In this season of gratitude, Centre Region Down Syndrome Society Leadership is pleased to extend a heartfelt thanks to All Our Village! This year you made a huge difference by helping us grow and prosper in so many ways. We are rich with volunteers, program & event planners, families supporting families, generous donors, supporters & sponsors, technical assistants, and LOVE. We are honored to be part of such an extraordinary group and ready to focus fresh efforts on the year ahead.

We're Hiring!

Dear CRDSS Community, It has been my honor and pleasure to serve this association since early last year. As I depart at year's end to ease into retirement, your leadership is busy searching for the next Director. What a tremendous opportunity for someone to step into this role to serve, inspire, create and achieve! CRDSS is strong with committed leadership, engaged members, promising programs & established development to fuel the work ahead. Please consider this rewarding role....and help spread the word. The announcement is on the website homepage and linked below.

Lauren Smith


Position Summary: The Director is the sole employee and face of the organization and works with the Board of Directors to achieve the Society’s stated mission, goals, and objectives. The Director advocates for our members, provides strategic direction, fully engages the board, organizes events, leads fundraising efforts, delivers programming, and oversees daily operations to fulfill the mission. We seek a leader with high energy to maintain and build relationships with members, donors, and volunteers.

Job Announcement & How to Apply >

Lauren, at her first (and easily last!) Karaoke attempt, at the CRDSS Summer Carnival earlier this year.

Two Essays

by Heather House

This month we bring you two of the ten essays Heather wrote to share with friends and family in October 2023, encouraging them to contribute to her daughter’s Centre Region Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Team, “Fiddlehead’s Fans.” Indeed, they were one of the top 10 Fundraisers.

Day 6

This child. She gets it in her head she’s going to learn how to do something and she does not quit until she can do it. You need to know this: people who have Down syndrome set their own goals and can figure out how to achieve them. I did not know this for a long time.

Read the collection here >

"Our Stories" will share essays, accounts, experiences, reflections and more. We invite our community to submit an entry to info@crdss.org

Member Holiday Party!

Saturday, December 9, 2023

10:00 - 12:45PM

Wyndham Garden, State College

A delicious Breakfast Buffett

along with Dancing, Crafts & Santa!

We are pleased to once again offer this fabulous holiday tradition for members, immediate family and caregivers. This year's party will feature a breakfast buffet, dancing with DJ Troy Breon, crafts for the kids & an appearance by Santa with gifts for members and our young guests! All member families are invited and registration is free, and required by 12/4. Please state dietary restrictions when registering.

Complete Details w/Menu >

RSVP Here >

Sponsor Spotlight: Skills of Central PA

Skills of Central PA creates opportunities and believes everybody has the capacity of becoming the best version of themselves. Their supportive staff partners with people and families in their journey to overcome obstacles. As a premier health and human services organization, they strive to help people living with behavioral health, intellectual or developmental challenges. Their vision is to redefine the industry through innovation, partnership, and inclusion, making people their number one priority.

 

"We have forged an ever-growing partnership with the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society and while we have provided programs and services for over 60 years, the annual Buddy Walk has emerged, recently, as one of the most anticipated and enjoyable events for the people supported by Skills. The Centre Region Down Syndrome Society activities enhance the lives of many families each year, in perfect harmony with the mission and goals of Skills. We are grateful to be aligned with such a compassionate group of members, volunteers, and participants that keep the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society a vibrant organization."

~ Mike Lysakowski, Skills of Central PA

Alternative Christmas Fair!

University Baptist & Brethren Church

State College, PA

Sunday December 3, 2023

10:30am – 2:00pm

CRDSS is pleased to participate in the Alternative Christmas Fair once again – a remarkable event that for the last 40 years has given people the opportunity to contribute to nonprofit organizations as an alternative to purchasing stuff for holiday giving. The 'shopper' will be supplied gift card(s) reflecting their donations to spread the joy with their gift recipients. Guest at the Fair are encouraged to shop the array of 30 nonprofit organizations represented and everyone can participate online. What a joy to be reminded of the incredible organizations & missions serving our communities! The online giving option runs from December 3 - 16 via the link below. Bookmark it!

Participating Organizations >

Online Giving Here, Dec. 3 - 16 >

Our For Good

Performance Troupe

...off to a great start this season!

Now in its second decade, the For Good Performance Troupe offers an opportunity for persons with Down syndrome to participate in musical theater and performance activities, while also offering members of the community the opportunity to observe, participate in, and celebrate the success of our performers. We are off to a great start this season and held a "Fall Showcase" for friends and family earlier this month, to share the numbers and exercises we are practicing in preparation for a Big Spring Show on stage for the public next April.


We are excited for the Big Spring Show, as we will be performing in tandem with Roots of Life Performing Arts Ensemble, a group of State College Area School District students that embrace and celebrate West African dance and drumming, broaden horizons and form lasting bonds.


What A Show!

Stay tuned for news of this extraordinary performance

and opportunity to enjoy both ensembles next Spring!

Thank You CRDSS Sponsors

Your Annual Support Makes an Impact!

Advanced Center for Surgery ~ Angel Hunter/HEALTH ~ Boyles Insurance ~ ChicoryLane Collegiate Pride ~ Elliot's Entourage ~ Jersey Mike's ~ Keystone Payroll

Padgett Business Services ~ Pediatric Dental Care ~ Reliance Bank ~ RemCare Anesthesia

SAS Geospatial LLC ~ The Sign Factory ~ State College Rotary Club

Details on how to join these supporters >

Support CRDSS Now!

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is a vibrant, hands-on organization

that provides individuals who have Down syndrome and their families

the tools, resources, and support necessary to participate in, contribute to,

and achieve personal health and fulfillment.


Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

Lauren Smith, Executive Director

lauren@centreregiondownsyndrome.org

www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org

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