Dear families,
We are reaching out with some exciting news to share! The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSADE) and the Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group (DSIG) are now one organization. Going forward, our local community will be known as the DSA of DE, Delaware County Chapter.
Many of you know that for years, our two groups have informally and formally partnered to support families in the region. Now, we’re making that partnership official. This change brings Delaware County greater support, expertise, and resources to strengthen our community. The boards of both organizations agreed that we can do more for our families together than apart.
While this means some exciting changes, there are a lot of things that will stay the same. Our local events will remain in Delco, and the same people who have always run them will keep running them. Delco families will not have to travel to Delaware, unless they want to. The Delco Parents and Members Facebook group is staying, too.
Here’s what’s new:
- No more membership dues! Taking part is free for every family.
- Paid, local staff. Lauren DiPasquale has joined the DSADE staff, and her focus is Delaware County. She’s your first call.
- A real voice. Christa Ventura now chairs the new Delaware County Advisory Committee. It will be made up of Delaware County families and guides local programming and priorities. Kelsey Mango has also joined the DSADE Board of Directors.
- Support at every age. You now have access to DSADE’s prenatal and new-diagnosis support, adult services coordination, Spanish-language outreach, and webinars. Many of these are available virtually.
- Favorite programs, closer to home. We’re working to bring popular DSADE programs to Delco, including cooking classes, Friday Night Friends, and iCan Swim Camps. You’ll soon be able to enjoy them without crossing the state line.
If your child is getting close to finishing school, you already know how much support ends when school does. DSADE has an adult services coordinator who works with families on that transition. DSADE also offers social and skill-building programs for teens and adults.
We have one request. Please fill out our family intake form so we have your current information and can keep you posted on programs and events. It’s free, it only takes a few minutes, and your information stays confidential. All current and new Delaware Country families will need to register.
Finally, you are invited to join us for an adults-only celebration and Q& A session at our Delaware County Chapter Launch on October 27 at the Aston Fire Department. You’ll see familiar faces ready to answer questions you may have, along with some new faces—including Executive Director Lauren Camp Gates who will share what’s ahead for Delaware County. RSVP Here.
Please visit the new Delaware County Chapter of the DSA of DE website for more information and be sure to check out the FAQ section on the site to help answer some of the questions you may have. And you can always feel free to reach out to Lauren DiPasquale at delco@dsadelaware.org or 610-304-1953 (call or text) with any additional questions.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Sincerely,
Lauren Camp Gates
Executive Director, Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
Christa Ventura
Chair, Delaware County Advisory Committee
