The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) is excited to announce that they have received a $3,000 grant from the Toledo Rotary Club Foundation to help fund initial start-up costs for a Family Resource Closet. The goal of the Family Resource Closet is to help provide families who have a child with Down syndrome with essential items for the first months and years of their child’s life. These items will include clothing, diapers, books, developmental learning aides, and therapeutic items, such as talk tools, feeding aides, etc.

Often times, DSAGT is the only organization that families who have a child with Down syndrome reach out to. The staff at DSAGT works with families to refer them to other service providers to help with certain resources, however, there are still many items that families are unable to receive from other service providers. The goal of the Family Resource Closet is to help fill that gap, of items needed that families don’t have access to even if they are receiving services from other providers. 

The Family Resource closet will be available to families living in Northwest Ohio who have a child with Down syndrome between birth and five years old. It will help supply them with clothing up to 12 months of age. They can also access diapers, and books for their child. In addition, families will be able to access popular items frequently recommended by physical, occupational and speech therapists. 

Over the past four years, the Organization has been working to increase the number of resources available to lower income families who have a child with Down syndrome. In 2020, the Organization received a grant from United Way to offer the Covid-19 Food Assistance program, which helped provide 60 families with grocery store gift cards to those struggling financially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Organization started a Holiday Adopt-a-family program, which helped provide holiday gifts and grocery store gift cards to 14 families last year.  In addition to these, the Organization also offers scholarships to families to help cover the costs of summer camps, therapy programs and more. The Family Resource Closet will be the newest program to this grouping of services offered to families who are struggling financially. The Organization plans to have the closet set-up and ready to be accessed by families in early 2025. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Krista! I’m a wife to my husband Zach, and a new mom to our daughter Josie. I’m also a dog mom to our Beagle mix, Navy.
For the past five years I’ve been serving as the Executive Director for DSAGT. Prior to that I served on the Board of Directors for DSAGT and worked in Public Accounting as an Auditor, specializing in the non-profit industry. Growing up I always thought I would be a teacher, and I feel like DSAGT has been such a perfect blend of getting to work with and support children while also using my non-profit and accounting expertise.
As the ED at DSAGT I oversee all of the day-to-day operations, which include strategic management, financial reporting and accounting, board relations, program development and oversight, staff management, public relations and advocacy work, fundraising and development, and marketing and web design.

2. When and why did you join the DSAGT team?
I technically joined DSAGT in 2017 as a volunteer but became the Director in September of 2019. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a draw to people with Down syndrome. Around 2015, I started following a few families on Instagram who had children with Down syndrome and loved following along on their journeys and saw how hard they had to advocate for their children. I remember thinking how much I’d love to work with children who had Down syndrome. Then in 2017, I attended a non-profit board fair, not really looking to even join a board but I discovered that we had a local Down syndrome association here and met Renee, our last ED. We really hit it off and I jumped in immediately getting involved and going to events. If you’re familiar with public accounting, it can be pretty draining career, it’s a lot of long hours sitting at a desk all day and I found that my time with DSAGT refilled my cup and I couldn’t get enough.
When the opportunity arose to apply for this role, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I feel so grateful every day that I get to serve such an amazing community of people.

3. What are some future goals you have for DSAGT?
Gosh, I have so many!! I think my main goal is to have everyone with Down syndrome in Northwest Ohio getting connected with us, no matter what life stage they’re at! We really are trying so hard to make sure that there is something for everyone here at DSAGT and I know that we have some gaps and could absolutely be doing better at some things but we’re slowly addressing those gaps and adding in new programs and services. The addition of Lauren and Leah to the team this year has been a huge step forward in growing our capacity as an organization and being able to serve more families in ways we hadn’t been able to previously.
If I lived in a world where I had all the funding I needed, I’d see DSAGT having a beautiful space that allowed us to have a day program for adults with Down syndrome after they graduated from school, and also be able to offer occasional respite services to families. I’d love for us to really be able to walk our families through each stage of transition that comes with having a child with a disability. I’d love to have a career coaching program where we could connect our individuals with area businesses and help get them fulfilling jobs in the community. I’d love more school-age programming, especially ones that
integrate OT, PT and speech. It would be great to have a more formal IEP support service as well. The beautiful thing about DSAGT is that since we’re a local non-profit, the opportunities are really endless in terms of what types of programming we could offer here, the only hurdle we face is that we have an extremely small budget currently. I can say I’m very proud of all that we accomplish on that small budget, and we make the most of every single dollar that’s donated.
In reality, I don’t have all the funding I’d like so some of the things we are working on behind the scenes at the moment is exploring new office locations. While it will likely still be a small location, it will hopefully be a space that allows us to expand our offerings. We’re looking at growing our World Down Syndrome Day celebrations throughout the community in the coming years. We’re working on growing our programs for our school-age children. We’re also working on possibly building a program to support individuals and their families as they transition into adulthood. We’re working on improving our new parent and medical outreach, including updating our new parent packets. Lastly, we’re working on revamping our current financial aid service line up so that hopefully that can be a better resource for families.

