuals with neurodiverse talent. 

Presenters Included:
Peter Rathmann, CEO of Allis Tool & Machine Corp
Emma Rathmann – Prolec GE – Waukesha Electric
Corryn Manderfield, HR – Wisconsin Metal Parts
Katie Malnight, Chief Operating Officer of Engauge Workforce Solutions
Anny Kerr, Production Recruiting Manager – Rockwell Automation
Dawn Nuoffer, CEO of Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin Goldhmong Vang, Director – MATC Uniquely Abled Academy

The goal of the conference was to have peer-to-peer dialogue around employing neurodiverse individuals. Attendees heard testimonials on the benefits and value of hiring people with neurodiversity’s.

May 2023

Engauge providing key opportunities to workers with disabilities

Engauge Workforce Solutions is partnering with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) to help provide classes and training for people with diverse abilities. Engauge provides customized training opportunities to help individuals expand their skills and ensure they have the knowledge and support to succeed in their new position. For more information about DSAW's partnership with Engauge

Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS)

DSAW provides one-on-one services, group classes, small groups, and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages across the state of Wisconsin. Click the buttons below To explore current programming options in your area contact your DSAW Case Coordinator or click on the button below to see all our statewide programing.

DSAW Connects Virtual Education

The DSAW Connects program, our premier online program offering, provides multiple types of curriculum and activities for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities across Wisconsin. Courses are geared for ages 12 and up, although individuals of all ages are welcome to try the classes. To view all our virtual offerings, click the button:

Statewide Virtual Support Groups

DSAW provides FREE virtual family groups for people who have a loved one with Down syndrome across Wisconsin! To view all our offerings click the button below:

Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference

Dawn Nuoffer, President/CEO of DSAW was one of seven presenters at the Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Engauge Workforce Solutions in Menomonee Falls, WI. The conference attendees included business leaders who were looking for information on hiring neurodiverse individuals for openings in their workforce.  The conference also featured business leaders who have expanded their talent base to include individuals with neurodiverse talent. 

Presenters Included:
Peter Rathmann, CEO of Allis Tool & Machine Corp
Emma Rathmann – Prolec GE – Waukesha Electric
Corryn Manderfield, HR – Wisconsin Metal Parts
Katie Malnight, Chief Operating Officer of Engauge Workforce Solutions
Anny Kerr, Production Recruiting Manager – Rockwell Automation
Dawn Nuoffer, CEO of Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Goldhmong Vang, Director – MATC Uniquely Abled Academy

The goal of the conference was to have peer-to-peer dialogue around employing neurodiverse individuals. Attendees heard testimonials on the benefits and value of hiring people with neurodiversity’s.

Looking Back on March 2023

March was another busy month filled with several events as we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day statewide! Each chapter organized and hosted a WDSD event where families gathered to show their love, support, and appreciation of their loved ones who rock an extra 21st chromosome! Read on to see how DSAW and families across the state celebrated World Down Syndrome Day this year!

Central - World Down Syndrome Day Movie Night

DSAW Central celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a movie night at Cedar Creek Cinema in Rothschild, watching the new movie Champions! The movie is about a former minor-league basketball coach who’s given a court order to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Despite his doubts, he soon realizes that together they can go further than they ever imagined. It was a perfect way to acknowledge those we love with Down syndrome !

 

South Central - Gallery 21

DSAW South Central hosted Gallery 21, a night featuring photographs of loved ones with Down syndrome showcasing them in action! The evening was a huge success with over 150 attending the event, which included staff and volunteers!

 

Fox Cities - WI Herd Game

DSAW Fox Cities celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with an exciting Herd basketball game! DSAW was selected as the official Non-Profit of the night and attendees within the DSAW Fox Cities group got to participate in a post-game picture on the Wisconsin Herd court!

 

Chippewa Valley - Celebration at Action City

There was a large turn out for the DSAW Chippewa Valley WDSD event on Sunday, March 26! About 150 people got together at Action City in Eau Claire for all kinds of fun, followed by a pizza lunch, prizes, and water park adventures. Nice to see so many happy families!

