September 5, 2024

DSG PROGRAMS AT-A-GLANCE

BUDDY WALK®

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (WALK AT

2:00 PM) | TOYOTA STADIUM IN FRISCO

BUDDY WALK®

PRESENTED BY

The 2024 Dallas Buddy Walk® is only TWO months away! We invite you to join us for a rock star celebration of all people with Down syndrome this fall. The event rolls into Toyota Stadium in Frisco for one day only on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm.

The Dallas Buddy Walk® is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas bringing together more than 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and community supporters annually. The event features family-friendly activities like inflatables, music, games, face painting, vendor booths, and more for kids and adults alike. The event also includes an awareness walk around the outside of the stadium at 2 pm.

Participants are encouraged to form teams consisting of family members, friends, and other community supporters leading up the Buddy Walk®. Registration and additional donations assist in raising funds that support vital programs for people with Down syndrome and their families across North Texas. Proceeds from the Dallas Buddy Walk® benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas in helping provide information, resources, and support to more than 2,600 people with Down syndrome and their families across North Texas. A small percentage is also donated to the National Down Syndrome Society to support national advocacy, resources, and programs that benefit our local community.

Registration is $21 for ages 13 and older, $3 for kids ages 12 and under, and free for individuals with Down syndrome. Registration is REQUIRED for entry into Toyota Stadium and includes access to all event activities, awareness walk, and a commemorative event t-shirt. Online registration closes October 11. Please see other important deadlines, team prizes, and how you can support our amazing Buddy Walk® teams below.

All DSG families and friends are invited to the 9^th annual Mason’s Troop Buddy Walk® Benefit on Sunday, September 22, from 1-9 pm at the Rhinestone Saloon in the Stockyards. All ages are welcome for live music, face painting, silent auction, raffle, and more all benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

This year, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is participating in Communities Foundation of Texas' North Texas Giving Day, an online giving extravaganza for our whole region.

During the entire month of September leading up to North Texas Giving Day, you can make your gift early through Early Giving! The platform makes it simple and easy to schedule your gift September 1-18.

Why Give? Your generous donation helps the Down Syndrome Guild provide:

• resources, support, and connection for families with a new diagnosis
• World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kits for educators and classmates
• educational seminars and conferences for caregivers, educators, medical professionals, and more
• monthly social programs for adults with Down syndrome
• iCan Swim and iCan Bike summer programs
• and so much more

Without the support of individual donors and community supporters like you, many of these vital programs would simply not be possible. We appreciate your support as we work together to advocate for a community where all people with Down syndrome are valued and included.

FAQ: Can my donation count toward my Buddy Walk® team?

Yes! Your donation through NTX Giving Day may be applied to your Buddy Walk® team if you include the team name in the "Notes" section at DONATE. In fact, the Buddy Walk® team raising the most funds on NTX Giving Day will have their team name printed on the back of our 2024 commemorative event t-shirt. Funds can be raised either directly through your Buddy Walk® team page or through the NTX Giving Day site. If donating through the NTX Giving Day site, your team name MUST be included in the "Notes" section.

FOR FAMILIES IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD - SCHOOL AGE YEARS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | DOWN SYNDROME GUILD OFFICE | NO COST

NEW PARENT CONNECTION FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 0-2 YEARS

Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 0-2 are encouraged to join us to connect with other families and learn about resources in our community.  This informal session will give parents the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from DSG alumni parents who have graduated beyond the baby/toddler years.  This roundtable format offers plenty of time for Q&A and discussion with families in a small group setting who understand and share your greatest challenges, fears, and joys.

Schedule:

12:00 - 12:15 pm - Arrival & Lunch Served

12:15 - 12:30 pm - Introduction to the DSG

12:30 - 2:00 pm - Open Discussion/Q&A

Lunch will be provided. Please note that childcare is not available at this particular event; however, babies are more than welcome to accompany parents. Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, November 6. Questions? Please contact Shannon Beckmann.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |

THE NATURE & RETREAT CENTER - PLANO

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 0-12

Cost: $5 per person, free for children with Down syndrome.

The Down Syndrome Guild invites families with children ages 0-12 who have Down syndrome to join us for a fun-filled holiday celebration! Families can enjoy a light breakfast, make a holiday craft, create their own hot chocolate, and more. Plus, everyone will have the chance to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Registration opens October 24, 2024.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration closes Monday, December 2, 2024 (or until event fills up). If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Hannah Fredette.

FOR ADULTS WITH DS AGES 18+

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | THE NATURE & RETREAT CENTER - PLANO | $10 PER PERSON

BOOTS & BOWTIES GALA FOR ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 18+

Registration opens October 24, 2024.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration will close on Monday, December 2, 2024, or until the event is full. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Hannah Fredette.

Dust off your cowboy hat and pull on your dancin’ boots! We are so excited to be hosting our 7th Annual DSG Gala for self-advocates ages 18 and older.

