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!
