February News & Updates

Plan to join us for this evening 3-21 Celebration Dance! We will enjoy a Pizza Dinner, DJ Dance Party, Photo Booth, Games, Crafts, Face Painting and more! Bring the whole family and some friends too! This is a free event but your RSVP is required (so we can best plan!) All individuals with Down syndrome that pre-register will receive a special door prize, and everyone that rocks crazy socks, our annual tradition, will receive a special gift!

World Down Syndrome Day >

Event Flyer >

Deadline to register for free admission: March 19th (but please register now!)

Welcome Interns!

We are pleased to welcome two Interns this semester from Penn State University College of Health and Human Development. Meet Felicity Kibaya (pictured left) and Mia Reine, who will be supporting our Community Outreach work by focusing on: developing a database of contacts in early intervention and intermediate unit programs in our central PA region; reviewing our resource materials shared with a variety of audiences to ensure proper inclusion and emphasis; and researching how other organizations ‘intake’ new members, to help CRDSS put best practices in place for welcoming families to our community. Their interest in and passion for our work is inspiring!

NEW Facebook Group

for Caregivers and Advocates

CRDSS has launched a private Facebook group for Caregivers and Advocates of those with Down Syndrome. Sprung from a request to have a safe space for sharing and receiving feedback, this group offers a local focus rather than some of the larger online support groups out there. It is our hope this group will foster better connection for our community by providing an efficient way to engage in discussion, meet new families, arrange meetups, and more. 37 members have joined so far...and counting!

If you are a parent or caregiver to a person with Down syndrome and interested in joining this group, reply to this email and we will send you a link to join. Or you can find the group through our Centre Region Down Syndrome Society page on Facebook.

Roots of Life

State College, March 26

Our For Good Troupe is exploring forging a closer connection with the local Roots of Life Performing Arts Ensemble. As described on their web page (link below), "Roots of Life has delivered such mesmerizing displays of entertainment and enlightenment. Students from elementary to high school come together to embrace West African dance and drumming, broaden horizons and form lasting bonds.”

For anyone interested in learning more about Roots of Life, they are having their final showcase on Sunday March 26 at 3PM at Mount Nittany Middle School. We’ll post the flyer on our website calendar when available.

Roots of Life >

Thank You CRDSS Sponsors

Your Annual Support Makes an Impact!

Boyles Insurance ~ Christine Bouley, Coldwell Banker Town & Country ~ Collegiate Pride ~

Geisinger ~ Ian Smith Painting ~ Jersey Mike's ~ Keystone Payroll ~ Lotsa Laffs ~

Dr. Marla Moon & Heimer, Fiore, Turco Eye Care ~ Northwest Bank ~ Pediatric Dental Care ~

Reliance Bank ~ RE/MAX Centre Realty ~ Restek ~ SAS Geospatial LLC ~ The Sign Factory ~

Skills of Central Pennsylvania ~ Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak ~ Strawberry Fields ~ Truist Bank

Details on how to join these supporters >

Support CRDSS Now!

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is a vibrant, hands-on organization

that provides individuals who have Down syndrome and their families

the tools, resources, and support necessary to participate in, contribute to,

and achieve personal health and fulfillment.

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

Lauren Smith, Executive Director

lauren@centreregiondownsyndrome.org

www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org