Toddler Moms Group
Monday, March 21st | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMMoms of children with Down syndrome ages 18 months – 3.5 years are invited to join us for a virtual group hosted by Mary-Frances Garber, CGC.
Please email Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org to request Zoom registration link
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection Monthly Chat
Wednesday, March 30th | 8:00 p.m.The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection convene its regular Zoom chat the last Tuesday of every month. The DSAC invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them. To be added to the invitation list, please contact Jeanne Doherty at jdoherty@mdsc.org.
Virtual Tea Tasting (ages 22+)
Thursday, March 31st | 6:30pm - 7:30pmAdults ages 22+ are invited to join us for a cozy evening of tea tasting! Each registrant will be mailed a tea tasting kit prior to the event. Attendees will taste various types of decaffeinated tea, discuss the different smells and flavors, and learn about the health benefits! Afterward, we’ll play an interactive game to get to know everyone a bit better!
**please register by Friday March 25th to receive a tasting kit in them mail**
Free to attend!
AIM Monthly Meetup – Charades! (ages 13-22)
Sunday, April 3rd | 1:15pm - 2:15pmTeens and young adults ages 13-22 are invited to test out their acting skills and join us for a virtual game of charades! If acting isn’t your thing, feel free to use your vocal skills, draw a picture, or use your preferred method of communication to engage with the group!
Free to attend!
AIM Parent & Caregiver Lunch & Learn “Let’s start a conversation – Planning for the future”
Sunday, April 3rd | 12:00pm - 1:00pmParents and caregivers of young adults and adult children with Down syndrome are invited to join us for a casual discussion about future planning led by Jeanne Doherty! Jeanne is the parent of an adult daughter Down syndrome and an incredible Family Support Specialist at the MDSC.
We can share our thoughts on topics that we seem to have challenges (for various reasons) moving forward with. Some examples may be – creating a will, a plan to carry on, residential transition, adult day programming choices or self-direction, and medical decisions. All of these decisions are best made when all options are explored and never in a crisis situation.
Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts, plans, ideas, fears, and success stories, and Jeanne will offer guidance and share resources on what you can do in the present to start to put your mind at ease for the future.
Free to attend!
Down Syndrome & Mental Health Support Group
Monday, April 11th | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmDoes your teen or adult loved one with Down syndrome also have a mental health diagnosis such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder? Often these illnesses bring on a change in daily living skills, mood, or interest in activities once enjoyed. Seeing these changes and regression in your loved one can be very difficult.
Please join other parents and caregivers for a support group meeting facilitated by Mary-Frances Garber, a licensed genetic counselor providing supportive genetic counseling in her private practice, Listening, Reflecting, Healing in Needham. She has been a consultant with the MDSC for the past 8 years providing insight and support to many families.
Please note that individualized psychiatric treatment will not be provided at this meeting. This meeting is meant to serve as a venue for families with loved ones with Down syndrome and mental health concerns so that they may obtain mutual support with professional supervision.
Please email mentalhealth@mdsc.org to register or for more information.
Spring Gardening! (ages 22+)
Tuesday, April 19th | 5:30pm - 6:30pmThe birds are chirping, the sun is shining and the flowers are about to start blooming! Adults ages 22+ are invited to join us for an at home gardening group, where you can plant your very own seeds and watch a flower grow! Green thumbs not required!
Register by Thursday April 14th to receive a mini terracotta pot, soil pod, and seeds!
Free to attend!
Bridgewater State Field Day (ages 13+)
Sunday, April 24th | 1:00pm - 4:00pmBridgewater State University’s sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, is thrilled to be hosting a fun filled field day for the MDSC! Teens and adults ages 13+ and their families are invited to join us for an afternoon of games, relay races, face painting, snacks, music, and dancing!
Please note this is not a drop off event. Parents and/or caregivers are kindly asked to stay for the duration of the event.
Free to attend!
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection Monthly Chat
Wednesday, April 27th | 8:00 p.m.The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection convene its regular Zoom chat the last Tuesday of every month. The DSAC invites all families affected by Down syndrome and autism, including families who recently got an autism diagnosis, to join them. To be added to the invitation list, please contact Jeanne Doherty at jdoherty@mdsc.org.
Bradley Estate Firepit Picnic (ages 13+)
Saturday, April 30th | 12:00pm - 1:30pm*This event was rescheduled from March 12th due to rain. We look forward to seeing you on April 30th!
Teens and adults ages 13 + are invited to join us for an afternoon of s’more making, music, and lawn games at the beautiful Bradley Estate!
Hot chocolate, cider, and s’mores ingredients will be offered, but feel free to bring your own picnic lunch!
Space is limited for this event. In order to support as many self-advocates as possible, we ask that each registrant bring only one support person with them. To ensure safety, all self-advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) must be accompanied by a caregiver/support person.
Free to Attend!