Keeping Up With
Down Syndrome Association of South Texas • 2800 NW Loop 410 • San Antonio, TX 78230 • (210) 349-4372
Volume 16, Issue 1
JANUARY 2014
What’s
inside...
Executive Director................... 1 Save These Dates!.................... 1 Information Meetings............. 2 Teen Club................................. 3 Playgroup.................................. 3 Kid Connection....................... 3 Adult Matters!.......................... 3 D.A.D.S..................................... 3 Education & Resources........... 4 H.U.G.S. Gala........................... 5 Outreach................................... 5 Special Teams Soccer.............. 5 Run For 21................................ 6 Special Thanks......................... 6 D.A.D.S. Golf Tournament..... 7 Meet Sandra............................. 8 The Big Give S.A..................... 8 Self-Advocate News................ 9 Birdies for Charity................... 9 ACE Program......................... 10 Kindermusik.......................... 10 Rampage Night...................... 10 Contributions......................... 11 Who We Are.......................... 11 Calendar of Events................ 12
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Message from Terri Mauldin ... Welcome to 2014! I am really looking forward to all the wonderful things the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas has in store for this year! We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the organization, so watch for some exciting events! As we close 2013, I'd like to reflect on what a great year it was for not only the DSASTX, but for the Down syndrome community, as well. The DSASTX added many new families so that we are now serving over 1,100 families with over 5,500 contacts in our database! More and more people in our community are finding out about the DSASTX, and we love that we can let everyone know the great things we do and how wonderful our kids are. We have added a new Parent Information Meeting in Spanish! The first meeting was held on January 15th and will occur every 3rd Wednesday of the month. The meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the YMCA Westside, 2900 Ruiz. Dinner and childcare are provided with a reservation. Please see page 2 for more information. We will be holding our Inaugural H.U.G.S. Gala to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 20, 2014 at the beautiful JW Marriott Resort & Spa. There is more information regarding this event on page 5. All the events we held in 2013, from the monthly social activities to the Buddy Walk to the Holiday Party, were so well attended that we know we are making an impact. Over 5,500 people attended the Buddy Walk, raising over $172,000, while the Holiday Party had over 850 people in attendance, and we added 199 new families in 2013. Amazing! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for their hard work at the Holiday Party: Richard Hughes for providing all the wonderful dancing music.
Chris Reilly Photography and Cortez Photos for taking such awesome candid photos. Ron Milner and Zachary Milner for being a wonderful Santa Claus and Elf.
Terri Mauldin
All the volunteers that helped with set up, registration, kitchen duty, and clean up. We would also like to thank Valero, Main Event, Julia Kearney, County Line, Morgan’s Wonderland, George and Melinda Roberts, and the San Antonio Rampage for donating some terrific door prizes. A heartfelt thank you, as well, goes to the members of the Board of Directors for their dedication and hard work this past year in helping the DSASTX become an awesome organization! I would like to welcome the newest employee to the DSASTX Family, Melania Evans, our new Special Events Coordinator! Melania has extensive experience planning events and is also Spanish speaking, which will be a true asset to the many families we support. Please help me welcome Melania! I look forward to enjoying 2014 with each and every one of you!
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Keeping Up With Downs
Parent Information Meetings SAN ANTONIO – NORTHSIDE Coker United Methodist Church 231 E. North Loop Rd., Gibbs Room 1108 San Antonio, TX 78216
GRUPO DE APOYO EN ESPAñOL YMCA Westside 2900 Ruiz, San Antonio, TX 78228
Our Northside Parent Information Group is held the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. A light dinner is served. Childcare is available with a required RSVP to Coker UMC at (210) 494-3455 x 245 at least 48 hours in advance. Please leave a detailed message when making a reservation.
Nuestro grupo de apoyo en Español se lleva a cabo la tercera Miércoles de cada mes de 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Contaremos con una cena ligera. Habrá guardería disponible para niños de 3 meses a 12 años de edad. Por favor RESERVA tu lugar llamando la oficina al (210) 349-4372. Por favor, deje un mensaje detallado al realizar una reserva.
Tuesday, february 4 Topic: Adult Continuing Education Speaker: Oralia Lara, DSASTX ACE Director
miércoles, 19 de Febrero Tema: Special Needs Trust Presentador: Paul Fernandez
Tuesday, March 4 Topic: Music Therapy - Examples of using music to address individual needs such as speech, cognition, motor skills, social skills, and behavior management. Speaker: Cheryl Moore Tuesday, April 1 Topic: How to Profit Through Research Programs Speaker: Jenni Ward
Our Southside Parent Information Group is held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. A light dinner is served. Childcare is available with a required RSVP to the DSASTX office at (210) 349-4372.
