Program:
New Parent Kits
- Budget:
-
$1,500
- Category:
-
Education, General/Other
- Population Served:
-
Other Named Groups
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Other Named Groups
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Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Description:
New and expectant parent kits are available upon request. Kits include books and inspirational essays, local contact names and phone numbers, and information about Manasota BUDS, NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society), and NDSC (National Down Syndrome Congress). All materials are compiled and approved by Manasota BUDS parents, with families in mind.New Parent Kits are generally available at the following locations:Sarasota MemorialManatee MemorialEarly StepsHealthy Start, SarasotaHealthy Start, ManateeUSF Dept. of Genetics
Program Long-Term Success:
Well-informed, confident parents of children with Down syndrome.
Program Short-Term Success:
Less stress and fear of the unknown for parents of children with Down syndrome.
Program Success Monitored by:
Number of families who reach out to Manasota BUDS after receiving a kit; and feedback from families and other agencies who distribute the new parent kits.
Program Success Examples:
A letter to the editor, SRQ Magazine, September 2011:When Mason's diagnosis of Down syndrome was confirmed, Katie (Katie Powers, Manatee Memorial, NICU) delivered a gift to us in the NICU that had a big impact on our lives. It was a New Parent Kit from Manasota BUDS that was filled with many excellent resources. It contained books and DVDs for us as parents and a contact person who I reached out to immediately." Laura Kramer, Parent
Program:
Monthly Meetings
- Budget:
-
$2,400
- Category:
-
Education, General/Other
- Population Served:
-
Other Named Groups
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Disabled, General or Disability Unspecified
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Other Named Groups
Program Description:
Monthly Meetings are an important part of our community building. We offer guest speakers and time to network with other families. During our monthly meetings we offer music therapy, art therapy, and respite care.
Program Long-Term Success:
Well-informed families of individuals with Down syndrome who are able to effectively advocate for services for their loved one with Down syndrome and families who feel supported and encouraged in raising a child with Down syndrome.
Program Short-Term Success:
Families who feel supported and encouraged, and equipped to support their loved one with Down syndrome.
Program Success Monitored by:
Attendance at monthly meetings.
Program Success Examples:
Families who report relief and happiness that such a monthly meeting/group exists. Families frequently report this to the whole group when they introduce themselves at a monthly meeting for the first time.
Program:
Small group activities
- Budget:
-
$6,000
- Category:
-
Recreation & Sports, General/Other
- Population Served:
-
Other Named Groups
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Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
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Disabled, General or Disability Unspecified
Program Description:
Small group activitiesLittle Buddies - age birth to fiveBUDS Kids - age 6 to 10Teen BUDS - age 11 to 18YADS - Young adults with Down syndrome, age 18+
Program Long-Term Success:
Small group activities provide an opportunity for networking with other individuals with Down syndrome in the same age range.
Program Short-Term Success:
Individuals with Down syndrome build friendships with other individuals with Down syndrome while also providing an opportunity for their parents/caregivers to network and build friendships. Most small group activities also have a therapeutic goal. Ex. Sensory integration, social skill building, community awareness.
Program Success Monitored by:
Attendance at events.
Program Success Examples:
Parents of YADS (young adults with Down syndrome) report appreciation of opportunities for social interaction. Parents of Little Buddies (age birth to five) report appreciation of friendships and networking that takes place during events.
Program:
Scholarships
- Budget:
-
$15,000
- Category:
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Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines, General/Other
- Population Served:
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Other Named Groups
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Other Named Groups
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Other Named Groups
Program Description:
Scholarships to Hope Haven Down Syndrome Clinic in Jacksonville, FL; summer camp and enrichment programs; state and national conferences. Hippotherapy scholarship programs at both InStride and S.M.A.R.T.
Program Long-Term Success:
Our long term goals for the various scholarship programs:Therapeutic horseback riding -- an important and proven method to improve physical strength for individuals with Down syndrome, most of whom experience a moderate level of low muscle tone. Therapeutic riding is also an effective social skills therapy. Long term success results in a stronger individual with Down syndrome.Education conferences at the local, state and national level -- informed parents/families feel empowered and encouraged in making decisions for their loved ones with Down syndrome to help them reach their full potential. Long term success results in confident and well-informed parents supporting one another in the community.Summer camp and enrichment programs -- our goal is to encourage individuals with Down syndrome to be active members of our community and to pursue their individual talents. Long term success results in increased inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and higher self-esteem.
Program Short-Term Success:
Our short term goals for the various scholarship programs: Therapeutic horseback riding -- an important and proven method to improve physical strength for individuals with Down syndrome, most of whom experience a moderate level of low muscle tone. Therapeutic riding is also an effective social skills therapy. Short term success results in a stronger individual with Down syndrome. Education conferences at the local, state and national level -- informed parents/families feel empowered and encouraged in making decisions for their loved ones with Down syndrome to help them reach their full potential. Short term success results in confident and well-informed parents supporting their loved one with Down syndrome. Summer camp and enrichment programs -- our goal is to encourage individuals with Down syndrome to be active members of our community and to pursue their individual talents. Short term success results in happiness for an individual with Down syndrome, along with increased community inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and higher self-esteem.
Program Success Monitored by:
We monitor our programs closely for attendance and frequently ask for feedback from families about what is working, and what could be improved upon.
Program Success Examples:
An example of our scholarship program success is when families return from a national conference eager to share what they learned with other families in the group at a monthly meeting, via social media, or at a BUDS social event.
Program:
Art therapy for siblings
- Budget:
-
$1,750
- Category:
-
Human Services, General/Other
- Population Served:
-
Other Named Groups
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Youth/Adolescents only (14 - 19 years)
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Other Named Groups
Program Description:
During each monthly meeting of Manasota BUDS, siblings of children with Down syndrome have the opportunity to join an art therapy session just for them facilitated by a certified art therapist.
Program Long-Term Success:
The long term success of this program is a healthy sibling relationship and therefore a healthier family able to accept and celebrate the different unique abilities and gifts of each child.
Program Short-Term Success:
Short term success is indicated by less stress between siblings with and without Down syndrome.
Program Success Monitored by:
Feedback from siblings and/or reports by parents.
Program Success Examples:
Siblings asking their parents to attend BUDS meetings so that they can go to art therapy.