Meet Hannah

Hannah at work

Hannah at work

DSAW touches the lives of more than 5,500 people with Down syndrome and their families across Wisconsin through the provision of services, education, resources, and support. One of those people is Hannah.

Hannah and her family found a home at DSAW over 10 years ago. Hannah's mom, Liz, loves that DSAW provides a "safe, fun,and accepting space where staff encourages Hannah to learn, try new things, and express herself."

Hannah participates in many of DSAW's programs and services. But none of them would have been possible for Hannah without DSAW supporters like you!

  • "I have been in the summer Life Skills and Laughter class, and I took the Health and Wellness class. I am in Young Leaders Academy (employment skills training) and the Meals, Money, and More program. The programs I take help me learn a lot!"

  • DSAW-Family Services provided job coaching to help Hannah secure a job that she LOVES in the floral department at Pick N Save: "I like my job coaches because they answer my questions if I need help, they pay really good attention, and they help me with solutions that help me do better at my job."

  • Through DSAW's Peer Sensitivity program, Hannah visits schools to teach kids about Down syndrome and how to treat friends with disabilities.

When you make a gift to DSAW, you fund a wide range of life-changing programs and services that support thousands of people like Hannah around the state. 

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Now that Hannah is out of school, Liz is thankful for DSAW's programming that allows Hannah opportunities for continued growth and development of new interests. "The people in this organization are committed to Hannah succeeding! It has made a big difference in our vision of the future knowing that Hannah can try new things and there will be supports available who will help her succeed!"

In the future, Hannah dreams of living in her own apartment and of having a boyfriend. Liz hopes that Hannah will have an active life full of opportunities for learning and will be independent but surrounded by friends, family, and creative support people when she needs them. As Hannah's family looks toward the future, so does DSAW.

Look what we've done together in the last 30 years. We've built a strong, vibrant community and developed life-changing programs and services. With your gift to DSAW, you will help people in the next 30 years to find a home with DSAW and to realize their dreams. Their dreams of sustainable housing options. Of meaningful employment. Of care and resources for loved ones as they age. Will you make a year-end gift to support Hannah's dreams and the dreams of our friends with Down syndrome across Wisconsin? We couldn't do it without you!