Parents 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!
Teens 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!
Does 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.
Join the 21 Shades group, an inclusive support group for all families of African heritage in Massachusetts who love someone with Down Syndrome, for a monthly meetup. The group meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7-8 pm. Monthly support meetings consist of check-ins, topic specific educational workshops, and social activities to engage families. For more information please email Jessica at javila@mdsc.org.
Please register using the link below.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Come help us welcome Chris Nikic and push our Team MDSC Boston Marathon runners to reach the finish line on Marathon Monday, April 18th!
The MDSC Cheering Section is at the Mile 18 check point on Heartbreak Hill on Commonwealth Avenue opposite Braeburn Country Club in West Newton where there is a nice grassy area.
We encourage you to take advantage of Public Transportation. Our cheering section is a 15 minute walk from the Woodland Station stop on the Green Line’s ‘D’ Train.
The cheering section will be set up as early as 10 a.m. We encourage members to arrive no later than noon because the earlier you go, the easier it will be to make your way to the cheering section (and, if driving, to find a parking spot). Most of our MDSC runners pass through between 1pm and 3pm.
Upon arrival, an MDSC representative will be present at the cheering section. There will be snacks, noise makers, and other items to keep the runners motivated. We encourage spectators to bring blankets and a picnic lunch to enjoy with your friends!
If you and your families are planning to attend to cheer on our runners, please email race@mdsc.org. We hope to see you there…
The 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!
Join us for an informal way to meet other Dads, share and connect! For the first time in two years, DADS will hold its first live and in-person meeting at Margarita’s Framingham. We will have a private room.
Space is limited so please reserve your spot by contacting Jeff Roback at dadsmass@yahoo.com, or 339-788-1460.
3 Day Mama’s ONLY Retreat
Registration REQUIRED using link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/166692464649
Email Group Leaders Brian & Jessica Young for registration password: jessica.flynnyoung@gmail.com; 774.239.5992
Please join us for a family get-together at Louis A DePasquale Universal Design Playground at Danehy Park in Cambridge, MA. This playground was designed to be physically, sensory, and cognitively accessible. It is truly an environment that is welcoming to all individuals.
This event will be hosted by Sarah Cullen and Jessica Avila on Saturday 4/23 from 12-2 (Rain date Sun 4/24 12-2). No RSVP required. Free parking lots on site!