TUESday, March 18 Topic: CPR Training (non-certification) Speaker: Jenny Shreve, H.E.L.P. Harpers Embrace Life Savers Program TUESday, April 15 Topic: How to Profit Through Research Programs Speaker: Jenni Ward
Help Us Give Support
miércoles, 16 de april Tema: Por Determinar Presentador: Por Determinar NEW BRAUNFELS Gruene United Methodist Church 2629 East Common Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130
SAN ANTONIO – SOUTHSIDE De Paul Family Center 7607 Somerset Road, San Antonio, TX 78211
TUESday, february 18 Topic: Special Needs Trust Speaker: Paul Fernandez
miércoles, 19 de marzo Tema: Por Determinar Presentador: Por Determinar
Our New Braunfels Parent Information Group (serving Comal and Guadalupe counties) is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. A light dinner is served. Childcare is available with a required RSVP to the DSASTX office at (210) 349-4372. THURSDAY, february 20 Topic: Positive Behavior Intervention Speaker: Jennifer Fitzhugh, Brighton Center THURsday, March 20 Topic: Developmental Therapeutic Music Activities for Caregivers Speaker: Cheryl Moore THURSday, april 17 Topic: Adult Continuing Education Speaker: Oralia Lara, DSASTX ACE Director BOERNE – Boerne Parent Information Meetings are currently on hold. Please stay tuned!
The DSASTX H.U.G.S. Annual Giving program is an easy way to donate with a one-time, quarterly, bi-annual or monthly gift through automatic donations via a credit or debit card with amounts as low as $5. With every donation given through this program, you become eligible for the H.U.G.S. Recognition Club!
Visit the DSASTX website – HUGS link to start your monthly giving today! 2
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Teen Club
The Teen Club is open to all teens with any disability between the ages of 13 and 17. The goal of the Teen Club is to foster friendships, stimulate socialization, and increase positive self esteem. Chaperones will be in attendance at each event. The cost of Teen Club events will be covered by the DSASTX for the teen and one special needs, age-appropriate friend. Please RSVP for each event to Melania Evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372. FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – san antonio rampage Down Syndrome Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. See page 10 for details! SUNDAY, MAY 18 – DSASTX ANNUAL PICNIC Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Playgroup
Playgroup is a playtime for children ages 0-3. The DSASTX will pay for entry fees to these activities (if applicable) for the child with Down syndrome and their siblings. Please RSVP for each event to Melania Evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372. FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – san antonio rampage Down Syndrome Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. See page 10 for details! SUNDAY, MAY 18 – DSASTX ANNUAL PICNIC Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Kid Connection
Kid Connection is our gathering designed for family social activities. We welcome all children with special needs and their families! Our events are specifically designed for ages 4-12. The DSASTX will pay the admission for the individual with Down syndrome and their siblings. Parents are responsible for their own admission. A discounted rate will be offered when possible. Please RSVP for each event to Melania Evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372.
Adult Matters!
Adult Matters! is a social program specifically designed for adults with special needs ages 18 and older. The focus is on providing an environment to help them further develop their social skills, build friendships among other adults with special needs, and offer them safe and appropriate interactions within the community. In order to foster that environment, we encourage them to invite an age-appropriate peer (another adult with special needs) to participate with them. DSASTX will pay the participation fee for both of them. Please RSVP for each event to Melania Evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372. saturDAY, MARCH 1 – spring formal dance Sunset Station, 1174 E Commerce St., 78205. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – san antonio rampage Down Syndrome Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. See page 10 for details! SUNDAY, MAY 18 – DSASTX ANNUAL PICNIC Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
D.A.D.S.
Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S., is a committee or community group (within a local Down syndrome support organization) of fathers of children who happen to have Down syndrome. We hesitate to call ourselves a “support group”, even though we do, in many ways, support each other. monday, february 10 D.A.D.S. Get-together Main Event, 1911 North Loop 1604 E, 78259. 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – san antonio rampage Down Syndrome Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. See page 10 for details! MONday, april 7 D.A.D.S. Golf Tournament Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak, 78260. 11:30 a.m. sunday, may 18 DSASTX Annual Picnic Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 – san antonio rampage Down Syndrome Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. See page 10 for details! SUNDAY, MAY 18 – DSASTX ANNUAL PICNIC Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Keeping Up With Downs
Education & Resources Animal Botanical 2014 Hands-on learning and fun at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for youth with special needs ages 7-19. Campers are paired with buddies who will help them engage in all activities. 1st Saturdays – 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Fee: $25 February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 Summer Camps – 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Fee: $150 (Members $135) August 11-15 (ages 7-11) • August 18-22 (ages 12-19) For more information or to register, please contact Timothy Roan at timothy.roan@sanantonio.gov or (210) 207-3278. ARC of San Antonio Recreation and Resource Fair Saturday, February 8 • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon The ARC of San Antonio, Pam Stephens Center, 6530 Wurzbach Featuring over 30 organizations offering summer programs, camps, respite care, support groups and more. For more information, visit their website at http://arc-sa.org/2014recreation-and-resource-fair/ or contact Heather long at hlong@arc-sa.org or (210) 490-4300 x113. The ARC of Texas 21st Annual Inclusion Works! Conference Engaging All Students in Inclusive Classrooms New Location: Sheraton Arlington Hotel and Arlington Convention Center February 9-11, 2014 Online registration available at http://www.thearcoftexas.org/site/ PageServer?pagename=events_inclusion_ conference. Master Sessions by: Dr. Wendy Murawski – Principal’s Academy & Co-Teaching Dr. Diane Casale-Giannola - Active Learning Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom Susan Fitzell – Technology Blast Dr. Marilyn Friend – Collaborative Skills Dr. Linda Schwartz-Green – Active Learning Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom Dr. Paula Kluth – Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom Dr. Marilyn Applebaum – How to Handle the Hard to Handle Child Dr. Millie Gore – Secondary Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms Embracing Disabilities with Optimism Presented by the Arc of the Hill Country The New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave. February 15 • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Free informative conference with information on Medicaid Waivers, guardianship, stress management, wills/trusts, health, nutrition, behavior strategies, and more. For more information, visit the website at www.arcofthehillcountry.org or contact Esther Mendoza at (830) 237-3655 or esthermndz24@gmail.com or Sally Waldner at (281) 642-6663 or snlwaldo@hotmail.com.
TAPPestry Conference 2014 – “Weaving a Network of Support: Home, School, Community” Saturday, February 22 • 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Education Service Center, Region 20 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX 78208 TAPPestry brings together parents and professionals working with children with special needs for a day of shared wisdom, ideas, strategies, and resources to strengthen the needed partnerships for children's success. This year's keynote speakers are Paul and Caroline Daley (www.helplaurenlearn.com). Breakout session topics range from early childhood to planning for life after high school and cover a variety of disabilities and ages. Over 40+ exhibitors will be on site. For more information and to register, visit www.esc20.net/tappestry.
ARC of San Antonio – Education Seminars To register for these seminars, contact Heather Long at (210) 490-4300 ext. 113 or hlong@arc-sa.org. Transition to Adult Health Care Star Plus, Medicaid and Medicare … how does one manage multiple programs and how do these services support a child and/ or adult with developmental disabilities? Saturday, March 8 • 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The ARC of San Antonio Pam Stephens Center, 6530 Wurzbach. Presented by Jeannine Pinner, Texas Parent to Parent. Guardianship Considering guardianship is an essential part of the planning process for young adults with developmental disabilities who have difficulty making decisions on their own. An overview of guardianship and alternatives including Power of Attorney will be discussed. Saturday, April 12 • 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Presented by Carol Bertsch, Elder Law Attorney Special Needs Trusts Special Needs Trusts (SNT) allow individuals to maintain property and/or money and avoid losing essential long term care benefits including SSI and Medicaid. Methods of setting up and funding a trust will be discussed. Saturday, May 10 • 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Presented by Anna Torres, Attorney at Law and Haley Greer, Arc Master Pooled Trust Manager
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Inaugural H.U.G.S. Gala! Help Us Gvie Support
