New Family Social

Saturday, January 8th | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This is a virtual event.

Join us for an informal way to meet other newer families, share and connect for families whose child with Down syndrome is 0-3 (until 4th birthday).  Please email Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org to request Zoom registration link.

New Moms Group

Tuesday, January 11th | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
This is a virtual event.

New moms of children with Down syndrome ages 0-18 months 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 & Mental Health Support Group

Tuesday, January 11th | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Virtual

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 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.

Adoptive Families Group

Tuesday, January 11th | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
This is a virtual event.

A virtual group for families who welcomed their child with Down syndrome through adoption.

Please email Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org to request Zoom registration link

STEM Presentation by First Technology Challenge (ages 13+)

Wednesday, January 12th | 4:00 PM

Teen and adults ages 13+ are invited to Sharpen your minds and join local First Technology Challenge team “Soli De Gloria” for a short and fun presentation on what STEM is (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and to check out some of their recent projects! After the video, the team will answer questions and share some ways to get involved in STEM!

AIM Lunch & Learn: Day Programs, Self Direction, and working with DDS – A Parent’s Perspective

Sunday, January 16th | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Parents and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+
are invited meet us on Zoom to learn about various DDS adult service models, including Traditional Day and Employment Programs, Participant-Directed Programming, and Agency with Choice.
Patti MacPhee and Cathy Polewarczyk, two incredible mothers, have spent many years working with DDS and navigating adult services. Having found programs that allow for their daughters to work toward their personal goals, they now enjoy sharing their experience and knowledge with other families who are trying to determine which program is right for them.

AIM Monthly Meetup: Virtual Yoga!

Sunday, January 16th | 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Teens and young adults ages 13-22 are invited to join us for a relaxing afternoon of virtual yoga led by Melissa Oddi-Morrison. Participants are encouraged to have a yoga mat and/or blanket.
This is a beginners level yoga class so all are welcome to join!

Sledding at Stone Cow!

Saturday, January 22nd | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Stone Cow Brewery 500 West Street B Barre, MA 01005

Bring your sleds and enjoy their snowy hill! Fingers crossed Jack Frost gives us some fresh powder to play! If he doesn’t deliver we can still enjoy each other’s company inside the warm barn.

RSVP or send questions to group leaders Brian & Jessica Young.
jessica.flynnyoung@gmail.com; 774.239.5992

Ice Skating at Market Street

Sunday, January 23rd | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
600 Market St Lynnfield, MA 01940
Individuals with Down syndrome, their friends, and
family members, are invited to join us for a morning of hot chocolate, breakfast (including gluten free options) and ice skating! Food and drink will be served in the warming tent for skaters who work up an appetite or for anyone who wants a break from the cold!
 
Everything including ice skate rentals will be free of charge!
 
A limited number of volunteers will be present to assist skaters and skate assists will also be available for beginners!
 
*Helmets will not be provided, but are highly recommended for all skaters!* (it could be a bike helmet, motorcycle helmet, equestrian helmet
 anything to protect the noggin!)
 
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.

Interactive Music Session (for all ages!)

Monday, January 24th | 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Join Evan from Music at the Blissful and MDSC Self-Advocate Ashley DeNoble for a 45-minute virtual, fun, interactive music session!
This event is free and individuals of all ages are welcome to join!