 

Sheboygan – Swim Party

DSAW Sheboygan celebrated World Down Syndrome day with a fun afternoon of swimming at the Sheboygan Falls Aquatic Center! It was great to see everyone who joined us! We appreciate all the families who came to recognize WDSD with us!

 

Southeastern – Water Park Party

The DSAW Southeastern Pool Party was a big splash! We had 266 people join us at The Springs Waterpark at the Ingleside Hotel as we celebrated our loved ones with Down syndrome! We’re grateful for everyone who came and helped make it a successful day!

La crosse – “Under the Sea” themed party

DSAW La Crosse made a splash for World Down Syndrome Day with an “Under the Sea” theme party! We had a fun day with crafts, treats, and games!

 

Green Bay – Celebration at the Kroc Center

DSAW Green Bay celebrated World Down Syndrome Day at the Kroc Center with a pool party! We had a great turn out and had a blast spending time together as a community!

What's new in 2023? Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Dear Friend,

You can continue to help our friends with Down syndrome and other disabilities to live the BEST LIVES EVER in the New Year. We are looking forward to 2023 and to the future of DSAW! Here are just a couple of the exciting initiatives that we are working on to continue to reach people across the state of Wisconsin.

Expansion
As demand for our programs and services continues to grow, we are hiring more staff and expanding more services across all of our chapters! In 2023, we will be launching new programs, classes, and events around the state. Stay tuned

Think Ability Wisconsin
We can't wait to ramp up the work we are doing with our 350+ partner network on the new Think Ability Wisconsin (TAW) initiative in 2023! TAW will address workforce issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in counties across our state. This project will include the development of an online transition resource center; the creation and expansion of digital learning platforms to teach job skills; the expansion of on-the-job training and placement programs; the expansion of workforce development and wraparound services across WI; the formation of partnerships and coalitions; targeted awareness campaigns to change perceptions of people with IDD in the workforce; employer education to increase job access and expectations; and more! Click here to learn more about Think Ability Wisconsin.

Exciting things for our loved ones with Down syndrome and other disabilities are coming in 2023! When you donate to DSAW, you support the futures of our friends with disabilities.

Thank you for supporting the BEST LIVES EVER for people in Wisconsin in 2022. We can't wait to see what we can do together in 2023. Happy New Year!

PS - Don't wait! Consider DSAW in your year-end giving today. Our friends need you!

 

Annual Appeal: Best Life Ever

Please consider a year-end donation to DSAW

When you donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, you fund life-changing programs and services for people with Down syndrome and related disabilities of all ages across Wisconsin! You can help them live the BEST LIFE EVER. You've heard about some of the amazing services that DSAW offers families like the Parent's First Call program, Aging Services, and Employment Services.


George and his family have been involved with DSAW for over 15 years. Over the years, George has attended DSAW community events, Tween Club, summer camps, and has learned to self-advocate by attending several of DSAW’s online classes.


He loves the circle of friends he has met and enjoys typical teen activities like attending dances, sleepovers, watching movies, or just hanging out (while playing on their phones). Not only has George made wonderful friends but his mother has as well.


Kristi, George's mother shared, “DSAW has been a godsend to us. I don’t know what we would have done without this organization. DSAW has given George and our family such strong fraternal support and a community that is always there to help lift us up when needed.”


Please consider DSAW in your year-end giving. You can support people like George to live and enjoy the BEST LIFE EVER!

Annual Appeal: Best Friends Ever

Please consider a year-end donation to DSAW

DSAW touches thousands of lives across Wisconsin every year through programs, services, education, resources, and support. One of our service departments is DSAW’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which provides programming like group instruction courses, virtual education, daily living skills training, and small groups in the Milwaukee, Madison, and Northeast WI regions (coming soon to new areas of the state!).

DSAW’s HCBS Small Groups provide an opportunity for self advocates to join together with 2-4 peers and explore their communities and interests! This is a terrific way for them to make wonderful friendships and learn about their communities.

Brian and Matthew enjoy spending time together and engaging in a wide variety of activities, which would not be possible without this program. Some of their favorite activities are going to the water park, bowling, and the zoo. They both anxiously watch the activity calendar each month and look forward to the next adventure.

