Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey Inc

Enrichment programs and after school activities are limited for people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society confirms many people with Down syndrome also have other diagnoses (some are on the autism spectrum, ADHD, depression, etc.).

Although these programs are widely accessible to the general population, they often do not have the skill or ability to accommodate the needs of people with Down syndrome in general programming. Because of limited availability, suitable programming is usually offered privately and is very expensive. People with Down syndrome often need extra time and support staff that are familiar with the unique learning style common to people with Down syndrome. Our Club DREAMS* center is unique in its goal to offer academics, after school tutoring, and extracurricular activities to the Down syndrome community.

Having participants meet face-to-face with their tutors, instructors, and therapists will be much more effective for our Down syndrome community. Unlike in a public-school setting, parents will be able to see first-hand and learn hands-on techniques from professionals to assist their children at home. Our one-on-one academic support enhances remote learning received from public schools. We are also offering support for adults to bring forth lifelong learning beyond school and includes life skills and job skills and looking for opportunities for job placement within the community.

*Down syndrome Recreation Education Achievement Meeting Space

Our approach includes:
• Socialization: hosts activities/events for varied age groups, social club for teen and adults
• Supplementary therapeutic services: Physical/Occupational/Speech/Feeding Therapy services
• Academic support: reading/writing, math, computer skills, Homework Helpers program, study buddies
• Enrichment: Gymnastics, dance, sports, karate, music, art, etc.
• Parent Support and Education/Enrichment: regular support sessions for parents, educational topics to include positive parenting skills, coping with pre- and postnatal diagnoses, relaxation/stress management, skills for educating individuals with Down syndrome, play skills for enhancing development of individuals with Down syndrome, topics such as nutrition and exercise, self-care, meditation, yoga.
• Sibling support and socialization: education and social workshops
• Life Skills/Job Training: Workshop for teens young adults such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene, money management, interviewing
• Medical and community outreach

Our Board consists of a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers as well as one part-time self-advocate who is paid from a grant. Board members include parents and grandparents of people with Down syndrome as well as community advocates and other supporters.

Our Board members work cohesively to achieve our organization goals and expand services. Depending on the individual board member's areas of expertise, talents and interests, they facilitate the development, maintenance or expansion of specific tasks and programming.

Our strengths include:
• Great leadership
• Committed core members
• Diverse board
• Strong core volunteer base
• Long history
• Ongoing virtual and in-person program options

Our goals include:
• Expanding regular programming for all age groups and various skill levels
• 20% increase in our membership's young adults part time employment rate over the first year and increases beyond that
• 90% client overall satisfaction rate with program.