Your Giftmakes a difference

For more than 30 years the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAM) has pursued a singular mission: enhancing the lives of people with Down syndrome while providing their parents and the professionals who support them with essential information and resources.

Our founders and their children pioneered, paving the way toward a future in which all people with Down syndrome are respected, fully included members of our society. Throughout our three decades we have served thousands of individuals with Down syndrome and, today count more than 1,600 member families and professionals – health care workers, teachers, therapists, nutritionists and specialists in behavioral science.

The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a proven, essential organization.

“I have been involved with DSAM since my daughter was born 16 years ago, and served on the board for 6 of

those years. It is impossible to quantify the value of the organization to my family. The passion and commitment

of the staff, board members and volunteers to make our community a stronger, more educated place for our

children, grandchildren, friends and relatives with Down syndrome is immeasurable. The national speakers they

work to secure for their conferences provide information on every aspect of life from infancy to adulthood. The

networking with other parents at all of the events I have attended in the last 16 years provided answers to

questions I often didn’t even know I had and friendships that are irreplaceable. There is a sense of peace and

security in knowing that you are not alone on this journey and that those who have travelled it ahead of you

have worked tirelessly to pave the road.”

— DSAM Member Terri Yira

Today’s NeedTo ensure the organization continues to have a positive impact with the families it serves, DSAM has begun work on a strategic review of services, programming, and other activities to identify ways to do more for our families and to make sure activities continue to align with the organization’s broader goals.

This work includes reviewing our website, program plans, conference agendas, outreach activities, and other ways DSAM engages audiences, advocates, supporters, and families. DSAM needs to maintain and expand our essential communication technologies to allow us to serve members across the region more effectively and efficiently. The organization is committed to making sure its message and voice remain connected to its founding principles.

A key part of the strategic review process is to also analyze our development activities. From the day the organization was established, DSAM has had strong support from businesses, individuals and other funding partners who have helped make this important work possible. DSAM works extremely hard to be as efficient and effective as possible in how it raises funds. The review process gives the organization a way to measure and analyze this important part of its operations.

“The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota has positively impacted so many of my patients and their families by offering opportunities to connect with other families raising children with Down syndrome through educational events, family activities, and support groups. I am thankful that we have such an exceptional resource in our community.”

— Rebecca Olson, APRN-CNP, APNG Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Down Syndrome Clinic Children’s Minnesota

Grandparents

Conferences

regional

Youth & Adult

Adult Matters

Educators

• Held annually since 2005• Average attendance: 75 grandparents• Popular workshop topics: financial planning, presentations by adults with Down syndrome, speech and language therapy, healthcare, impacts on siblings, sleep, inclusion and music therapy

• Held annually since 2007 • Average attendance: 130 educators • Topics covered: inclusion, how to teach reading, how to teach math, behavior, curriculum adaptation, iPad technology, student centered planning, reading and language intervention therapy, socialization

• Held annually for parents, siblings and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome since 2010 • Average attendance: 70• Topics covered:community support, physical and mental wellness, nutri-tion, communication, housing, inde-pendent living and financal services

• Held annually for teens and adults with Down syndrome since 1997• Average attendance: 55• Topics covered: safety, nutrition, technology, creative expression, travel planning, meal planning, nutrition, first aid, independent living, public speaking and more

• Held biennially since 1991• Average attendance: 100+ families throughout the state of MN• Topics: national experts on reading, math, inclusion, language develop-ment, the Down syndrome/Autism connection, mental and physical health as well as local resources.

MembershipOur relationship with the broader community starts the day we find out that a child is expected or has been born with Down syndrome. An information packet is given to families at the time the diagnosis is made, either through our collaborative hospital partners or genetic counselors. DSAM also sends a variety of welcome items to the family and child.

The first year of membership is free after which we charge a small $20 annual membership fee. Our Association staff and volunteers support families with referrals, advice and consultation on everything from healthcare, education, financial planning, housing, community inclusion, residential options and recreation.

“The genuine support, gracious community, honest discussion and reliable information our family has found with the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota and its Maple Grove Parent Group has made all the difference in the world since our positive prenatal Down syndrome screening result last spring. Thanks to the support and resources of DSAM, we have been able to more confidently welcome our daughter into the world, advocate for her needs, share our story and educate others about what Down syndrome is (and what it isn’t), endure her successful open heart surgery, and, maybe most importantly, envision a world of endless opportunities for our daughter’s future. We feel extremely lucky and blessed to have connected with DSAM.” — New Parents, Sue and Damon

Programming - 79%

Management & General -16%

Fundraising - 5%

Family Bike Run - $6,030

Other - $6,774

Investment Income - $7,047

Literacy Initiative - $9,848

Conferences - $10,716

Bike Camp - $14,465

Memberships - $24,559

Golf Tourrnament - $27.948

Harley Raffle - $30,000

Donations - $95,919

Walk - $167,288

Programming - 79%

Management & General -16%

Fundraising - 5%

Family Bike Run - $6,030

Other - $6,774

Investment Income - $7,047

Literacy Initiative - $9,848

Conferences - $10,716

Bike Camp - $14,465

Memberships - $24,559

Golf Tourrnament - $27.948

Harley Raffle - $30,000

Donations - $95,919

Walk - $167,288

2015 Expenses

2015 Income

Financials

Programs & ServicesOur programs provide the information people need to address the challenges of life with Down syndrome. We also offer frequent opportunities for families and individuals with Down syndrome to make social contacts.

Parent GroupsWe currently have over 23 parent groups! One of our strengths as an organization is our Parent Group program. The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota supports these groups throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area and across our region. These monthly sessions are planned and facilitated by Association trained coordinators. These groups offer a safe place to share the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome. Sessions include formal information presentations like Trusts or literacy programs – and each parent group relies on DSAMN to provide an annual stipend.

I’ve been involved with the Down Syndrome Association for 15 years. I became involved after the birth of my son Kyle. Early on I found that being a part of a parent group to be very valuable . After 2 years, I became a parent group facilitator and have formed life long relationships with our members. Our parent group values the partnership and resources we have being part of the larger network through the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. We also enjoy the events – from the Step Up Walk, educational conferences to the Holiday party, DSAM has helped to enrich our lives in so many ways. Thanks DSAM for all you do!

— Parent group facilitator, Penny Kauffman

Social Engagement & EventsDSAM runs a number of events each year to support our mission. We rely on an army of Volunteers to make these events great for all those who participate.

• Quarterly New Parent Breakfast• Summer Picnic• Pancake Breakfast• Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk• Holiday Party• Annual Wine Tasting Event

Conferences & Workshops

• Biennial Regional Conference• Grandparent Conference• Educators Conference• Youth & Adults Conference• Adult Matters Conference• iCan Shine Bike Camp

Founded in 1984The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesotawww.dsamn.org656 Transfer RoadSaint Paul, MN 55114(651) 603-0720 (800) 511-3696

/DSAMN @dsamn

Opening Hearts - Changing Mindswww.dsamn.org