In addition, DSAW staff support them in the community to learn important skills like using money, paying for services, eating out, and more. These programs have helped both Brian and Matthew become more social and less isolated. Brian and Matthew have formed such a strong bond that they now consider each other the BEST FRIENDS EVER!

You can provide those with Down syndrome the opportunity to meet their Best Friend Ever by making a donation to DSAW this holiday season.

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Syble Hopp student featured in Times Square for Down Syndrome Awareness Month

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Our friend Preston Taylor was featured on screens in Times Square on Sept 17, 2022, thanks to National Down Syndrome Society! The video presentation, featuring 500 self-advocates from across the country, and was live-streamed on their Facebook page at 8:30AM that same day. Our friend Norman from the Milwaukee area will be featured as well! To watch the whole story, follow the link:

Syble Hopp student featured in Times Square for Down Syndrome Awareness Month | WLUK (fox11online.com)

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Local teenager with Down Syndrome wins body building pro card!

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Our friend Fiona Daniels took home second place in two categories at her first national bodybuilding competition! Fiona is also the first teenager with Down syndrome in the country to earn a pro card in bodybuilding. Congratulations Fiona!! For the full story follow the link below:

Local teenager with Down Syndrome takes 2nd in national bodybuilding competition (news8000.com)

 

2022 Giving Tuesday - Best Community Ever

After a long few days of buying and spending, today we focus on giving back to our communities. To show you the power of your gift, we'd like to tell you about our Parents First Call (PFC) program.

Katie, knowing she had a very unique situation with her pregnancy at age 20; prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis; several medical complications; and single parenting, decided to join DSAW’s Parents First Call program. Katie was introduced to a strong network of families and advocates near her community in La Crosse, WI. She had to learn quickly how to build a support network to ensure her and her baby's needs were met.

Katie wanted to support other parents with similar circumstances. So over the past few years, she has been connected with several parents through the Parent's First Call support parent program and through social media platforms with DSAW's La Crosse Chapter. Connecting with another parent who has a child with Down syndrome can be one of the most helpful resources a parent will have – it can help make their journey a little easier. DSAW trains support parents and matches them with new and expectant parents who are looking for resources and support. 

Katie has enjoyed being a support parent: “These connections provide families a sense of knowing, community, and empowerment through peer support, information sharing, and resource connection. I am so grateful for DSAW and the PFC program.”

Having the BEST COMMUNITY EVER for DSAW’s families is so important.

When you make a gift to DSAW, you offer support to families in the moments following their diagnosis. You provide them with the Best Community Ever through the support parent network of DSAW's Parent's First Call program. Will you give that gift of hope to a family this Giving Tuesday? You can even designate your donation to a specific DSAW chapter!

2022 Giving Tuesday Best Support Network Ever

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day set aside to give to organizations that impact our lives. When you donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, you fund life-changing programs and services that help our friends and families through every step of their life.

Dementia was pretty early stage. Barb and sister Kathi from this year.

Several years ago, Kathi started noticing signs of slow-progressing Alzheimer's disease in her sister Barb. As Barb's Alzheimer's disease progressed, Kathi gravitated toward DSAW programs and services related to aging and Down syndrome and found the BEST SUPPORT NETWORK EVER!


DSAW’s Aging Services have been expanding programs in order to better serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families with a number of educational opportunities, resources, support groups, and more. In 2022 we launched the Aging & Caregiver Group, a place where families and caregivers can connect with others to ask questions, get advice, and find the support they need as their loved one with Down syndrome ages. Click here to learn more information or signup for more support.

Photo of Barb with her sisters Kathi and Meg in 2015

Having DSAW’s programs and services like the Aging and Caregiver Group helps families like Barb’s not feel alone and gain support from others on a similar journey. Kathi expressed, “There has been very little out there for middle-aged and older adults with Down syndrome and for individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease (or any intellectual or developmental disability and dementia). DSAW was one of the first organizations to really start collecting and disseminating this kind of information and now, finally, other organizations are doing the same. And, as I said, just sharing experiences with others who "get it" helps emotionally and psychologically.”