On Thursday, March 20, 2014, the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas will hold its inaugural H.U.G.S. Gala at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, introducing Maria and Pete Hey as Gala Chairs and honoring Gordon and Maggie Hartman and the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. The event will Gordon & Maggie begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.; Hartman dinner and program begin at 7:30 p.m. Steve Spriester is our Master of Ceremonies. Thank you to our sponsors! Helping Sponsor: The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Underwriting Sponsors: Valero and Veronica & Ruben Escobedo Steve Spriester Giving Sponsor: HEB Supporting Sponsors: Frost Bank and Deerfield Animal Hospital
Outreach
We would like to welcome our newest families to the Down Syndrome Association family! If you know someone who has a child or family member with Down syndrome, please let them know about the DSASTX and the services we provide. We’d be happy to reach out to help in any way possible! Reid and Amanda Bullock, parents of Callen Linda Garza, sister of Aurora Garza Angel Garza and Linda Mendez, parents of Denise Garza Jesus Roberto and Linda Garza, parents of Megan Antonia Moreida, parent of Kasi Armando and Maria Anchondo, parents of Amanda Roberto and Elizabeth Interino, parents of Patricia Abe and Laura Ellis, parents of Kaiya Eduardo and Melissa Aleman, parents of Ariana Rachel Talamantez, sister of Celeste Claudia Corona, parent of Jesus Medina Josh and Kimberly Flores, parents of Charlotte (due 4/14/14) Paula Christoph, aunt of Adrian Perez Jennifer Reyes, parent of Briana Erica Viera, parent of Joshua Sea and Nichole Alexander, parents of Rauiri Ellen Kurz, parent of Kevin Rebecca Padilla and Jacob Serna, baby due 3/14/14 Elvira Corona and Gabriel Torres, parents of Allyson Maria Hernandez, parent of Angel Ricardo and Delia Santos, parents of Ricardo Aaron and Monica Stouffer, parents of Gabriel
If you or someone you know is interested in attending and would like to help sponsor the event, the levels of sponsorship are as follows: $10,000 – Helping Sponsor • Included on invitation, all printed materials, and event letterhead • Program/Podium recognition • Signage • (2) tables of (10) with preferred placement $5,000 – Underwriting Sponsor • Included on invitation • Program/Podium recognition • Signage • (1) table of (10) with preferred placement
Special teams soccer spring 2014 Saturday practices begin Saturday, February 1 at 3:00 p.m. Location: McAllister Park Lower Bee Tree fields Registration Fee: $60 to be submitted at the first practice Special Olympics Area and State Games are in May! For more information, visit the website at www.specialteamssoccer.com or contact Terry & Jackie Thompson at jacthom17@yahoo.com or specialteamssoccer@sbcglobal.net.
$2,500 – Giving Sponsor • Included on invitation • Program recognition • (1) table of (10) with preferred placement $1,500 – Supporting Sponsor • Included on invitation • Program recognition • (1) table of (10) INDIVIDUAL TICKETS - $150 per person
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Keeping Up With Downs RUNfor21 Raises $2,500 for the DSASTX Edward Leos, Chairman of the Board for the DSASTX along with his wife, Jennifer, Justin Bravo and Sonya Lerma, ran in the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on the morning of November 17th and the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on the afternoon of November 17th! Two marathons, two cities, one day!! They did this while raising money for RUNfor21, benefiting the DSASTX. They presented a check at the Holiday Party in the amount of $2,500! Thank you Edward, Jennifer, Justin and Sonya!
The generous staff at La Margarita hosted a weekend “give back” for the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas children! On December 21st and 22nd, the staff provided complimentary dinners for children and half price dinners for their parents and gave each child several wrapped Christmas presents! Special thanks to Froilan Vallejo for arranging this extra special treat for the holidays. We also want to thank the wait staff at La Margarita for taking the time and interest in showing these children how much they are loved.
Tribute to Our Holiday Party Volunteers, It is with great pleasure that we honor our wonderful volunteers from the Holiday Party! We would like to extend our appreciation to all of our volunteers that helped make this year’s Holiday Party a memorable evening for our families to mingle and jingle! Due to renovations at La Villita, we changed venues this year, and the Holiday Party was held at the Live Oak Civic Center. Thanks to our Decoration Committee and all of our families and friends who donated holiday décor, we were able to transform the Civic Center into a winter wonderland! Our lead decorators were Natalia Casto and Thalia Martinez. These two exceptional ladies helped decorate the day before the party, the day of the party and even stayed after to help take things down! We would also like to thank Stephanie Cano and the energetic Grande Communications volunteers and Michael Landin for being there to help before, during and after the event! A special thanks to Cortez Photos for taking action/candid shots and Chris Reilly Photography for taking pictures with Santa. If you took your picture with Santa and would like to purchase a copy, please visit http://chris711.photoreflect.com. We can’t forget the help of our additional volunteers who took time out of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to give our families and their friends the opportunity to relax and enjoy an evening of good music and holiday cheer! Pam Hanson Ashleigh Villarreal Shelia Konstanzer Frank Spinner Amber Watts
Ericka Stevens Michelle Arroyo Kevin Konstanzer Teresa Lineras
Holly Villarreal Kaleb Korynta Barbara Spinner Mary Elizabeth George
Once again, THANK YOU to all of our amazing volunteers!!! We wish you a new year filled with peace, joy and happiness!
