My Nonprofit Reviews

The Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan College Station (DSABV has been exceptional in many areas of service: Support for families from infants to adults with DS, community awareness, social activities, financial assistance for special camps, etc. As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, the emotional support, educational opportunities for both child and parent, respite opportunities for families, sibling support, camp stipend assistance, sponsored social activities and parent support have been instrumental in maximizing the potential of my child. Additionally, the work of this group to enhance awareness of those with Down Syndrome and their high potential through their annual fund raiser, Buddy Walk, has been highly effective. Many students and families from the community participate in this event and are able to see first hand how capable people with Down Syndrome are. The slogan "We're more alike than different" is demonstrated concretely through the many activities this groups (DSABV) offers. The varied age group's needs are also taken into account with such classes for the younger children as handwriting (Handwriting without tears), to classes / games for slightly older to teach nutrition to those afflicted, to workshops for parents to teach our challenged teens about sex and safety, to formal dinner/dances to provide opportunities to learn about essential social skills as well as have a 'normal' social event (much like prom) where there is freedom to express themselves without judgement. The DSABV keeps me informed of legal issues arising and are extremely supportive in my establishing educational objectives for ARD's. They have arranged for experts to teach us about estate planning and the laws affecting our children. Last year I was able to travel to Orlando Florida to the National Down Syndrome Convention because of the support this group provided me. During this convention, I saw for the first time adults with Down Syndrome who were leaders, speakers at the Convention, living independently, and fully confident in expressing themselves and adapting to demands of life without assistance! My hopes were hightened for my 13 year old! All of these activities, experiences, services, opportunities are made possible because of the work and fund-raising that the BSABV does throughout the year; however, the funds do not reach as far as the list of desired opportunities. Often times, their are additional costs associated with children with Down Syndrome, esp. medical. My son is ill more frequently than most children, he has a heart defect and has routine MRI's, and heart testing, he wears bifocals and we special order frames that fit his face, etc. These added costs take away funds for 'extras' like the DSABV provides. Lastly, the time it takes to participate in mulitiple fund-raising activities is often difficult to committ to because of the extra time needed to spend on homework, review, and teaching opportunities. Your funding this organization would be enormously helpful in its being able to assist famililes with children with Down Syndrome. Please consider this a most worthwhile organization to support. It will go a long way in helping many families!

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