News from and for the West Michigan Down syndrome community!
Winter 2019
2019 is going to be an exciting year for DSAWM! We kicked things off by hosting the Protect Young Eyes Seminar in January and will be hosting a potty training class next month. Looking forward, we are thrilled to be offering several new events and experiences for DSAWM members. Stay tuned for further announcements about Shakin' It with Sammy, the Member Talent Show, Fishing Derby, and Holiday Party coming soon. We are also incredibly excited to be a charity partner with this year's River Bank Run. This unique opportunity will bring more exposure to DSAWM and the West Michigan Down syndrome community. More details about how you can be involved with Team DSAWM below. As always, thank you for your continued support.
Here's to a rockin' 2019!
This Is Us
Chad Burnside, Hudsonville
Chad Burnside wants you to know something: He loves his son exactly the way he is. As right to life cases are heard across the country, Chad implores you to know that without his son his family would not be complete.
Back Up on the Growth Curve
Marci and Kevan Bahr, Hudsonville
At eight months old, Connor Bahr stopped gaining weight. After seeing no progression with traditional feeding methods, Connor's parents decided to give feeding therapy a try. What a difference that decision has made!
Article written by Eve Clayton and courtesy of Spectrum HealthBeat. Photography by Chris Clark.
Hearts for Service
In January, the DSAWM Board of Directors welcomed two new members. Lisa Glover and Florine Paul may be a generation apart, but both agree that loving and supporting individuals with Down syndrome has led them to where they are today.
More News
Coming Soon
Mark your calendar with these exciting dates!
Catch Air Fundraiser
Sunday, February 10
Click here for details
River Bank Run: Team DSAWM
Saturday, May 11
Click here for details
New Year, New Programs!
We want to make each year better than the last, so in 2019 we are offering several new experiences for our members. Here's a sneak peek at just a few of the things we have in store!

Shakin' It with Sammy
Coming very soon!

Member Talent Show
Spring 2019

Fishing Derby
Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Sunday, June 9

Member Holiday Party
at an exciting new location:
Grand Rapids Public Museum!
Sunday, December 8
Thank You
DSAWM thanks our donors whose contributions allow us to expand our outreach and provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support!
Special thanks to...
General Donations

Bath Fitter
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Tuff Cover
Walmart
Mr. & Mrs. Drew Boersma
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas and Margaret DeCamp
Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Deecy Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Grant and Jeanne Vander Veer
Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Tracy Warsen
Sponsorships

King Milling
Winners Cup, Step Up for Down Syndrome

 Richard and Judy Lacks
Moms' Night Out, Dads' Night Out

Lakewood Construction
Winners Cup, Step Up for Down Syndrome

Lugers Family Foundation
Baby Sign Language
These donors made gifts or sponsorship commitments of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2019. Listing as of publication date.
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
233 Fulton St E, Ste 124 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
 616.956.3488 | victoria@dsawm.org | dsawm.org