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Thank You Leija & Battah Promotions, Rey Rodriguez, Ryan Brown, Sam Richards with the Dominion Mixed Martial Arts Academy and the San Antonio Fire Department for hosting the "Battle of the Badges" and donating $415 to the DSASTX!!! Way to go David Berube!!
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Keeping Up With Downs
Meet Sandra
Hello and Hugs from Sandra!
Sandra Denise Hernandez was born August 24, 1982 in McAllen, Texas. When she was born, her doctor did not tell us she had Down syndrome. Having no experience with children with special needs, I was unaware of her special features until a week later when my doctor called to let me know that the tests he had done showed that Sandy had an extra chromosome. Her doctor had no other information as to what, if any, special care she needed. The diagnosis was a shock to me; I think my husband had already accepted it. When I asked her doctor what we could do to help her progress, his answer was to keep her at home until she was of age to send her to a mental institution. This was not what I expected to hear, and it upset us that he would give this type of advice. Instead, we started seeking information on Down syndrome and knowledgeable pediatricians. I am sure a lot of new mothers who have a child with special needs ask, “Why me?” which is normal. This does not mean you don’t love your baby; it just means it is something you don’t understand and is confusing. God only sends our little angels to people who He knows will love and care for them, as they also take care of us. We chose to move from McAllen to San Antonio so that Sandy could make educational progress. The school she was attending had stated that she had met her capacity and could no longer learn new things. Unbelievable! Once we moved, Sandy made incredible progress. She learned to read and write better, and in high school she helped the teacher make copies, filed alphabetically, and even attended two classes that were not special education. Sandy attended Holmes High School until she was 21 years old, graduating with the highest grades for special education in the North Side School District. Sandy also graduated from Reddix Vocational School during her final year at Holmes. Sandy learned her prayers and made her first communion when she was 10 years old. Two years later she made her confirmation. Sandy attends Spanish mass at St. Luke's Catholic Church every Sunday. She likes to help collect the books of songs at the end of the mass and take them to the designated storage area. Every night she says her prayers and a special prayer for her younger brother who is currently serving in Afghanistan. She gives her dad and I a blessing every night; we also give her our blessing and kiss our little angel goodnight. When Sandy was approaching her fifteenth birthday, she asked about her birthday party. I told her I planned to send her classmates invitations to a party at her favorite pizza place. She immediately said, “No, I mean a party like the one you gave my sister, Patty." She meant a quinceañera (fifteen debut) with cake, music, and dancing. I guess it was "meant to be" because within two weeks we were able to get the church reserved for her mass, as well as the catering, music, and dance hall. She asked, "What about the mariachis?" Of course, her older brother, Frank, hired them. It was a beautiful celebration! When Sandy and Frank were seeing the movie “Elvis in Las Vegas", Sandy mentioned she would like to go to Las Vegas. Frank said he would take her when she turned 21 (she was 19 at the time). As her
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21st birthday drew near, Frank told Sandy that he would take her to Red Lobster. She reminded him of his promise to take her to Vegas! We got her ID, and he kept his promise! They flew to Las Vegas where he took her to see some shows and play roulette. Sandy won $385! She was so proud and kept showing the money off as a fan, while Frank just showed off his empty pockets. Sandy likes bowling, mini golf, computer games, and horseback riding. She also enjoys playing music and movies on her computer and tablet. Sandy loves dancing and does Zumba and belly dancing for exercise. She looks forward to the outings that Eva’s Heroes and the DSASTX provide and likes to go to camp during the summer months. Sandy is bilingual and loves to watch the Spanish novelas, which keeps her from not forgetting her Spanish language. In addition, Sandy attends day hab during the week. She definitely keeps herself busy! Sandy has four brothers and one sister, and she knows all their birthdays. She also knows her nieces' and nephews' birthdays and our anniversary. On weekends, she makes coffee for us and on our anniversary or birthday, she will make scrambled eggs with a happy face made of ketchup, toast, coffee and orange juice. Sandy is a very sociable young lady; she enjoys making new friends and is a joy to everyone that loves her. We have always treated Sandy the same as her siblings and have told her she can do anything she puts her mind to. By making her feel assertive, she has become very selfsufficient, and we are very proud of her. As the years passed, we realized it was a blessing that God sent Sandy to us. She has been a joy and blessing to our lives. I tell her she is my “little angel", and she calls me her "big angel" or “azucar mama”. Her pet name for her dad is “papi chulo”, and he calls her his “chaparrita feliz”, since she is always in a happy mood. The Big Give S.A. is a 24-hour day of giving that will take place from midnight to midnight on May 6, 2014. The purpose of this community-wide giving challenge is to increase public awareness of the impact local nonprofits are making in our community's social challenges, bring nonprofits and donors together for a collaborative effort to scale change, expand the idea of online giving, connect people to the causes that move them the most and, of course make giving FUN. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for more details on ways to give to the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas!
