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From The Executive Director

Nancy LaBelle - Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area

Fourth Quarter Fall 2009 Edition

When I think about 2009 coming to an end at first I say where did the time go? Then I stop and reflect on all that has been accomplished and it becomes very clear. Despite the economy, 2009 has been a good year at the Connection. We are excited about our full classes and expanding into new territory.

Our hard working Staff and Board have been busy with the growth of our membership serving more families than ever. Our ability to serve continues thanks to wonderful foundations such as the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation and many others who believe in our mission.

In 2009 we were blessed with generous grants and with donations from members, their family and friends who wanted to help. We saw this with the Buddy Walk where 50 families gave the opportunity to 750 people...raising over sixty thousand dollars. Thank you, members, for embracing our new fundraising technology!

Here’s a look at some of the highlights of 2009. Together, we...

  • Started new STEP Class in Benicia for adults, Los Gatos for ages 3-6 and Danville for ages 12-15
  • Welcomed new part time employees: two Teachers, a Program Coordinator and a Grant Manager
  • Built a Community Blog on our professionally redesigned website
  • Delivered new teacher training, volunteer training as well as teacher to teacher training on topics of behavior and sign language
  • Took our awesome teens and young adults on a Kayak experience in Sausalito with a grant
  • Held three successful fundraisers: Bowl-a-Rama, Cajun Fest and Buddy Walk
  • Received money from a new benefit held in our name: Danville Children’s Guild Poker Night
  • Purchased new online fundraising technology
  • Sent four colorful newsletters to all members and donors
  • Conducted our Annual Board Meeting Dinner with guest speakers
  • Built a 4th of July float and walked proudly in the Danville parade
  • Held a Safety Day luncheon with fire, police, ambulance and fingerprinting
  • Welcomed a new Board President and several new board members
  • Received new grants from foundations such as the Quest and Thomas J. Long Foundation
  • Brought in private Speech Therapy and Reading Tutor Services on site
  • Made progress regarding inclusion in public schools
  • Proudly have a partnership with a Special Education Placement and Program Consultant
  • Continue to provide prenatal consultation, Baby Steps and Parent Support groups without fees
  • Happily provided eleven STEP classes in six locations throughout the Bay Area
  • Awarded nine scholarships to families for STEP classes in 2009

I look forward to 2010 where my focus will be on keeping up with our organization's growth and our member's needs. I will, with passion, continue to teach the general public about Down syndrome. I will, with conviction, share the importance of everyone being regarded as "people first." Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Nancy LaBelle
Executive Director

Third Quarter Summer 2009 Edition - July - September

Many exciting things are happening at the Connection! Thank you to our Staff, Therapists, Teachers, Business Partners and Volunteers for their time and talents. Thank you to the members of our Board for their commitment to our mission and a special thank you to the Foundations that give so generously as our doors would not remain open without them. Thanks to all of our generous supporters whose help allows us to continue to offer Parent Support groups, Prenatal Consultation, one on one Advocacy and Baby Step classes free of charge. We also continue to offer therapeutic Step classes for young ones, teens and adults at a minimum cost to our members. 2009 is full of value added service such as private Speech Therapy with Heather Peterson and Reading Tutor Services with Natalie Hale on site at a discounted rate for our members. Together they are working with more than 25 of our members families with great reviews.

We started a new Step class in Benicia and our membership is up 10% from last year. A new Grant Manager, Linda Plount is on board, and we have long time member and educator Jennifer Cooper partnering with us to offer Special Education Placement services to our members in the Oakland/Berkeley/Hayward areas. Parents can always count on Martha Hogan our Advocacy Director to be at IEP meetings to insure that children of all ages get the education they need and deserve. Kathy Harkins, whom we could not do without, is embracing Quick Books and creating efficiency in the way we do business. Marianne Iversen, our Program Manager, is communicating more than ever about our Step classes and assessing areas of need for additional locations.We started an In-A-Pinch program as a way for our community to give back to each other, thanks Angie Rettig!

Our website is redesigned and looking great (www.dsconnection. org) thanks to SunDesign Studios. We are excited about the Cajun Fest which will be held on September 12 in Walnut Creek, and equally excited about the Buddy Walk lead by Tammy Garcia at Heather Farms October 11. Both committees are fired up and can use YOUR HELP! This year we welcomed five new board members and we have additional openings on our Board. I remain committed to using technology for fundraising and member communication as it has made a great difference so watch out soon for more good stuff. I look forward to an awesome rest of the year with all of you and I thank YOU for allowing me to continue what I am privileged to do every day.

Sincerely,
Nancy LaBelle
Executive Director

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