November News & Updates

Your CRDSS Board

Introducing our newest members

Michele Dunleavy

I am honored to be part of such an extraordinary organization and excited to focus my efforts on the For Good Troupe! I’ve interacted with our performers in the past through Let’s Dance! – the community movement workshop sponsored by Penn State’s Center for the Performing Arts. I work in a variety of dance forms including tap, jazz and .....

Dennis Shea

I'm looking forward to being a part of the Board and contributing in any way I can, anticipating opportunities to apply my experiences in strategic planning, communications, development and financing. I've lived in Centre County for more than 30 years and have a passion for our region. In the past I've served on the boards of Centre Volunteers in Medicine .....

John Moses-Brownson

I am thrilled to be joining the Board of CRDSS! My stepson has benefitted greatly from participation in the For Good Troupe and other activities, which we look forward to continuing. At Penn State, I work with students working toward careers in the health professions, and serve on the National Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the National Association for Advising in the .....

Read full introductions >

For Good Troupe

PERFORMANCE!

Saturday December 10th, 11am

Fairmount Auditorium, State College

In its second decade, the For Good Troupe offers an opportunity for persons with Down syndrome to participate in musical theater and performance activities, while offering our community the opportunity to celebrate these successes.

Join us for the upcoming show! We are so pleased to be back on stage at the Fairmount Auditorium and hope to see you there!

Flyer with Details >

For Good Troupe Website >

photo of dress rehearsal of For Good Troupe

A sneak peak at a recent rehearsal!

Alternative Christmas Fair!

University Baptist & Brethren Church

Sunday December 4th 10:30 – 2 pm

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 and are encouraged to shop the array of nonprofit organizations represented. We invite you to stop by the fair for conversations & refreshments, and be reminded of the incredible missions serving your community!

The program has been 'virtual only' for the past two years, so everyone is excited to be back for this 'in-person' event. Organizers are keeping the online giving component too so anyone can participate from anywhere during the virtual event.

List of 31 Participating Organizations >

Online Giving runs December 4 - 18 >

An Essay on Ableism

by Heather House

Did you know that ableism is kind of a problem WITHIN the Down syndrome community? Meaning, even though we are all in the same Ds boat, we are still comparing our kiddos’ "accomplishments” and holding up those who are doing amazing things (like running marathons or getting married) as shining examples of how it will all be just fine, when there are other people with Ds who simply won’t get there.

It's tricky. The reason I was......

Read the full article here >

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

The Dailies Share Our Words Too!

Submitting an OpEd or Letter to the Editor to our regional daily newspapers is a great way to get our messages out to a broader audience. CRDSS Board Member Alison Smith did just that this month, reflecting on the tremendous gains of our movement in October.

OpEd in Centre Daily Times >

Member

Holiday Party!

Saturday, December 3rd

Free for members & immediate family. Reservations required by 11/28 at 7PM.

Complete details w/menu >

RSVP HERE >

Sponsor Spotlight

Jersey Shore State Bank

Jersey Shore State Bank has been a proud supporter of the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society for many years. Glenn Fisher, a Commercial Loan Officer at JSSB, and his daughter Brooke have taught us the importance of what this organization means to our community and how JSSB’s contributions can make a difference. We at JSSB want to help these families live their best lives while using resources that the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society offers.

Karen Young, President

photo of Glenn, Margie and daughter Brooke Fisher

Pictured above, May 2021. Glenn and Margie Fisher with daughter Brooke. Brooke serves on the CRDSS Board of Directors as our self-advocate.

Thank You CRDSS Sponsors

Your Annual Support Makes an Impact!

Boyles Insurance ~ Christine Bouley, Coldwell Banker Town & Country ~ Collegiate Pride ~

Geisinger ~ Ian Smith Painting ~ Jersey Mike's ~ Keystone Payroll ~ Lotsa Laffs ~

Dr. Marla Moon & Heimer, Fiore, Turco Eye Care ~ Northwest Bank ~ Pediatric Dental Care ~

Reliance Bank ~ RE/MAX Centre Realty ~ Restek ~ SAS Geospatial LLC ~ The Sign Factory ~

Skills of Central Pennsylvania ~ Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak ~ Strawberry Fields ~ Truist Bank

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