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Self-Advocate News
By Jessaca Bond
This article will attempt to give you more information about the people involved in the dayto-day operation of the DSASTX, and also ways that you could get involved. I gave each of the individuals working in the office a questionnaire Jessaca Bond with the following questions: (1) What are the things you do in your job here? What do you think is the most important thing you do? (2) How do you feel working at the DSASTX office has impacted your life? (3) I would like to see more young adults, my peer group, involved in the organization and events. What do you think we can do to increase participation in Adult Matters events? (4) What are the areas that you can use people interested in volunteering? Terri Mauldin is our Executive Director. Her job involves overseeing the day-to-day operation of the DSASTX. She does fundraising, meets with donors, and provides training for teachers, nurses, and doctors. She feels that the most important part of her job is to be available and provide resources especially to the new parents of a child with Down syndrome. Terri feels her job has “allowed me to do my dream job and help others who are now on the journey raising a child with Down syndrome. I love interacting with people and telling them our story.” I also asked Terri what projects were in the works and how she saw the DSASTX growing in the future. “I am currently working on holding our first gala in March 2014. This will also be our 20th anniversary year, so I plan to find ways to celebrate that throughout the year. I would like to see the DSASTX expand by reaching more families, hold more parent workshops and begin holding group tutoring sessions for teens and adults. Someday, I would like to add an employment outreach mechanism. I also hope to get to know our donors better and find new ways to raise funds for our programs.” As the Adult Continuing Education program director, Oralia Lara helps adults with DS enhance their reading and math skills. She said, “I have been impacted by personally seeing the potential of our students in the ACE program progress through the help of our fabulous tutor volunteers.” She feels one idea to encourage young adult involvement is to ask them to help with the events. Also, maybe a Talent Contest! The ACE program is open to adults with Down syndrome and provides a 90-minute one-on-one session with a volunteer tutor each week. We are growing in numbers and can always use more volunteer tutors. In the year 2014, we would like to grow even more. To reach Oralia for more information about the program or to submit a volunteer application, you can contact her at (210) 349-4379 or olara@dsastx.org. What can I say about a woman who has a heart of gold, a beautiful smile and brings joy to me? Every time I see her, she brightens up my day! Kelly Toepperwein, our Community Outreach Coordinator, serves as the primary contact for volunteers. She attends community resource fairs. She provides schools and other organizations information to promote awareness and education about DS and the services/ supports the DSASTX provides. Kelly said, “I feel like perfect timing and fate has led me here. This job has provided me with the
inspiration to further my education toward a long path of helping other people. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Her favorite part of her job is getting to know all of the amazing and inspiring individuals with Down syndrome and their families! (We are glad you feel that way toward us, Kelly! Thank you! – Jessaca) Kerin Croft, as our Special Events Coordinator, is the primary contact for social events, parent information meetings and events like the Buddy Walk, Holiday Party and Spring Formal. She feels the most important part of her job is keeping the families in touch with all that the DSASTX has to offer. Kerin said, “Working for the DSASTX and with all of our families has opened my eyes and my heart to a greater understanding of the ABILITIES of individuals with Down syndrome and the fact that they are more alike than different. My life has been forever impacted and improved by all of my new friends (and family) in the DSASTX.” Kerin can always use help with mailings and correspondence! I am sad to say that since the time of this interview, Kerin is no longer working at the DSASTX office. She is a thoughtful, kind and caring person with a big heart and a bigger personality. She will be greatly missed, and I personally will miss her very much!
