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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEIDS Info Presentation (1) 1 Support Educate Empower Our mission is to build a positive connective between individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and Eastern Idaho.  We do this by providing education, advocacy, support, and resources to help facilitate inclusion within the local community. 2 History and Statistics We were established in 2015 by Rochelle Larsen who wanted a support group as she was beginning to raise her daughter with Down syndrome. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that in comprised of all volunteers. Every dollar raised goes to supporting people with Down syndrome, their families, and our Eastern Idaho community. We currently serve 105 families. We hosted 17 events in 2018 for the families of EIDS and our Eastern Idaho community. In 2019 we hosted 33 events! We go into local schools, businesses, professional meetings, and sport teams to educate people about Down syndrome and inclusion. In 2019 we taught 1,904 people about Down syndrome, inclusion, and kindness. In 2019 at our annual Dash for Down Syndrome race we hade 940 participants we raised $33,100. The race is how we raise our funds to our programs and is a wonderful day to celebrate Down syndrome in Eastern Idaho. This year’s race is August 22nd at Snake Rive Landing in Idaho Falls. 3 What We Do BrynnLe's Baskets We supply all local hospitals with baskets to give parents when they have a baby with Down syndrome. These baskets are filled with welcome gifts and educational information on Down syndrome.  These baskets help new families know that we are here to support them and that their baby with Down syndrome is already loved by so many. 4 What We Do First Call Receiving the news that your baby has Down syndrome can be filled with many emotions. We are here to help and support. Any parent with a new diagnosis can call us at 208-716-6504 for support and guidance. 5 What We Do NICU Assistance Many babies with Down syndrome have intensive medical needs at birth and spend time in the NICU in the hospital.  To show our families that we support them and want to help, we provide funds to the parents to help with the large cost associated with a NICU stay.  6 What We Do Grants We give grants to our local families to help cover costs of medical equipment, adaptive recreational equipment, guardianship fees, and other expenses that are not covered by insurance.   Families can apply through our website for up to $500 per year per family.  We love supporting and enhancing the lives of our children and adults with Down syndrome.  7 What We Do Down Syndrome Awareness Lessons We have worked with professional educators to develop curriculum and kits with the needed materials to teach lessons on Down syndrome from pre-school to high school aged students. The goal is to teach local school aged children that we are really more alike than different in hopes that we are able to start changing perceptions one person at a time. 8 What We Do iCan Bike The iCan Bike program is a national program we bring to Eastern Idaho each summer to teach 30 to 40 people with disabilities to ride a two wheeled bikes, creating independence and freedom for them! 9 What We Do Dash for Down Syndrome This is our annual fundraiser in August. Come participate in the 10K, 3.21 mile, or 1 mile fun run/walk and enjoy a fun celebration of Down syndrome. 10 What We Do Social Events/Gatherings/Play Groups These provide safe and supported environments for our families to bond. Educational Panels and Classes We host a variety of presentations to help educate the parents and caretakers of individuals with Down syndrome. 11 What We Do Mom's and Dad's Retreats Moms and dads who have kids with Down syndrome can attend retreats to learn new information and skills while bonding with other parents.  The retreats run from 1 day to 4 days and are very influential in parents’ lives. 12 What We Do Grandparent Support Group We support grandparents through educational and social gatherings. 13 What We Do Gifts from Gracen This is a resource for families to help cover funeral expenses when a loved one with Down syndrome has passed away.  This program is named after sweet Gracen that passed after gracing us with her beautiful life for 109 days. 14 Simulation Activity “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”- To Kill A Mocking Bird Oven Mitt Activity Put mitt on opposite hand, write for 3 min, share experience 15 Contact and Location Information www.easternidahodownsyndrome.org info@easternidahodownsyndrome.org Location: 985 N Capital, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 We are here to help, contact us Sign up to be a Friend of EIDS The form is on our website 16