Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Service Area
Leadership
Staff
Krista Huff Administrative Director
Board of Directors
Alexis Eggenberger, Board President
Philomena Ayers, Immediate Past President
Caitlin Bainter, Treasurer
TJ Miller, Member at large
Christine Folley, Member at large
Ali Kingston, Member at large
Cynthia Marley, Member at large
Brandon Wood, Member at large
Jessica Hilt, Member at large
Krista Huff Administrative Director
Board of Directors
Alexis Eggenberger, Board President
Philomena Ayers, Immediate Past President
Caitlin Bainter, Treasurer
TJ Miller, Member at large
Christine Folley, Member at large
Ali Kingston, Member at large
Cynthia Marley, Member at large
Brandon Wood, Member at large
Jessica Hilt, Member at large
President's Statement
Dear Families, Community Members, Supporters, and Friends,
What a whirlwind the last year has brought us! Even with the challenges of the pandemic, DSAGT has continued to provide services, programming, and events to bring us together when we need it now, more than ever. We are so grateful that you continue to choose us to be a part of your family during our Winter Celebrations, Mud Hens and Zoo Outings, and various other events throughout each year.
Our mission has always been, and will always be, to empower all individuals with Down syndrome, and to serve their communities and families. We look forward to continuing to partner with you throughout 2022, while bringing a new focus on our services. We’re excited to share details of our ever-changing programming and events to make sure we’re continuously meeting your needs.
As my term comes to an end and a new President steps into my place, I’m forever grateful for all of our families, community members, supporters, and friends. DSAGT continues to survive and thrive because of all of you.
What a whirlwind the last year has brought us! Even with the challenges of the pandemic, DSAGT has continued to provide services, programming, and events to bring us together when we need it now, more than ever. We are so grateful that you continue to choose us to be a part of your family during our Winter Celebrations, Mud Hens and Zoo Outings, and various other events throughout each year.
Our mission has always been, and will always be, to empower all individuals with Down syndrome, and to serve their communities and families. We look forward to continuing to partner with you throughout 2022, while bringing a new focus on our services. We’re excited to share details of our ever-changing programming and events to make sure we’re continuously meeting your needs.
As my term comes to an end and a new President steps into my place, I’m forever grateful for all of our families, community members, supporters, and friends. DSAGT continues to survive and thrive because of all of you.
I’m honored to pass the torch to my colleague, Ali Kingston, who I know will continue to advocate for your needs at DSAGT. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you throughout these past several years, and I look forward to continuing to give back in my new position as Past President.
With gratitude, Alexis Eggenberger, MBA, LISW-S, BCBA Board President 2019 - 2021 |
President's Statement
Dear DSAGT Community,
I am so grateful for all 2021 brought us. Though we are still navigating the difficulties of the pandemic, I have loved seeing our community together this past year. The smiling faces at the Toledo MudHens Family Night, the families celebrating together at the Buddy Walk, and the pumpkin picking at Gust Brothers is the constant reminder of who is the priority for DSAGT, our families. These social outings along with the numerous other programs you will read about below would not have been possible without our generous donors. Thank you for supporting DSAGT by attending the Danny Celian Memorial Golf Tournament, Down For The Ride, Buddy Walk and making contributions in any other ways throughout the year. As we move into 2022, I look forward to expanding the services provided in a strategic way. I encourage you to stay tuned for services that may benefit your family and for ways that you can give back to DSAGT. With gratitude, Ali Kingston, Esq. Board President 2022 -2024 |
Director's Statement
To Our DSAGT Community,
It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. This year, similar to last, has brought it's fair share of struggles as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year had some amazing highlights! For me, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Toledo Buddy Walk is top of my list. It's hard to put into words what it means to me to see months of planning come to life and to celebrate our individuals with Down syndrome.
It was also great getting back to some of our favorite events, like our Family day at the Toledo Mud Hens, our Annual Family Fall Outing and our DSAGT Holiday Party! We're looking forward to bringing back even more events in the coming year and we're excited to be bringing some new programs to our DSAGT families.
