1. Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network

2. Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network’s Mission
• Enhance the lives of people with
Down syndrome
• Provide information and support
to families and professionals
• Provide educational and social
opportunities for our members
• Educate the community to
promote awareness, respect, and
inclusion of people with Down
syndrome

3. PDSSN is a Support and Advocacy Group
Founded in 1987
Has grown and increased services to
others over the past 12 years
Became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization in 2005
While the main advocacy remains
on Down syndrome, welcomes
other special needs groups to many
activities

4. PDSSN Organization
In 2012, awarded a grant from the Winston-Salem Foundation and hired
a part-time executive director
Affiliations: National Down Syndrome Congress, the National Down
Syndrome Society, and the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
www.pdssn.com highlights our mission, programs, events calendar,
information about Down syndrome, and more.

5. Programs for Families Who Have Children
with Down Syndrome
Family Social Gatherings
Ladies and Guys Nights Out
PDSSN Member Scholarships
Sunshine Fund
New Parent Resource Notebook
Pre and Post Natal Program
Triad First in Family Funds
Seasonal Newsletters

6. Family Social Gatherings
Regular gatherings include:
• PDSSN family nights at area
restaurants
• A winter family gathering
• A summer family picnic
• Spring KIDS FEST
• Ladies Nights Out
• Guys Night Out

7. PDSSN Member Scholarships
PDSSN members can apply for
funding to attend national and local
Down syndrome related conferences.
Scholarship awards based on past
years involvement with the PDSSN.

8. Sunshine Fund
The PDSSN shows support
for families who are
hospitalized by offering
visits and a gift card to
assist families during their
time of need

9. PDSSN New Parent Resource Notebook
Provides comprehensive
information for ages birth through
adulthood
Lists I/DD related resources for the
surrounding six counties
Available in both English and
Spanish
Materials also available online at
www.pdssn.com

10. Pre & Post Natal Program
Available to any family whose child is diagnosed with Down
syndrome before or after birth
Provides up-to-date accurate written information as well as a
trained volunteer

11. Triad First in Family Funds
First In Families of North Carolina Believe, Achieve, Give Back.
TFIF offers support to families and individuals in Forsyth, Davie & Stokes
Counties. Support might be achieved by connecting them to community
programs, obtaining discounts and in some cases providing funds.
The PDSSN annually provides funds to TFIF that can be used for people
who have Down syndrome and their families in the 3 counties TFIF covers
plus Surry, Yadkin, and Davidson. Distribution of funds is determined by
the TFIF management team.
Eligibility Requirements:
Triad First In Families supports any family in which one
family member has a developmental disability or
traumatic brain injury.
The family/individual must be living in their own rented
or owned home, not in a group home.
Total household income cannot exceed $65,000 per year.

12. PDSSN Programs Open to the Community
Exceptional Families Program
Next Chapter Book Clubs
Community Education
Programs
Annual Down Syndrome
Update
Community Grants

13. Exceptional Families Program
Partnership with Family Support Network
Meets 10 times a year on the 4th Thursday of
the month from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the
Little Creek Recreation Center
Guest facilitators support discussions
regarding topics of interest to parents of
children who have intellectual and
developmental disabilities
A light supper and childcare are available
but reservations for both are required
Professionals are welcome and Infant
Toddler Credit is available

14. Next Chapter Book Club
Promotes literacy and encourages
friendships among adolescents and
adults with intellectual disabilities.
Members meet for one hour a week
at local bookstores, coffee shops
and cafés to read and discuss a
book of their choosing.
Anyone can participate, no matter
their reading or ability level.
Two trained volunteers facilitate
each group.

15. Community Education Programs
PDSSN Community Education
Programs are open to everyone.
Our speakers have included:
speech language pathologists;
occupational therapists; ear, nose
and throat doctors; special needs
trusts attorneys; estate planning
professionals; and others.
PDSSN hosts an annual Down
Syndrome update meeting every
January, at which Dr. Tamison
Jewett presents the most current
medical information available
about Down syndrome.

16. Community Grants
PDSSN makes donations to
groups that support people who
have Down syndrome or other
intellectual disabilities.
Some recipients: Triad First in
Families, Beyond Academics,
The Special Children’s School,
No Limits II, Friday Socialites,
and the Family Support
Network.

17. PDSSN Representation on Community Committees
CenterPoint’s Consumer & Family Advisory Committee
CenterPoint’s I/DD Advisory Committee
TFIF Management Team
Forsyth County Special Needs Planning Committee
Family Support Network’s Local Collaboration Team

18. The PDSSN Buddy Walk
PDSSN’s largest annual fundraiser
Held in October which is Down
Syndrome Awareness Month
Fun for all includes: food, photos,
carnival games, live bands, magic
shows, inflatables, and the famous
talent show

19. 2012 Buddy Walk Results
Revenue Expenses Net
2012 Walk $46,932 $10,388 $36,543
2011 Walk $22,048 $9,255 $12,793

20. 2012 Accomplishments
Held most successful Buddy Walk
Tripled our membership
Increased community awareness
Launched PDSSN Wine

21. 2013 Initiatives
Increase number and variety of social and educational gatherings
Welcome each new family with a PDSSN Baby Bootie Box
Launch D.A.D.S. – Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome
Build and expand partnerships with community organizations
Produce our first PDSSN Calendar

22. PDSSN Member Benefits
Support, social, and educational opportunities
Input and voting privileges regarding PDSSN issues
Information on Down syndrome, resources, and advocacy
Parent resource notebooks
Support if a family member is hospitalized
Scholarship funds to attend local and national conferences

23. Thank you!