This year, the theme will be Boots & Bowties! Adults will eat a fantastic catered dinner, enjoy the photo booth, make new friends, and dance the night away. Dates are welcome and invited! Plus ones are not required to have Down syndrome and may be a peer buddy, similar aged sibling, boyfriend/girlfriend, or friend. Plus ones are required to be 18 years of age or older. Peer volunteers will also be in attendance.

Dinner will include:

• Light Herb Chicken (GF, DF)
• Mashed Potatoes (GF)
• Fresh Steamed Broccoli (GF)
• Rolls
• Garden Salad with Ranch
• Dessert (GF, DF)

Attire: Denim is acceptable, cowboy boots, hats, dresses, and bowties—anything that fits the theme! We love when guests dress to impress.

FOR ALL AGES

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | A PARK NEAR YOU | NO COST

COMMUNITY GROUPS IN THE PARK

Families of the DSG will be hosting park playdates in your community. All ages are invited to attend this informal playdate to meet other local families while enjoying some outdoor fun. Read below for more information and register your family for the park that is closest to your home!

Bring the family and get to know others in your community on Sunday, September 8 from 2 pm - 4pm at a park near you! Families of the DSG have volunteered to host park playdates in your community and staff will not be present at locations. Please register for a park that is closest to your home. The hope is that you will meet and connect with other families in your area. All ages are invited to attend this informal playdate to meet other local families while enjoying some outdoor fun (weather permitting).

We encourage families to bring their own water, juice, snacks and any additional toys/balls/picnic blankets your family may need! Childcare is not provided and parents are required to stay with their children. The park will be open to the public during this time. 

Registration will close Thursday, September 5, 2024. Registration is encouraged. If you have any questions, please email Hannah Fredette.

Miembros del Grupo de Familias Unidas

(en español) estarán presentes en los siguientes parques para ofrecer apoyo

de traducción si es necesario. Windhaven Meadows Park, Virginia Weaver Park, and Jakes Park Pace. Si tiene preguntas,

envíe un correo electrónico a 

grupo@downsyndromedallas.org.

BUDDY UP TENNIS & PICKLEBALL

The DSG is proud to support Buddy Up Tennis Dallas and NEW Buddy Up Pickleball in McKinney. Please click each flyer below for complete details on both programs and how to register. Questions? Please contact DallasTennis@buforlife.org for Buddy Up Tennis Dallas and MckinneyPickleball@buforlife.org for Buddy Up Pickleball in McKinney. A HUGE thank you to the local volunteer Program Coordinators for making these opportunities possible for our North Texas families.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS

DS-ASD PARENT ZOOM MEETINGS

STARTING IN SEPTEMBER

Hosted by Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, their monthly DS-ASD Parent Zoom meetings are going to start up in September. They are going to be breaking them up by age. They will continue to be the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm EST (7 pm CST), except for November and December due to the Holidays. See full schedule below. Please email dsasdinfo@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to join one of the group zoom meetings.

FROM OUR NATIONAL DS ORGANIZATIONS

EN ESPAÑOL

Estrategias para Ayudar a Niños con Síndrome de Down a Desarrollar de Habla y Lenguaje

Jueves, 19 de Septiembre | 5 PM CST

Certified Speech and Language Pathologist Jamilet Figueroa, CCC-SLP

GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation

En esta sesión la Licenciada Figueroa explicara como es el desarrollo del habla y el lenguaje en niños con Síndrome de Down y la importancia del desarrollo de las habilidades de comunicación. También mostrará estrategias para el desarrollo del habla y el lenguaje que se pueden implementar en el hogar. 

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is proud to support our partners in the disability community by sharing opportunities hosted by other local and national organizations. Please click each flyer to learn more.

BEGINNING THIS FALL

SMU BEST BUDDIES

Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to enhance the lives of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion, friendship, and advocacy.

SMU's Best Buddies “friendship club” is seeking community members (18 and older) with IDD to participate in monthly events and also match in one-to-one friendships. Best Buddies at SMU will plan all of the fun monthly group activities for buddies to attend.

To become a member of SMU Best Buddies, individuals with IDD (ages 18+) need to fill out an application using this link: https://forms.bestbuddies.org/4903689?ChapterAcctID=0014P00003IipFoQAJ

Questions? Please contact Lauren Lazar, SMU Best Buddies Chapter President.

SPOTS OPEN NOW

FRIDAY NITE FRIENDS RESPITE

Friday NITE Friends is a free respite care program providing support to families with children who have medical and special needs plus siblings. Applications are accepted from families with children who have medical and special needs, age birth to 13 years old. Once accepted into the program, the children with medical and special needs may stay in the program until they turn 15 years old. Siblings may stay until their 12th birthday.

The program brings together skilled nursing care and energetic, loving volunteers to care for children in a safe and nurturing environment. Friday NITE Friends meet Friday evenings from 6-10 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church. Space is limited, and families MUST submit an application and be accepted into the program before attending.

Friday NITE Friends also hosts a unique program called Overflow. Overflow meets periodically to provide a special time of social interaction and fun for older teens with special needs.

For complete details and to submit an application, please see brochure below or visit the Friday NITE Friends website at https://fridaynitefriends.org/.