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 provide a lifetime of support. You've heard about our Parent's First Call program, our Children's Services, and our new Tween Club in the Chippewa Valley, all available for people under age 18. DSAW also has the great joy of serving adults with disabilities. Tim is one of the adults who is exceeding expectations because of your support.
Tim is 28 years old. He has been working in the Horticulture Department at the Milwaukee County Zoo for nearly 5 years. He also works at MOD Pizza. Tim lives in his own apartment and recently invited his friends over for a Halloween party (pictured). He loves animals, gardening, playing basketball, and decorating his apartment for the holidays.
Tim is also a participant in DSAW's Person Centered Planning process. This approach helps individuals with disabilities to create a support team, identify their hopes and dreams, and make those dreams a reality. Certified coaches lead the participant and their chosen support team through a futures planning process, developed by the Center for Independent Futures, in which they investigate their dreams, obstacles, and goals, and then create an action plan. Now that Tim's team has created a plan, DSAW's Program Manager Lilly works with Tim weekly to accomplish his goals. They utilize the My Full Life online curriculum to track skill progress.
Some of Tim's goals include owning a dog, traveling to Graceland in Memphis, attending live music concerts, and moving into a bigger apartment. Lilly and Tim work on specific skills like time management, communication, and independent living to help him live a full life. Tim's mom Jackie said that the Person Centered Planning process "was a very helpful experience," that his relationships have grown stronger, and that DSAW "reinforced the importance of working together to help Tim realize his dreams." She adds, "We are very fortunate to have [Lilly] and DSAW working with Tim and with us to plan his future." If you or your loved one are interested in DSAW's Person Centered Planning, please contact Lilly.
Please consider DSAW in your year-end giving. You have the power to help people like Tim live the life of their dreams.
