News from and for the West Michigan Down syndrome community!
Fall 2018
Can you believe we are less than two months away from 2019? This year has flown by! Your DSAWM staff has been hard at work in 2018 to bring back some of your favorite programs like iCan Bike Camp and Buddy Up tennis and offer you new opportunities like Step Up at the ballpark, summer OT and playgroups, and music therapy classes. Your response has been overwhelming--so much so that several of our programs filled up before sessions even started! We are working on a lot of exciting ideas for the new year and can't wait to share them with all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support this year. Happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Party next month!
Stepping Up to the Plate
Kevin Wadkins, Ionia
For years, Kynsee's Krew has been fundraising around the clock for Step Up for Down Syndrome. This year, the Ionia family's hard work paid off when they finally took home the coveted Step Up trophy.
Change for the Better
Chloe Peters, Forest Hills
As the only girl in a family of boys, Chloe spent most of her childhood enjoying the spotlight. After the birth of her little brother, though, she learned to embrace a new perspective.
Answered Prayers in a Coffee Shop
Lori Tepastte, Grand Rapids
When Lori's granddaughter was born with Down syndrome, she struggled to process the news. It would take a trip to North Carolina to understand the blessing she had been given.
More News
Thank You
DSAWM would like to thank our donors whose contributions this year have allowed us to expand our outreach and continue to provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support!
Special thanks to...
Winners Cup Sponsors
Aaron Veldheer
Brian & Hope Bayer and Family
Bob Boylen
Byrne Electrical
Carl & Kelly Jandernoa
Die Cad Group
DWH & Associates
EY
Fred & Elaine Cook
James & Mary Nelson
Jason & Jaimie Berris and Family
King Milling
Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Lakewood Construction
Langlois Construction LLC
Meijer
Michael Lomonaco
Middleville Tool & Die
Miller Johnson
PADNOS
Patty Heffernan
Silver Bullet Firearms and Training
Soraida Edwards
Spectrum Health
Steve & Brenda Heacock
Steve & Christy Sperry
Todd & Melissa Hoefler
Varnum
Wolverine Worldwide Foundation
Step Up Sponsors
B&B Truck Equipment
Best Financial Credit Union
Bill VanderPoorte, Coldbrook Insurance Group LLC
Dan Vos Construction Company
Elzinga & Volkers Inc.
Hadley
Lakewood Construction
Land & Company
MSU Federal Credit Union
Reeves Plastics
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Spectrum Health
Steel Systems, Inc.
West Michigan Eyecare Associates

General Donors
Bissell, Inc.
Cadillac Jeepers
EPS Security
Forest Hills Central High School
Gazelle Sports Foundation
Hawthorne Collection
Herman Miller Cares
Ionia Farm Power Club
Jandernoa Foundation
Joan & Tom Hayes
Judy & Richard Lacks
Maelee Nykerk
Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus
Rosann Pitchford
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
These donors made gifts of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2018. Listing as of publication date.
Coming Soon
Mark your calendar with these exciting dates!
2017
Member Holiday Party
Sunday, December 2
Click here for details
Protect Young Eyes Seminar
Thursday, January 10
Click here for details
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
233 Fulton St E, Ste 124 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
 616.956.3488 | victoria@dsawm.org | dsawm.org