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Down Syndrome Family Network:
- A local parent-run group that, with the support of the Arc Fox Cities, provides information, resources and opportunities for families of individuals with Down syndrome
- Provides new parent information packets to four area hospitals (St Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton Medical Center, Theda Clark Medical Center, Aurora Medical Center)
- Maintains an email group to keep families informed of local and statewide resources, services, organizations and activities
- Maintains a blog http://dsfn.blogspot.com/
- Offers social gatherings in community settings
- Provides opportunities for group contact or individual meetings with families
Parent contact Maria Steenepoorte, Ph. 920-418-5533, msteenepoorte@new.rr.com
Other organizations serving families of individuals with Down Syndrome
DOWN to Earth -- a parent support group in Oshkosh. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30pm, at the Ability Resource Center, 115 Washington Ave, across from the library and Masonic Temple, downtown Oshkosh. Guest speakers are frequently scheduled. Childcare is available. DOWN to Earth is a parent-run organization, supported by Arc-Winnebago County Disability Assoc., Ph. 920-236-9230.
PROUDs (Parents, Relatives and Others Understanding Down Syndrome) -- a group in Green Bay that meets about four times a year for social activities. Parent contact: Samantha Platkowski, Ph. 920-405-8680, sam@newiwire.com .
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, WI. (866)327-DSAW, www.dsaw.org
National Down Syndrome Society – 666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. (800)221-4602, www.ndss.org info@ndss.org
National Association for Down Syndrome -- PO Box 4542, Oak Brook, IL 60522-4542, (630)325-9112, www.nads.org
Band of Angels -- a foundation that sells self-published inspirational books, cards and a calendar featuring children with Down syndrome to support the primary task of distributing welcome baby packets free-of-charge to families. DSFN will be including this gift in new parent packets for hospitals in the Fox Cities region. Help support Band of Angels (and DSFN) by purchasing items on www.bandofangels.com
Youth Programs
Creative Play: For ages 3-12. Held every 4-6 weeks. Spend a day with us in a fun, festive environment socializing and learning with others at the Menasha site. Contact Lisa McCallister at 920-725-0943.
Kidz Klub is a collaborative after-school program between The Arc Fox Cities and area school districts targeting children in Elementary Schools. Piloted in the Neenah School District in 2007, Kidz Klub is now being expanded throughout the Fox Cities. Kidz Klub is a social group for youth with and without disabilities which is held at a school within the district. Youth from other schools in the district can take advantage of the specialized transportation that will deliver them to the activity. Parents can then pick their child up from the school where Kidz Klub takes place, without having to leave work to transport them in between. At Kidz Klub, youth are involved in cooperative games and positive interaction with peers. Their social circle is expanded by their exposure to youth from throughout their community. Contact Lisa McCallister at 920-725-0943. for more
Parents Night Out Held the first Friday of every month, it's a chance for parents to have a night out with other parents of youth with disabilities while their children are having fun with trained staff. Parents can enjoy music and pizza at Harmony Café while there kids are next door at the multicultural center. Contact Lisa Murphy at 920-725-0943 to find out more information.
Teen Stop is an expansion of Kidz Klub (see above) targeting students in Middle Schools. Contact Lisa McCallister at 920-725-0943. for more information.
YARC: Young adults ages 13-23 with and without disabilities meet regularly throughout the month for educational, social and recreational activities in the community and at the Menasha site. Activities include pottery, games, physical fitness, community service projects, etc. Contact Lisa McCallister at 920-725-0943.
Adult Programs
Adult Programming: This program develops self-esteem, social skills and healthy lifestyles by providing educational, cultural and recreational opportunities to increase community involvement. See calendar for dates and activities at the Menasha site. Contact LeeAnn Stein.
People First Fox Cities-Menasha: Menasha chapter of self advocates learning how to impact their community. Meets second Tues of each month 6-7:30pm at Menasha site contact LeeAnn Stein at 920-725-0943.
People First Fox Cities- Appleton: Appleton chapter of self-advocates who meet to learn how to impact their community. Meets first Thursday of every month at 6:15-7:30 pm at Appleton Public Library contact Lisa Murphy at 920-725-0943.
Respite: Offered one full-day and one half-day per month. A typical program offers structured activities and fun as well as respite for caregivers. Contact LeeAnn Stein at 920-725-0943.
Camp Programs
Camp Onaway:
Campers age 14 and up are welcome to attend Arc Camp Onaway near Waupaca for a week of swimming, boating, games, crafts, music, fishing and fun each summer. Contact LeeAnn Stein or Lisa McCallister at 920-725-0943.
Camp Nan A Bo Sho: Campers ages 13 -21 with and without disabilities spend a week at YMCA Camp Nan A Bo Sho in Lakewood, WI. for a week of water fun, games, crafts, music each summer. Contact LeeAnn Stein at 920-725-0943.
Special Olympics
Basketball, softball, soccer, bowling, gymnastics, power lifting and more are offered throughout the year for athletes and teams to participate in. See calendar for location and times. Contact Linda Kay Catenacci at 920-725-0943.
This is the uniform for the Special Olympics teams of The Arc Fox Cities
Kids on the Block
An educational puppet program, which performs for young children throughout the valley providing a fun twist to educating youth about differing abilities, medical concerns and social issues. Available upon requests for schools, youth groups, churches. Contact Lisa Murphy at 920-725-0943.
Copyright 2007 The Arc Fox Cities • Last Updated