News from and for the West Michigan Down syndrome community!
Winter 2021
Well, 2020 is finally over and we hope you are all feeling some renewed hope in the new year. At DSAWM, we have had a busy start to 2021 by moving our office in January from downtown Grand Rapids to the new Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center in Cutlerville! You can read more about the fantastic opportunities this move creates below. While we are eager to push ahead and focus on the future of our organization, we know that covid-19 continues to create questions and concerns, especially for our community. Know that we are advocating for you and working hard to share updates and resources of value to our families. Ours is a community built on resilience and together we will continue to weather this storm. We invite you all to join us on March 21st in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day for a fun-filled and activity-packed virtual event! We can't wait to see our community there!
Endless Possibilities Await
Victoria Hart, DSAWM
2020 brought many changes for DSAWM, including a change of address! As we continue unpacking and settling into our new space, our staff and board are excited for the many opportunities the move will create for our community.
My Story of Grief and Transformation
Lara Kitts, Ada
Lara loves her daughter Taylor with her whole heart, but her journey as a parent has not been easy. In this moving article, Lara candidly shares the mental and emotional challenges unique to parents who are raising a child with special needs.
We Have to Make the Best of This
Molly VandeWater, Wyoming
For the past year, our daily routines have been put on hold as the pandemic has forced us all to change how we interact with one another and our community. Our intern Molly chats with us about how she has learned to adapt.
Staff Spotlight: Jennifer DeVault
DSAWM Executive Director
Jennifer DeVault has served as the DSAWM Executive Director since 2017. Earlier this month, she was elected to the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Board where she will join professionals and advocates from across the country in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the DSAIA and organizations it serves.
More News
Upcoming Events
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21
COVID-19 & Vaccine Resources
Covid-19 continues to be a major public health concern, but with the vaccine rollout underway relief is on the horizon. For many in our community, underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems make the threat of the virus even greater. Because of this, many of our members are understandably eager to receive the vaccine. Since last spring, DSAWM has been sharing resources with and advocating on behalf of our community to ensure individuals with Down syndrome do not fall behind in the pandemic response.
Thank You
DSAWM thanks our donors whose contributions allow us to expand our outreach and provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support!
Special thanks to...
Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.

Dr. Christopher Cahill and Jill Cahill

Doug and Tracy Warsen

Lugers Family Foundation

Team Financial Group, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Manion

Mr. & Mrs. Drew Boersma

Nic Veldkamp

Sidney Jansma III and Sharin Jansma

Jordan Thelen

David and Marilyn Lochner

Alice Bayer

Fred and Elaine Cook

Michael and Deecy Smith

Mike and Donna Holtvluwer

Tuff Cover

Brian and Cheryl Doyle
These donors made gifts of $500 or more to DSAWM during our 2020 Year-End Campaign or since January 2021. Listing as of publication date.
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
160 68th St. SW, Ste. 110 | Grand Rapids, MI 49548
 616.956.3488 | victoria@dsawm.org | dsawm.org