When you make a gift to DSAW on Giving Tuesday, you fund programs and services that not only support participants but their families across Wisconsin!

2022 Giving Tuesday Best Job Ever

Every year, you make it possible for DSAW to serve 5,500 people with Down syndrome, related disabilities, and their families across Wisconsin through the provision of services, education, resources, and support. Will you commit to making a gift to DSAW to support these life-changing programs? Giving Tuesday is just a week away - November 29th!

In the spring of 2022, Joshua (21 years old) started working with DSAW as he transitioned from the 18 to 21-Year Old Transition Program at Verona Area High School. He started working closely with DSAW job coaches Nina and Tricia, helping him be successful at the two BEST JOBS EVER, working at Dahmen’s and Kwik Trip in his community. The team meets every few weeks to discuss his progress and any new phases.

With each job, Joshua has different duties and tasks. At Dahmen's restaurant, he vacuums the ballroom and golf simulator rooms, cleans tables and chairs, and wipes down menus. He also sweeps off the deck and wraps silverware in napkins.

At Kwik Trip, Joshua is known as the "Muffin Man." He is in charge of refilling the muffin bins. He also wraps and labels bars with price stickers, stocks buns, separates cheese, and cleans around the store. See Joshua in action at Kwik Trip.

Joshua has grown more comfortable at his jobs and is becoming more independent. His mother Kate shared, “As parents of children with Down syndrome know, every stage of helping your child grow is an adventure for you, always having to advocate with new people and new philosophies.”

When Joshua is not busy working, he loves listening to music, dancing, and playing Special Olympics golf with his Dad. He also loves spending time with his twin brother and older sister.

DSAW staff works with individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities in their jobs, homes, and communities. We work with all ages on daily living skills, job training, goal setting, and so much more. 

When you make a gift to DSAW on Giving Tuesday, you fund a wide range of life-changing services that support thousands of people like Joshua across Wisconsin.

Looking Back on September 2022

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! For now, we are looking back at a busy September! We hosted four of our eight Down Syndrome Awareness Walks last month and had a great time celebrating our Down syndrome community. Our fall programs began, and participants were busy with Skills Training Academy, Rad Rec Events, and more! Read on to learn all about it!

Down Syndrome Awareness Walks

This September, we had four of our Down Syndrome Awareness Walks in Central Wisconsin, Green Bay, Chippewa Valley, and the Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Each year, DSAW hosts eight Down Syndrome Awareness Walks across the state of Wisconsin, drawing more than 8,000 walkers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners across the State under one collective mission – to raise awareness and promote inclusion, diversity, and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in our communities and in our lives. We are immensely proud of the success of our Walks this year — check out photos from the four September Walks below!

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Summit

Our President and CEO Dawn Nuoffer appeared at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Wisconsin Economic Summit to speak about Building a Robust Workforce. Dawn emphasized that many statistics demonstrate how incorporating more people with disabilities into the workforce benefits everyone!

Skills Training Academy

Our fall programs began at the start of September, and Skills Training Academy in Southeastern WI is happy to be back! Skills Training Academy participants are using the My Full Life curriculum platform to track and log their progress on skill-building in the following areas: Connections, Fun & Talents, Wellness, Getting Around, My Place, Community Engagement, Earning My Way, and Lifelong Learning.

Wellness 360

Wellness 360 also returned in Southeastern Wisconsin this September! This course works on Daily Living Skills while bringing a wide range of recreational activities to people of all abilities ages 18+. So far, Wellness 360 has visited a honey farm, play pickleball, made fresh apple pies, gone hiking, and more!

Small Groups

Our Respite Small Groups are having a great time this fall! In September, we went mini golfing and played billiards! One of our Friday groups also joined the Rad Rec Events group for a dance party!

Rad Rec Events

Participants in our Rad Rec Events series have been very busy — going bowling, watching DC League of Super-Pets at the theater, painting Kindness Rocks, attending Glow Night and competing in a rowing contest to raise money for adults with disabilities, apple picking at Apple Holler and dancing at Lifetime Fitness followed by lunch at the Olive Garden. Everyone is making friends and having fun in the community!

