If there's anything that will teach you to be flexible-it's parenthood.  Kids will keep you on your toes, especially with food preferences.  Halloween is no exception!  Whether you have a special needs child who doesn't like candy or a typical child who prefers cheese over cookies, it's beneficial to have alternate choices.  Stay flexible!

• Snack bags (chips, cookies, crackers)
• Apples, applesauce pouches
• Fruit snacks
• Fruit cups
• Pudding cups
• Cheese sticks
• Halloween stickers 

DSAGT is very excited to welcome Denise Dahl, MPA to the team! Denise will be serving as DSAGT's Development Director and overseeing the organization's fundraising efforts. Denise is the owner of Epiphany Planning & Development consulting to businesses and governments in strategic planning, economic development, and workforce engagement/training. She also works within the nonprofit world and has over twenty- five years of proven experience. She has been a past certified consultant  for Standards
for Excellence Institute promoting excellence in nonprofits, a past member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and member of the Grant Professionals Association. She has also run nonprofits, as well as sat on numerous nonprofit boards and fundraising committees. In addition to working for and with nonprofits Denise has taught Nonprofit Leadership for Bluffton University.

Occasionally Denise also teaches (and has taught) at BGSU, Trine University, and the previously mentioned Bluffton University, as an adjunct professor utilizing her Master’s degree. Denise has various continuing education certifications from the University of Michigan, Northwestern, Stanford, and has participated in strategic, economic, nonprofit, and workforce development through numerous entities ranging from
appointment by the Governor of Iowa to the Vision Iowa Board, writing U.S. Senate Sub Committee testimony, to various local boards such as Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association, Great Lakes Economic Development Advisory Board, and the University of Toledo’s College of Business’s Advisory Board.

he Buddy Cruise is totally inclusive! The positive impact and awareness our group brings to all of the other people on the cruise is what makes it especially awesome. The Buddy Cruise isn’t just a fun vacation with like-minded people, it’s also a conference at sea. Coffee talks each morning on a variety of topics and
educational workshop sessions geared to different age levels and interests. I attended sessions on estate planning, self-advocacy, Moyamoya disease, and vision issues. ​

Tell us a little about yourself...
I am the Board President for DSAGT. I currently live in Washington and am an attorney at a
nonprofit law firm.

When did you join the DSAGT Board and what encouraged you to become a DSAGT
Board Member?
I joined the DSAGT Board at the end of 2019. I was looking for an organization with a great
community that would allow me to do more than just write a check each month. This Board
allows me to utilize my professional skills and fills up my cups on days that I feel drained.

What are you most excited to help DSAGT accomplish in 2022?
Navigating the pandemic has been hard and I think we have done a good job of still operating
as an organization. There has been some really hard work happening behind the scenes and I
am excited for the brand new programs and services that will be offered to our families. I am
especially excited for the programing geared towards welcoming on new families because I
want them to know from the moment they get that diagnosis there is community waiting for
them. Also, I am excited for the programming we will be planning for our teens and young
adults. I hope we can bring some families back that may have not been involved for the past
few years.

Why do you think it’s important for individuals to volunteer with DSAGT?
One of my favorite quotes is, “Act as if what you do makes a difference – it does.” Whether you
join the DSAGT Board, a committee, or volunteer at a single event – it will all have a lasting
impact on the lives of our families and on yours. The great thing about DSAGT is that you also
do not have to be local to Ohio or Michigan to volunteer. There are numerous ways you can
support our community all you have to do is ask how.

What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time?
I love to travel. My family and friends live through the country so I spend the majority of my
free time traveling to them or showing them around the newest city I have moved to. When I
am not traveling I am volunteering, it is how I feel reenergized after a stressful week.

DSAGT Volunteer Nominated for National Philanthropy Day
​ 
The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northwest Ohio (AFP NWO) celebrated their 34th Annual National Philanthropy Day. The annual event is way to show gratitude to individuals who have significantly contributed to the welfare of the communities all across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.  Each year, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) selects a volunteer who has made a significant impact on the organization.

This year, DSAGT nominated volunteer, Jessica Casper Hilt. Jessica joined the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo in 2019 after the birth of her daughter Gabriella, who has Down syndrome. Since 2019, Jessica has become one of DSAGT’s most dedicated volunteers. She has been coordinating our monthly Moms’ nights out. She’s also been a member of our Program committee, Buddy Walk planning committee and our New Parent Outreach committee. Jessica’s deepest passion though is meeting new families and getting them connected to the organization and the local Down syndrome community. She goes out of her way to make sure new moms are never feeling alone in their journey and are welcomed into the Down syndrome community.
 
You can learn more about AFP NWO by visiting their facebook page or their website: community.afpglobal.org/afpnwo. And, if you're interested in volunteering with DSAGT, you can email us at [email protected] for more information.