News from and for the West Michigan Down syndrome community!
Fall 2020
As 2020 winds to an end, the DSAWM staff and Board want to extend an emphatic thank you to our extraordinary community. We've all had to learn to adapt this year, so we greatly appreciate everyone's flexibility and understanding as our programming and services have adapted as well. With the holiday season fast approaching, we hope you will all join us in coming together (virutally!) to celebrate the extra special talents of our extra special members at the DSAWM Member Holiday Talent Show on Sunday, December 8th. Let's bring this trying year to a close with joy and celebration!
Why I Want You To See My Child's Disability
Lindsay Filcik, Grand Rapids
Lindsay's daughter Ivy, like every person with Down syndrome, is more alike than she is different. But recognizing Ivy's unique needs is important and critical in changing the global perception of disability. Lindsay explains why.
The Soon-To-Be Newlyweds
Cody and Lisa, Grand Rapids
When Cody and Lisa met in 2016, it was love at first sight. Now, four years later, the couple are engaged and looking forward to their future as new homeowners in Grand Rapids.
My Sister Jeanie
Toni Masullo, Grand Rapids
DSAWM Intern Toni was seven years old when her Aunt Jeanie moved in with her family. At the time, Toni was unaware of the impact that Jeanie's extra chromosome would have on her life or the sister she was gaining.
Welcome to the Board
In August, the DSAWM Board of Directors accepted the nomination of two new members. Chloe Bayer and Niurka Diaz have both been active in the DSAWM community for many years and we are thrilled to welcome their passion and experience to our leadership team.
More News
Upcoming Events
DSAWM Member Holiday Talent Show
Sunday, December 6 from 1-2pm
COVID-19 Resources
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
Custom Profile

Edmund Lomasiewicz Trust

Global Down Syndrome Foundation

John E. Fetzer Institute

Knights of Columbus Council 3104

KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc.

Pals Socks

Penn Station East Coast Subs

Reeves Plastics, LLC

Samuel L. Westerman Foundation

Tall Tine Trucking

Team Financial Group

Tuff Cover

Mr. & Mrs. Drew Boersma

Mr. & Mrs. Brian and Cheryl Doyle

Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Julie Hackett

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey and Sally Harrold

Ms. Marilyn Karel

Mr. Richard Lacks

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Manion

Ms. Linda Peterson

Mr. & Mrs. Tomasz and Ewa Timek

Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Tracy Warsen

Ms. Rosann Pitchford
Sponsorships
Dan Vos Construction Company
Moms' Night Out, Dads' Night Out

Peggy LaPenna
Buddy Up Tennis

Lugers Family Foundation
Adaptive Water Ski Clinic, Rapid Runners

Meijer
Cooking Capers

Pridgeon & Clay
Cooking Capers, iCan Bike Camp

Red Glasses Movement
General Programming

The Scarlett Family in loving memory of Kelli’s friend Brooke Blake
Baby Sign Language, Book Club

Dan Vos Construction Company, DK Security, Best Financial Credit Union, Lakewood Construction, King Milling Company, MSU Federal Credit Union, Peterson Farms, Super Jay / I Am Me, Bill and Bobbi Blanton, Tom and Joan Hayes, Peggy LaPenna
Step Up for Down Syndrome

Miller Johnson, Buist Electric, DWH, Lakewood Construction, Langlois Construction, Macatawa Bank, Magna Mirrors, Mercantile Bank of America, Middleville Tool & Die, PADNOS, Plante Moran, Silver Bullet Firearms, Bill and Bobbi Blanton, Derek and Melissa Burgess, Todd and Melissa Hoefler, Mary Ann Keeler, Jim and Mary Nelson, Paul and Beth Taylor
Winners Cup (gift donated to general fund or reserved for 2021 due to event cancellation)
These donors made gifts or sponsorship commitments of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2020. 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