4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
Well, my current obsession is my daughter Josie, she’s nine months and just the most fun little person to hang out with all day. We hang out with our family quite a bit on the weekends and enjoy tailgating at the Toledo Rocket Football games and going to watch the Toledo Walleye. I also like to travel and explore new places. I also love finding creative outlets, some days that’s painting, other days it’s making royal iced cookies or practicing my newest hobby, crocheting. I also love home design and organizing, I’m already getting excited to decorate the house for Christmas. Growing up my grandma had a way of making every holiday so special through her home décor and family meals and I want to give Josie that same feeling of home throughout her childhood that I was lucky enough to have.
And since all of that and running a non-profit doesn’t keep me busy enough, I also currently serve on the Girls on the Run Northwest Ohio board and as the Immediate Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northwest Ohio.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m Brittany, a board member of DSAGT! Born and raised in Erie, MI, I currently live in Sylvania with my husband and our two dogs. I am a nurse by trade with a business degree; I think it is so important to be knowledgeable in the business aspects of healthcare, while knowing firsthand the challenges and barriers that appear on the frontlines. I am the Health Services Director and Anne Grady Services, and I’m so thankful to truly do what I love every day.

2. When and why did you join the DSAGT Board? 
I joined the DSAGT Board in January of 2024. After grad school, I wanted to become more engaged in our community, and with many years of working with individuals with developmental disabilities, I felt that I could be an asset to the board. I love the mission of DSAGT and it is amazing to see how many lives they impact every day.

3. What are some future goals you have for DSAGT? 
Expanding programming, building relationships with other businesses and non-profit organizations and putting focus on development + marketing are just some of the goals that I have for DSAGT. With anything that we do, continuing to provide support, educate and advocate for the individuals we serve will remain priority.

 4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time? 
In my free time, I love to travel, exercise, read and spend time with friends and family. I absolutely love football season (GO BLUE!)  and if it’s a nice day outside, you might just see me on the golf course!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My family and I currently live in Sylvania, OH. My husband and I have two sons (ages 29 and 26), two daughters-in-law, and one daughter (age 18). We also have three grandchildren (ages 4, 2, and 2 months). We keep very busy with family activities! Our 18-year-old daughter, Bridget has Down syndrome and we spend a lot of time getting her to and from school and other activities. My husband is retired, and I am currently the Chief of Student Support for Toledo Public Schools, overseeing all special education, counseling, psychological, and behavioral services. I have worked as a classroom teacher and as an Assistant Professor and am looking forward to some new challenges in the coming years!

2. When and why did you join the DSAGT Board?
I was on the DSAGT board several years ago (2007 - 2010) when Bridget was young. We were very active in the association and enjoyed a lot of great activities and resources. As I tried to find a work/life balance, I stepped down as my boys entered high school. I rejoined the board last year and have been getting more and more involved. I am on the Adult Matters committee, helping to ensure our young adults and adults are provided with appropriate activities and resources. 

3. What are some future goals you have for DSAGT?
I am so excited to see the association grow. We have added committees to address specific age groups, and I see a lot of great additions as a result. We have a strong, active board, and together, I believe we will continue to expand services and activities, while spreading awareness. 

4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
I love to read and especially love historical fiction. I am a VERY mediocre golfer, but I do enjoy being out on the course. I spend a lot of time with family and friends and support them all in a variety of ways. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself! 
I am currently the Board's Past President after serving an incredible several years as Board President. I live in Spokane, Washington. I am an attorney and work for The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid. 

2. When and why did you join the DSAGT Board? 
I joined the DSAGT board in 2019 after moving to Toledo, Ohio for my career. My mother is a teacher, and I grew up watching her advocate for inclusion for all of her students. I was able to spend a lot of time with peers that have an intellectual developmental disability. When looking for an organization to be involved with, DSAGT seemed like a perfect fit. I loved getting to know Krista and several of our families. 

3. What are some future goals you have for DSAGT? 
DSAGT has already accomplished so many of the things I envisioned and hoped for! The community and amount of services provided by DSAGT is remarkable and so needed. I hope to see DSAGT continue to grow and expand services in all of the counties we serve. I hope DSAGT is able to play a larger role as a connector for our families ensuring they get all the services they need. 

4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family especially if we are traveling to a fun place! I recently purchased a home, so a lot of my free time is spent on home projects and trying to keep my garden alive. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Nate Seevers, I am the board treasurer. I live in Toledo, Ohio with my wife Devin and our two boys Avery (3) and Owen (6mo). Professionally I am the senior quality analyst for a large medical benefits management company based in Chicago. 

