February 5, 2025

Though February is short, it is filled with

lots of love and sweet surprises!

Help us continue our mission to:

• Provide families with Down syndrome members with information and resources to enable them to access and evaluate appropriate services.
• Educate the public about Down syndrome.
• Address social policy issues and challenges facing the Down syndrome community.
• Facilitate and encourage active participation by self-advocates and families in the delivery of education, vocational, residential and other services for persons with Down syndrome.

Share joy within the Down syndrome community by supporting NADS.

In honor of Black History Month,

we want to hear from the community!

If you are part of the Black and Brown community and would like to make a difference, we would love to connect with you-

Join a group, volunteer, or simply provide photos of your child or family for our EBlast, resources, and materials by clicking the links below:  

COMING UP NEXT WEDNESDAY!!

DON'T FORGET TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS!

BULLS VS. Pistons



Wednesday, February 12^th 7:00 p.m. CT

Join NADS for a legendary group outing with the

Chicago Bulls!

Get your discounted tickets today -

you choose where you want to sit with your party!

A portion of each ticket purchase goes to NADS!

DON'T MISS THIS GREAT CONNECTIONS CALL!!

Social and Emotional Support for School and Home

Tuesday February 25th at 6:30pm (Central)

Hosted by:

Maggie Hanely, Social Worker

Jessica Mark, NADS Family Resource and Outreach Coordinator

You won't want to miss this amazing VIRTUAL program!

We're Having a PARTY for World Down Syndrome Day!!

Save the date and join us for a dance party on 3/21 at St Isidore Parish in Bloomingdale, IL!

More details to come!

THANKS FOR COMING OUT GUYS!!

We had an awesome time together this past Saturday - good friends, good food, and good fun!

If you'd like to join the NADS DADS crew, sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZwGv2Wv24TdtztPn6

Dear NADS Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I send out my final EBlast. It has been such a pleasure to have shared the last 3.5 years with all of you; the love I have felt within the Down syndrome community is immeasurable. Thank you for sharing your beautiful families with me through the photos you've sent in and at all our amazing events. I treasure every moment spent with you.

I now pass the torch on to Blair, the new Communications and Development Coordinator. Blair, I know you too will find joy in this great work, as NADS and the families it supports will become your extended family too.

Thank you all for the memories!

I am so truly blessed. 💙💛

Sincerely,

Ann Leonard

Do you have photos to share for our

#NADStrong  campaign?!

Please send them to aleonard@nads.org!

THANKS FOR COMING!

We had an awesome time together for

TRIVIA NIGHT!! 

JOIN US NEXT TIME!!

IN-PERSON GET TOGETHER ON FEB 12!!

Are you a Chicago Bulls Basketball Fan? 

If so, Come join NADS as we celebrate a night together cheering on the Bulls against the Pistons at the United Center!

COMING SOON:

When: Wednesday, February 26th 

What: Cooking with Chef Sofya

Time: 6:30p.m. Central  (note a half hour earlier) on ZOOM

When: Friday, March 21st 

What: Dance Party with DJ and Food 

Time: 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Central  

Where: St. Isidore's In Bloomingdale 

Interested in joining the SAIA Group?

SIGN UP HERE!!

Maximize Your Impact!

Did you know that 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs?!

Be sure to inquire at work about corporate donation matching! Many companies even allow employees to submit match requests for 1 year following the date of the donation!

CLICK HERE to see if your employer offers this option!

Help Spread Awareness All Year Long!

Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY presentation for your school or workplace!



NADS offers informative "Abilities Training" presentations to spread our message of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with

Down syndrome.

In-person and Zoom options available!

EMAIL ANNE FOR MORE INFORMATION

at areinertson@nads.org!

Don't Forget to Rock Your Socks:

Promote Down Syndrome Awareness through small donations!

Declare a special dress day and collect a small donation from each person who participates with proceeds to benefit NADS! And don't forget to take a photo of your group so we can share your Ds Spirit! 💙💛

Email Us for more information HERE!

If you would like to honor a loved one with donations to NADS, we would be happy to send you a packet of specialized envelopes for easy collection.

Email aleonard@nads.org for more information.

Celebrate your Birthday with NADS!

Don't need anything for your special day?

Spread the love you get from others within the Down syndrome community!

Designate NADS as a gift recipient by setting up a fundraiser on Facebook or by simply sharing this link with your friends and family:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/nadsdonation

Do you know a family that would benefit from NADS' Support and Services?

While we pride ourselves on partnering with 46 hospitals in the Chicagoland area, you don't have to work in the medical field to connect a family with NADS!

Family, friends, neighbors - if you know of someone who has or is expecting a child with Down syndrome, we would love to connect with them!

Grow Your NADStrong Community:

Come share your stories, triumphs, and challenges with other parents of babies and toddlers with Down syndrome!

(This group is exclusively for families whose children with Ds range from prenatal to age 4.)

This group is just for the guys! Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, Godfathers...

Join this group for a place

to share successes,

ask questions, or just hang with other men who have a loved one with Down syndrome.

Calling All Volunteers!!

Want to make a difference in the

Down syndrome community?

Come share your time and talent with us!

NADS is always in need of great people to help with events and activities! Please consider volunteering!

Click HERE to have a NADS member contact you!

We are proud to be the oldest

Down Syndrome Organization in the country!

For over 60 years, NADS has been a leader in the Down syndrome community. Please consider helping us carry out our mission: "To ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of community life."

Your tax deductible gift will help us continue to educate, congratulate, and spread our message. Thank you for

your kindness and support of the National Association for Down Syndrome.