Give today, for an opportunity filled tomorrow image

Give today, for an opportunity filled tomorrow

Spring Forward Creates Opportunities for Children with Disabilities

$6,686 raised

$10,321 goal

We are no longer accepting donations on this campaign, but there are other ways for you to support us today!
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Spring Forward creates opportunities for children with disabilities!!

Spring Forward -- let's bloom together!!

Every March we celebrate Down syndrome!!! Two big reasons are that 3/21 is Global Down Syndrome Awareness Day and Everett's diagnosis was the catalyst to creating Downside Up. We serve children with all abilities, but our roots run deep with DS. We are so grateful for the families and friends we have met along the way and look forward to growing with you. Our Spring Forward Campaign goal is $10,321!!! These funds will go towards our preschool program, summer camp, and our community garden. We hope you will join us in investing in the children we serve.

About Us

Ten years ago when their son, Everett, was born with Down syndrome, Theresa & Rob Nix quickly realized that their family did not quite fit into everyday places and spaces. So, they began their own fun and inclusive opportunities to meet and connect with others on this amazing journey. What they found were a whole lot of families feeling the exact same way. Downside Up was born!

They began with their Camp Wakawalu family camp weekends eight years ago. The immediate success and obvious need for that type of camp experience, pushed them to open a physical space that could serve more families throughout the entire year instead of a few weekends. Training Wheels, our creative learning center, opened in 2019. Through the continued support and encouragement of our community, Downside Up has grown and developed in a beautiful way.

We are a family for families. We help children with disabilities and their families build community through our creative spaces and experiences. No one else serves the entire family, all ages, and all abilities in the way that we do. We are a unique blend of inclusive opportunities that strengthen & unify all involved.

Our inclusive opportunities consist of camps throughout the year for elementary school children of all abilities, an inclusive preschool program, open play days, community connections, date nights for caregivers, family workshops, support groups, after school programs (dance, art, music, yoga, social skills), pet therapy, community garden program, mom retreats, social nights for older individuals with disabilities, home school programs, toy/resource library, and so much more. We are continually growing and developing to meet the needs of our community.

So many of you have volunteered, donated, and supported in a variety of ways throughout the years, and we cannot thank you enough for your dedication to our mission! You have helped to nurture something very special in our community, and your generosity continues to create a positive ripple effect that is immeasurable. Thank you for celebrating March Gladness with us!!!

Testimonial

I am the grandmother of a beautiful 4-year-old girl who has a brain disease called NBIA. Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation is a group of rare, genetic, neurological disorders. The common feature among all individuals with NBIA is iron accumulation in the brain, along with a progressive movement disorder. The movement disorder can result in clumsiness, difficulty controlling the body, and speech obstacles. Also common is a degeneration of the retina, which causes night blindness and loss of peripheral vision. Some individuals eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, or chew food. Only about 300 individuals have been diagnosed; our little girl is one of those 300. She will never talk. She has difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and other issues. My daughter-in-law tried to have her own preschool so that Maree could interact with other children. Unfortunately, some moms stopped coming, saying their children were picking up our granddaughter’s mannerisms. That is when our daughter-in-law found Downside Up. Being an inclusive space for all abilities, our granddaughter and her 2-year-old brother were immediately welcomed. They are both thriving there! Maree participates at her own pace and skill level in a preschool where she can play and socialize with other children. The school is well-organized, clean, and provides a safe environment – understanding the mobility issues with some of the children, including Maree. Downside Up provides unique, necessary, and priceless opportunities for so many families.