Birdies for Charity Win a Spot in the 2015 DSA Sharing the Experience Calendar by supporting Birdies for Charity!
The DSASTX is a participant in Birdies for Charity®. Birdies for Charity is a fundraising program designed to give participating organizations the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open. Birdies for Charity is a no-cost program that gives 100% of the funds raised back to the participating organization. Funds are generated by soliciting pledges from individuals and corporations. Birdies for Charity is like a walk-a-thon, but instead of donating per mile, participants make a pledge for every birdie made at the Valero Texas Open. The 2013 Valero Texas Open had 1,640 birdies made, so a pledge of $.01 yielded a donation of $16.40. Last year, the DSASTX raised over $3,500 through Birdies for Charity! Any person with Down syndrome in San Antonio and the surrounding areas is eligible to win. The individual with the most online donations to the Down Syndrome Association through Birdies for Charity from now through midnight April 8 will be featured in the 2015 DSASTX Calendar. The winner will be featured regardless of previous appearance in the calendar. This is the perfect contest for families whose loved one with Down syndrome has already been in the calendar, but want to show the world how much they have grown!! Donate to the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas through Birdies for Charity by donating online! Make sure to select Down Syndrome Association of South Texas as your charity of choice. You will also need to enter the name of the person with Down syndrome in the "referred by" box on the form.
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Keeping Up With Downs
ACE Program
ACE Volunteer Appreciation Dinner On November 21st we celebrated and honored our dedicated volunteers in the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program. These volunteers have donated their valuable time tutoring adults with Down syndrome for 90 minutes per week! The DSASTX treated the tutors, their students and parents to a delicious and complimentary dinner at Mamacita’s Restaurant to show our appreciation for their commitment.
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS NIGHT Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. Come out to the Rampage's Down Syndrome Awareness night. The DSASTX will pay for children and adults with Down Syndrome, as well as siblings under the age of 18.
We started the evening by honoring our students with awards for their academic achievement and fun personalities! We then presented each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation and a blossoming flower to demonstrate the growth they have contributed to!
If you or your loved one with Down syndrome/special needs refers another individual with a special need to the ACE Program and they complete 12 sessions, we will provide you with a gift card. If you refer an ACE tutor and they complete 12 sessions, we will provide you with a gift card. We hope you join us in helping to grow the ACE Program so that those with special needs can blossom! Discovery Meadow Studio has a few scholarships available for children with Down syndrome (ages 0-12). You must complete the registration form available at www.discoverymeadowstudio.com to qualify. Please note that Sally Dancy has several classes available including a private class for DSASTX families and other special needs children on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Come Join Us For A Great Night!!
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Ok, now listen up! The ACE Program is well on its way to becoming an even bigger success! We have currently been providing incentives for participation in the tutoring program, but we are ready to move to the next level with the program. Now, we will begin monitoring the progress of each student on a more formal basis and have created an Incentive Program for adults with Down syndrome and tutors! Here are the details of our new Incentive Program:
Order Form: Parent Name__________________________________ # of individuals with Down Syndrome______________ # of siblings under 18 years old____________________ Additional Tickets Needed _____ X $15 =___________ • Please submit all orders to the DSASTX staff • For questions please call (210) 349-4372 • Deadline: March 14 • Purchases are non-refundable • Please make checks out to San Antonio Rampage Full Name____________________________________ Credit Card #__________________________________ Expiration Date________________________________
DSASTX private sessions every Friday at 10:30 a.m. Other classes include: Family Time/Our Time (for steady walkers and talkers) • Mondays 9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. • Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. • Thursdays 9:45 a.m. Village (for pre-walkers and pre-talkers) • Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. • Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. • Thursdays 11:15 a.m. Scholarships are available for all classes. Scholarships include 10 sessions for a child with Down syndrome, siblings and parent. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sally Dancy directly at (210) 373-5046.