It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. This year, similar to last, has brought it's fair share of struggles as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year had some amazing highlights! For me, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Toledo Buddy Walk is top of my list. It's hard to put into words what it means to me to see months of planning come to life and to celebrate our individuals with Down syndrome.
It was also great getting back to some of our favorite events, like our Family day at the Toledo Mud Hens, our Annual Family Fall Outing and our DSAGT Holiday Party! We're looking forward to bringing back even more events in the coming year and we're excited to be bringing some new programs to our DSAGT families.
DSAGT Celebrates 20th Annual
Toledo Buddy Walk
This year, DSAGT celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Toledo Buddy Walk. The event returned to an in-person celebration at the University of Toledo. Hundreds of participants enjoyed music, performances, raffles, games, pumpkin painting, tailgates and more! The 2021 Toledo Buddy Walk helped to raise almost $80,000 for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo., which will go towards the organization's 2022 operations and programs.
2021 Programs
AT A GLANCE
Programs and Events
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Families Served
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Volunteers
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New Parent Outreach
One of our programs that was impacted the most by the COVID-19 Pandemic was our New Parent Outreach. This past year, it became a priority to breath new life into our New Parent Outreach.
Our first step was updating our website resources, which now includes a new parent guide and expanded information on early intervention services.
Next, with some help from one of our fellow Down Syndrome Associations, we implemented a Parent Mentor Training and have begun piloting a Parent Mentor Program. The goal for Parent Mentoring is for new families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis to be paired up with some of our more experienced families to help guide them through their first year.
Our first step was updating our website resources, which now includes a new parent guide and expanded information on early intervention services.
Next, with some help from one of our fellow Down Syndrome Associations, we implemented a Parent Mentor Training and have begun piloting a Parent Mentor Program. The goal for Parent Mentoring is for new families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis to be paired up with some of our more experienced families to help guide them through their first year.
Sometimes, it's hard for family and friends to understand what a new parent is going through and we hope that by connecting them with a peer, they may find someone they can talk to and confide in. We currently have five trained parent mentors and hope to expand that over the course of 2022 and we've been able to match two new families since the launch of the program.
Our next steps into 2022 are to update our New Parent Packets and distribute them to area hospitals to be given at the time of the diagnosis delivery. We're also excited to host our first New Parent Breakfast in Spring of 2022. The event will allow new families to connect with one another and learn about how DSAGT can serve them along their journey. |
Virtual Programs
Puberty Webinar & WorkshopsWe had the pleasure of hosting Terri Couwenhoven, M.S. for an informational webinar all about Issues and Concerns of Puberty. We then followed up with a 2-part Puberty Workshop with Dr. Eileen Quinn and third-year medical student, Bridget Smythe. The workshops were for children between the ages of 9 and 13 and introduced topics such as private vs. public places and behaviors, changes in puberty and hygiene.
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Smart Start Kindergarten PrepThis year we kept our Smart Start Kindergarten Prep Program virtual in an effort to continue making our programs as easily accessible as possible. The program is focused on four main issues that parents often face when entering the school system: Potty Training, IEPs, Relationships with Educators and Friendships. We provided each family with some take home resources as well to help them along their journey.
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Fundraising Highlights
Danny Celian Memorial Golf TournamentThis June, DSAGT held it's annual Danny Celian Memorial Golf Tournament. This year's outing took place at the beautiful Heather Downs Golf Club. We hosted over 100 golfers for a fun day of raffles, prizes, games and more! Together they raised over $16,000 for DSAGT programs and services.
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Rite Aid Kidcents Giving Tuesday GrantThis year for Giving Tuesday we were gifted a $10,000 grant from the Rite Aid Foundation. DSAGT is one of nearly 500 partner charities across the country who received a grant from The Rite Aid Foundation, which works to build healthier, more equitable neighborhoods. The grants are funded through Rite Aid’s KidCents customer round-up program.
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