Thanksgiving is just two days away. As you prepare your turkey (or tofurkey!), take some time to reflect on the things for which you are grateful.
Jennifer’s family
For ten years, Jennifer has been thankful that she found a home with DSAW-Fox Cities. When she moved to the Fox Cities area in 2009, she was afraid. Would there be anyone with Down syndrome there? Would her son Noah ever play sports? What would life be like? Ten years ago, DSAW's Fox Cities chapter was a small group of families who immediately reached out to Jennifer and welcomed her into their DSAW home.
Today, thanks to their incredible board members and volunteers, DSAW-Fox Cities is on fire. The chapter started several new programs in 2019, including a wellness class, summer camp, and the launch of DSAW-Family Services in their area. They threw a record-setting Awareness Walk and host a thriving "Teen FrienDS Club." Over 150 individuals have participated in their summer therapy programs over the last five years. They've distributed more than 15,000 shirts over the last seven years to local schools in order to promote inclusion and to raise awareness of the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign. These programs are replicable and can be implemented in your community!
Jennifer’s sons Noah and Tanner
As for Jennifer's fear that Noah would never play a sport? Noah has played with Miracle League of the Fox Valley for 9 years thanks to a Sports Participation Grant from DSAW-Fox Cities. And as for her worry that there wouldn't be anyone with Down syndrome in her area? Their community has grown so large that it's hard to keep track of everyone!
DSAW-Fox Cities and DSAW chapters across the state have helped so many families like Jennifer's to find a home with DSAW. As all of DSAW's locations continue to grow, imagine how many individual lives we will touch together in the future!
When you support DSAW, you support people like Jennifer. You support families who are scared and are looking for a community network. Will you consider making a gift to DSAW next Tuesday? You can even designate your gift toward a specific chapter!
