Unlike Unicorns, Successful Teen/Adult Programs Do Exist!

Successful teen and adult programs are not unicorns in the forest - they do exist! And some are extremely successful! Great outcomes come from great ideas and great planning. Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati hosts an Independent Living Retreat, a weekend-long retreat for adults (18 & up). The retreat focuses on community service, learning new skills, making friendships and gaining independence. (Be sure and watch the video included in this newsletter!)

Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) facilitates a wellness and fitness program for their teens and adults. "Participants have lost anywhere from 3 pounds to over 10 pounds in one session!" says Desiree Jomant of DSAJ. "Individuals who have participated in multiple program sessions have seen weight losses of as much as 65 pounds!" 

In an upcoming DSAIA webinar, you'll learn about these programs as well as three others...find out more by checking out Teen & Adult Programming That Works!, scheduled for September 17th.

Adopt-A-Jean Student Project

An exciting new program from Downs Designs tackles both Down syndrome awareness and a charitable cause at the same time. Downs Designs, well-known within the Down syndrome community for producing clothing (jeans in particular) that are specially made for individuals with Down syndrome, has recently created a charitable program called Adopt-A-Jean. Adopt-A-Jean provides free jeans to an individual who might not otherwise be able to purchase them. However, they've gone one step further to create a project opportunity for students or groups who wish to fundraise for the program.

The Adopt-A-Jean Project provides the student/group with a packet that includes information on WHY an individual with Down syndrome might require special clothing or why their NBZ (no button, no zipper) jeans might be a valuable tool for someone with another type of disability. The awareness piece was important to Karen Bowersox, owner of Downs Designs and grandmother to a person with Down syndrome. "What we are trying to do is reach out to the young people today and educate them on why people with disabilities often don't look like their peers," she said. "At the same time, through our Adopt-A-Jean program, we want to offer a solution." Downs Designs also offers NBZ jeans (no button or zipper) in men's and boys' sizes which differ from the original style. Recently, Downs Designs has begun the process of attaining their 501c3 status as a charitable organization in order to continue their awareness work.

For information on the Adopt-A-Jean project, go to: http://downsdesignsdreams.org/adopt-a-jean/adopt-a-jean-start-your-project.html 

Huge Savings on Event Shirts

The latest VIP (Value-Incentive-Purchase) discount offer for DSAIA members is all about low prices for your next event t-shirt order. Partnering with Will Enterprises, a nationally-known and well-respected apparel company, DSAIA members can purchase shirts for as low as $2.59 apiece. Imagine your white shirt with four-color front and one-color back for that amazing price! Need a color shirt with the same options? It's only $3.69 a shirt!

DSAIA strives to save our members valuable operating funds on items that they already purchase...and that is why we've brokered this incredible deal with a trusted national company. View the offer and the complete pricing chart here: http://down-syndrome-affiliates-in-action.crushpath.me/dsaiadirector/spots/23. 
 

Compensation Survey

Recruiting and retaining the best possible staff to carry out your organization's mission can be more than just a little difficult. And often, the biggest questions boards have is centered around compensation and benefits. In our effort to be a complete resource for Down syndrome organizations, DSAIA has created a staff compensation survey for DSAs in order to provide more complete data for our community.

Even if you are an organization without staff, please take a moment to complete the initial questions so that we can provide a complete picture in the final report. Your assistance is greatly appreciated in this effort.  And special thanks to one of our Executive Director Leaders' Circles for seeing the need and creating the survey!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3686WBJ