2. When and why did you join the DSAGT Board?
After we found out Avery would be born with Down Syndrome, my wife began looking for communities to join and organizations we could be a part of. Shortly after Avery was born, we ended up moving to Toledo. Devin reached out to DSAGT and we have been attending and volunteering at events and programs for nearly 3 years now. Discovering an opening for the treasurer role, and having prior experience in non-profit finance, presented a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to an organization that has greatly supported my family.

3. What are some future goals you have for DSAGT? 
I want to see DSAGT expand its influence and resources to support not only new families dealing with a diagnosis but also those who may be unaware of the organization and the community it fosters.

4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two boys!  

Tell us a little bit about yourself! 
I recently became Board President of DSAGT. I've been on the board for almost two years. I am (nearly) a lifelong resident of Perrysburg. Grew up here, raised our family here and remained here after our girls graduated. Both of our girls and their families live in San Diego where we visit as often as possible! 
I worked as an intervention specialist for 15 years before becoming an assistant principal at Perrysburg Junior High. During my time at PJHS I worked primarily with teachers and students involved in 504s and IEPs. The kiddos with the most needs were my focus throughout my time there. I retired in 2014 and since then have worked as a caregiver/buddy/fairy godmother to a young man with significant needs. I've remained in the world of kids and adults with disabilities through volunteer work. I'm also a board member of Sunshine Communities, Perrysburg Schools Foundation and Engaging Opportunities Foundation. I'm a compulsive volunteer!

When and why did you join the DSAGT Board? 
I joined the board nearly two years ago. During my involvement with Community Shares, I became acquainted with DSAGT. When Krista came on board we reconnected (she had volunteered for us at Hannah's Socks). Through several conversations, she asked me to join the board. I happily accepted.
I grew up with a brother, Brian, with DS. He was born in 1964, when parents were told to send them to institutions and forget about them. My parents refused, vowing to raise him as they were raising the rest of us. My parents were heavily involved in Wood Co DD. My dad was part of the initiative to build group homes in Wood County. Naturally, through my parents, I too became a regular volunteer at Woodlane and Wood Co DD programs. Even though Brian passed away in 1979, I always knew my career would involve kids and adults with disabilities. Serving on the DSAGT board feels like "home". As I like to say, these kids and adults are "my heart" and feel privileged to have been asked to join.

What are some future goals you have for DSAGT? 
I'm thrilled with the addition of our Adult Matters and Early Matters programs. I believe they will only further expand our support of families. I know, while it's currently a small group, our aging adults seem to have an untapped potential for programming. We are very fortunate to have a number of parents on our board representing different age groups. The critical expertise they provide will continue to steer us in the direction of creating programming that will address specific needs for our kids and adults.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
My number one activity is Facetiming with Barrett (almost 3) and Isla (just turned 1) as much as possible (when we can't see them in person.) If you've never Facetimed with toddlers, you have no idea what you're missing!!
Second is visiting our girls and their families. I love to read, run, do yoga, and entertain with friends.

     April is Autism Awareness Month! Autism Sprectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by repetitive behaviors, lack of social skills, difficulty with speech and non-verbal communication. Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the US and boys are nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed. I would like to share my personal experience with autism.
     I have a 9-year-old son with Down Syndrome and always knew there was something else going on with him. Hunter had showed autistic mannerisms since a toddler but I thought it was attributed to Down Syndrome. Hunter was afraid of noises, even the low hum of an air conditioner would bother him. He'd rock back and forth, refused to wear any hats or noise cancelling earphones, didn't like certain textures, made throat noises, and began stimming. These behaviors seemed to peek at 5-6 years of age. In fact, I told his primary physician that it felt like stimming had taken over my son's life because he was stimming from the time he woke up until bedtime! That is when I was referred to a place that specialized in autism testing and therapy. 
    My son was officially diagnosed two years ago and I have learned a lot, yet there's still so much more to learn! Autism is a world all its own and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We are currently on a waiting list for an ABA therapy program. I am appreciative of the specialists that make up Hunter's care team. He is on medication that has helped with some of his disruptive behaviors, and I am hopeful for the future! This does not happen overnight; it has been a trial-and-error process so try to keep an open mind if you are a caretaker.  
     I encourage any parent to connect with others in similar situations. I personally joined a few online dual-diagnosis groups on Facebook. It makes a difference to know that you are not alone as this road can be challenging. -Melisa Miller (Ohio P2P Supporter)

   March 21 is a day set aside to bring awareness to and celebrate Down Syndrome globally. Trisomy 21 is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome in the 21st position. That is why 3/21 was chosen for World Down Syndrome Day. 
People with Down Syndrome and those who love and support them continue to advocate for equality and inclusion.
     Some people choose to wear blue and yellow to show their support on March 21. Others wear crazy and fun socks because chromosomes are shaped like socks!
So, how will you be joining us in celebrating WDSD?