Looking Back on August 2022

 Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! From farm tours to fundraising to fun outdoor activities, August was a full and successful month with virtual and in-person events! A great time to be outside before it gets too cold, several crowd-pleasing locations were reserved for DSAW family and friends.  Read on to find out more about the events that were enjoyed throughout Wisconsin this August!

State

Fall program registration opened in August! Our DSAW Connects virtual programming provides fun and educational curriculum for the entire state, and our in-person programs and services are available in Southeastern WI and South Central WI! Information about our Fall Programs is listed in our website: https://www.dsaw.org/programsfall2022

 

2022 Pip & Homer Golf Classic

This year, the 26th Annual Pip & Homer Golf Classic outing was held at the award-winning, Club Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc. With a newly redesigned course and clubhouse, owner Tyler Morse was excited to be able to host the event this year. Having a daughter with Down syndrome himself, he’s very passionate about DSAW's mission. The day was spent on the beautiful course, filled with fun games, chances to win big prizes, delicious food, and a beautiful program. Tom Pipines, retired Fox sports anchor, and Steve “The Homer” True, sportscaster for ESPN, helped to put on this wonderful, successful event!

Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk Fundraiser

DSAW Sheboygan kicked off the the first Awareness Walk of the season August 6th. The Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk fundraiser was held at Harbor Pointe Miniature Golf with kid-friendly balloon artists and grab and go snacks. Through all the support and generosity of those in the community, we were able to raise $18,422 that will be used to support families in need, send new and expectant parent packs at no cost to parents who received a Down syndrome diagnosis, and continue to be able to provide DSAW Sheboygan’s services.

Fox Cities Summer Park Meet Up:  Erb Park Playground, Appleton WI

The Erb Park Playground in Appleton offers family fun for local kids and adults! With slacklines and climbing features, interactive music, cornhole, ping pong tables, tennis courts, and more the park provided provided a day of fun for DSAW families to gather and enjoy a variety of activities and relaxation.

Green Bay

Aug Fundraiser: Happy Joe's Pizza has been a wonderful supporter of DSAW-Green Bay over the years! On Thursday, August 25th, Happy Joe’s held a fundraiser to support DSAW Green Bay. Customers could donate to DSAW by dining in or ordering on-line for carry out or delivery. When placing an order on August 25, customers just needed to mention DSAW-Green Bay and Happy Joe’s would donate 20% of the sale to the Green Bay Chapter.

The Billboard Winner for the Green Bay Walk was announced in August.  Congrats to last year's top fundraising team Dexter & Chromies! The billboard was featured on highway 172E by the Oneida St. exit and ran until Sept. 24th.

Sheboygan

HUGE SHOUT OUT to the Sheboygan North Golden Raiders Football. The Golden Raiders presented a check for $500 to DSAW-Sheboygan. The 50/50 raffle proceeds from the Aug 19th game were donated to DSAW-Sheboygan. We would like to thank the parents, students, and our community for helping the Football program raise funds for the Sheboygan chapter.

South Central

Monday Meet Up
Rotary Botanical Gardens

EXPLORE!, a new recurring event happening every other Monday, is about discovering the world around us! Families visit a variety of locations in multiple counties across South Central WI to expand their knowledge of our surrounding communities. The first Monday of August, participants visited the Rotary Botanical gardens where they learned signs and sang some songs. The event, in Janesville, was free to individuals with down syndrome and related disabilities. 

Green County at DeVoe Farm in Monroe

Our second EXPLORE! event was in Green County at the DeVoe Farm in Monroe. Participants got to experience farm life firsthand at this 2,000-acre working dairy family farm feeding calves, gathering eggs, and meeting the livestock. The tour included peacocks, guineas, ducks, pigs, goats, a donkey, and snacks and goodie bags for kids!

La Crosse

Family Picnic at Trane All Abilities Park
A family fun picnic at Trane All Abilities Park was held August 20th from 11am-4pm. The All Abilities Trane Park is an all-inclusive park with various playground structures for individuals of all ages and abilities. The park boasts play equipment exhaustively researched and carefully selected for its ability to accommodate everyone – including those with limited mobility and special needs.