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Signature (Required)____________________________ Address______________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________ Home Phone__________________________________ Mobile_______________________________________ Email________________________________________
www.dsastx.org
Contributions
We sincerely appreciate the following people who have so generously donated to the Down Syndrome Association. Your contributions help us offer a variety of programs for the members of our organization. Albert Flores Alfred Gerloff Amanda Tovar Armandina Galvan Coover AT&T United Way Employee Giving Campaign Burle Pettit Center for Maternal-Fetal Care Cindy Whitehead Claudette E. Gentry Dean J. Jessop Debra Albright Dennis Nisi Earl Stuckey Elna Jeanes Eugene Larock Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation Frank Spinner Frost Bank Greehey Family Foundation Jack Albright Janice Troy Kathy Ann A. Carrizales Keller Williams Legacy Kenneth Applegate Leija & Battah Promotions Lisa Drozdick Lydia Beach Madeline Mathews Manuel Huerta Maria Hey Maria Morin Mary Jane Hardy Mary L. DeLeon Michael Allen Michelle L. Pettit Mike Koroscik Noah Springfield Noe de la Garza Phil Rollins Presidio Title, LLC Rachel Langas Richard Chaney Rick Villarreal Rick Wyckoff Stephanie Anderson Stephen Ramseur Susan D. Freeberg Terri Mauldin The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Thomas Walton TRUiST United Health Group - Employee Giving Campaign Vivian Reed William Cade William E. Allen Williams, Crow, Mask, LLP
Who We Are mission statement The DSASTX's mission is to provide support and services to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Terri Mauldin
(210) 349-4375 • tmauldin@dsastx.org
community outreach coordinator Kelly Toepperwein (210) 349-4372 • ktoepperwein@dsastx.org
Special Events Coordinator Melania Evans
(210) 349-4372 • mevans@dsastx.org
Bookkeeper Cynthia Smith
(210) 349-4372 • csmith@dsastx.org
adult continuing education director Oralia Lara
210-349-4372 • olara@dsastx.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairperson – Edward Leos Vice Chairperson – Michelle Pettit Secretary – VACANT Treasurer/Finance – Eric Swellander Member at Large – Debbie Albright Member at Large – Jessaca Bond Member at Large – Barbara Samfield Member at Large – Tim McIntosh Member at Large – Christy Anderson Member at Large – Noe de la Garza Member at Large – Lamont Jefferson Member at Large – Stephanie Anderson Member at Large – Scott McLean Member at Large – Lisa Drozdick Member at Large – Judith Moening
www.facebook.com/downsynstx www.twitter.com/downsynstx www.pinterest.com/downsynstx
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Calendar of Events february 4 San Antonio Northside PSG: Adult Continuing Education, Coker UMC, 231 E. North Loop Rd. Gibbs 1108, 6-8 p.m. 10 D.A.D.S.: Get-together at the Main Event, 1911 N. Loop 1604 E., 7 p.m. 18 San Antonio Southside PSG: Special Needs Trust, De Paul Family Center, 7607 Somerset Road, 6-7:30 p.m. 19 Spanish PSG: Special Needs Trust, YMCA Westside, 2900 Ruiz, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 20 New Braunfels PSG: Positive Behavior Intervention, Gruene UMC, 2629 E. Common St., 6-7:30 p.m. MARCH 1 Adult Matters Spring Formal: Sunset Station, 1174 E. Commerce, 7-9 p.m. 4 San Antonio Northside PSG: Music Therapy, Coker UMC, 231 E. North Loop Rd. Gibbs 1108, 6-8 p.m. 18 San Antonio Southside PSG: Special Needs Trust, De Paul Family Center, 7607 Somerset Road, 6-7:30 p.m. 19 Spanish PSG: TBD, YMCA Westside, 2900 Ruiz, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 20 Inaugural H.U.G.S. Gala: JW Marriott Resort and Spa
MARCH 20 New Braunfels PSG: Developmental Therapeutic Music Activities for Caregivers, Gruene UMC, 2629 E. Common St., 6-7:30 p.m. 28 All DSA: Down Syndrome Awareness Night at the San Antonio Rampage, AT&T Center, 7:30 p.m. april 1 San Antonio Northside PSG: How to Profit Through Research Programs, Coker UMC, 231 E. North Loop Rd. Gibbs 1108, 6-8 p.m. 7 D.A.D.S. Golf Tournament: Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak, 11:30 a.m. 15 San Antonio Southside PSG: How to Profit Through Research Programs, De Paul Family Center, 7607 Somerset Road, 6-7:30 p.m. 16 Spanish PSG: TBD, YMCA Westside, 2900 Ruiz, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 17 New Braunfels PSG: Adult Continuing Education, Gruene UMC, 2629 E. Common St., 6-7:30 p.m. MAy 18 Annual DSASTX Picnic: Landa Park, New Braunfels, 1-6 p.m. JUNE 14 Audrey’s Day at the Beach: Rockport Beach, TX
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Down Syndrome Association of South Texas 2800 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78230 Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage paid San Antonio, TX Permit No 1126