My Nonprofit Reviews
AbilitiesPossibilities
Review for Alexanders Angels Inc, Jericho, NY, USA
As I stated last year, as President and Co-Founder of Alexander's Angels, Inc., I am proud of the achievements of our all volunteer, not-for-profit organization. What began as a project to start a Buddy Walk® in Long Island has blossomed into a full-fledged not-for profit organization. To address awareness issues in and outside the Down syndrome community--in addition to being the organizer of the annual Buddy Walk® an activity established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995--Alexander’s Angels, Inc. established two successful programs, the exhibition series DOWNrightART (see http://www.alexandersangels.org/id25.html) that showcases the works of artists with Down syndrome, and the symposium The Up of Down: An Insight Into the World of Down Syndrome(see http://www.alexandersangels.org/id38.html) that includes at least one self-advocate. By highlighting abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, Alexander’s Angels, Inc. aims to improve the way society perceives and defines individuals, that is, by their intrinsic value, not by their disabilities.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Alexanders Angels Inc, Jericho, NY, USA
As President and Co-Founder of Alexander's Angels, Inc., I am proud of the achievements of our all volunteer, not-for-profit organization. What began as a project to start a Buddy Walk in Long Island has blossomed into a full-fledged not-for profit organization.
Our family and friends met in January of 2007 after having received a contract to start a Buddy Walk in Long Island from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). The Buddy Walk is a trademarked event of NDSS. With the support of the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), the Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation (DSAF), and the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF), our project was quickly underway. On October 27, 2007, 560 people met at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow under deplorable weather conditions. Armed with umbrellas, covered strollers, and sheer determination, we defied the heavy downpours and windy condition and made history by walking for Down syndrome for the first time in Long Island. We incorporated in 2008 and received 501(c)(3) status in 2010.
To address awareness issues in and outside the Down syndrome community, Alexander’s Angels, Inc. established two successful programs, the exhibition series DOWNrightART and the symposium The Up of Down: An Insight Into the World of Down Syndrome. Consolidation of these projects in March 2012 generated DOWNrightART: Abilities and Possibilities, A Celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, an unprecedented event that attracted world-wide attention and participation in New York City. For nine consecutive days eighty pieces by 23 artists from around the world were on display at 28on27 in New York City. The exhibition, supported by the American Folk Art Museum in NYC, included paintings, ceramics, photographs, weaving, embroidery, and a sculpture on load by the American Visionary Museum in Baltimore. Not only did Alexander’s Angels attract international artists from around the nation and abroad, but it also gave a voice to a panel of self advocates who asserted their individual aspirations for their future; hosted a diverse panel of siblings who shared their hopes and concerns for their brothers and sisters; and facilitated a symposium on the latest advances of cognitive research. A film festival by Sprout that included award winning acting, and a concert by celebrity Chris Burke completed a two-day conference that covered a wide range of topics.
The broad scope of the program brought together, among others, people from Australia, Canada, the UK, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Connecticut, Long Island, and many other states. This group of people with different backgrounds and interests genuinely enjoyed and admired each other. While Dr. Michael Harpold kept the audience up-to-date on the progress of cognitive research, his admiration for the artists and the significance of the art exhibition was evident in his comment, “It was tremendous to speak with the artists and have an opportunity to be close-and-personal with their works.”
By highlighting abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, Alexander’s Angels, Inc. aims to improve the way society perceives and defines individuals: by their intrinsic value, not by their disabilities.
More Feedback
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