Looking Back on July 2022

We’re looking back at July! It’s been a busy month! We’ve hosted meet-up events, social events, and fundraising events across the state! Our EXTRAordinary Camps have been taking full advantage of the summer and celebrating Carnival Week and Shark Week, among other themes. We now have 10 small groups running every week in Southeastern WI! Read on for all the details!

Fox Cities Park Meet-Up

DSAW-Fox Cities had our 2nd summer park meet-up at the Sherwood Splash Pad this month! It was a bit cool for the kids at the splash pad, but everyone still had a great time. Our next meet-up is on August 20th at Erb Park!

South Central Small Group!

DSAW-South Central has started our first-ever in-person small group, and they are quite the musical talents! We are excited to continue the growth of our services in the greater Madison area. Email katieg@dsawfamilyservices.org if you are interested in more information on what’s coming to South Central WI!

South Central Golf Outing

DSAW-South Central also held an extremely successful Golf Outing this July at The Oaks Golf Course. Golfers had the chance to beat WKOW's senior chief meteorologist Bob Lindmeier on a hole to be entered into a prize drawing. You can read more about it at WKOW 27! It was a wonderful day of golfing in support of DSAW -- special thanks to all of our staff and volunteers that made it possible and to our attendees and sponsors for their support!

Southeastern WI Down Home BBQ

This July, we hosted our annual Down Home BBQ at DSAW HQ in West Allis. It was a great summer day filled with food, music, games, water fun, crafts, and more! We are so grateful to our volunteers that made the day run smoothly!

Southeastern WI Milwaukee Milkmen Game

This month, DSAW had a perfect day to be featured as the Milwaukee Milkmen non-profit of the game! We gathered at Franklin Field to watch the Milkmen take on the Sioux City Explorers, and our friend Nate threw out the first pitch and got it right over home plate!

EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp!

Our North Camp has been filled with lots of fun and learning! We’ve had field trips to the science museum, the beach, wetland reserve, and bowling! Participants have been making paper, lemon volcanoes, painting, swimming, and much more.

We had so much fun at MKE camp this month! Week one in July was Carnival Week where all participants got to play different carnival games, make their own snow cones, and got to be apart of an Improv performance with Bob Orvis. Week two for this month was Shark Week where they learned about all different kinds of sharks and summer safety, learned about big emotions, played pin the fin on the shark, and played shark volleyball. Week three was Games Galore where they learned about respect, decision-making skills, and got to play a lot of different games. The last week for this month is Water Week where they got to have a water day at DSAW, water gun painting, water balloon fight, sponge relay races, played duck duck splash, and so much more!

East Camp is having SO much fun playing games, celebrating Carnival Week & Shark Week, and our second field trip to the waterpark! We invited in some new friends this month to our camp and taught them all about teamwork and being a good sport!

Rad Rec Events

We have been having a blast in our Rad Rec events which included Improv with Bob Orvitz, a Chinooks baseball game, swimming at Muskego Park and at Ingleside indoor waterpark, hiking at Lapham peak, bowling and a dance party at Lifetime Fitness. Thank you to all who participated and to the staff who have helped with the fun!

Social Skills Group

Social Skills groups this month learned how friendships are like flowers and then visited the Milwaukee Domes, learned about respect and then played outdoor games at the office, learned about lifting up their friends while knocking down pins at the bowling alley, and learned about the importance of quality time while hanging out with their friends at the local park!

Small Groups

We now have 10 small groups up and running each week! Our small groups have been busy with art projects, playing pool, picnics in the park, bowling, mini golfing and more! Want to get involved with a small group? Contact info@dsaw.org for more info!

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Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Telephone: 414-327-3729
Fax: 414-327-1329
Email: info@dsaw.org

 

Headquarters Address
11709 W Cleveland Ave, Suite 2
West Allis, WI 53227

Headquarters Office Hours:
The DSAW office is open most days for programs and classes. DSAW staff is currently working in a mixture of in-person and remote work, so please call or email to set up an appointment before stopping by!

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