Virtual - Improvaneer - Fall Session 2
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-31 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-07 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour!
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00 pm
Session 2: Oct. 10 to Nov. 7
Ages teen to adult
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74445-virtual-improvaneer-method-class
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!

Returning and new participants welcome!
Teens and adults are welcome to sign up!

The Improvaneer Method:
Teaches participants:
Eye Contact. Creative Thinking. Adaption To Change. Quick Thinking. Focus. Listening. Voice Projection. Character Development. Attention To Detail.
Structure:

Each class lasts one hour and has a theme, a discussion, five games, and ‘homeprov’ that the participants are to practice with friends and family.
In each class we will gradually build in real world scenarios by mostly playing games that imitate various jobs, situations, and connections in real life.
Each week parents will receive an outline of what is coming up in the class.
After the class, emails will be sent to with ‘homeprov’ reminders.

Note from Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill.
Learn more:
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/

Volunteer Academy - Richmond
2024-10-22 10:30 - 12:30
Self-advocates, 18 and up, are invited to participate in a new program! Join Carol Coffin, MSRC, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and lead teacher of VDSA’s Summer Employment Academy to participate in community service activities to enhance social engagement, communication, and employability.
Location:
Brandermill Woods Health Center
2100 Brandermill Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
Dates:
September 17, 2024-October 22, 2024
Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Volunteers may be dropped off (maximum of 5 registrants) or participate with an attendant (maximum of 2 registrants).
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/76234-volunteer-academy

Adventure Club - Richmond
2024-10-24 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-30 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-11-07 16:30 - 17:30
Adventure Club
Day: THURSDAYS 4:30-5:30 PM
NEW FALL DATES
Dates: 10/3/24, 10/10/24, 10/17/24, 10/24/24, 10/31/24*** Halloween, maybe move it to Wednesday of that week, 11/7/24 – Indoor rock climbing.
Location: Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond
Join us for hiking, fishing and outdoor fun!
Led by Beyond Boundaries and co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
Register here

Richmond - Friendship Club - Gals
2024-11-03 13:00 - 14:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Gals time: 1:00- 2:30 pm
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Richmond - Friendship Club - Guys
2024-11-03 15:00 - 16:30
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club for Guys & Gals.
Ages teen to young adult.
Guys time: 3:00- 4:30 pm
Each month will have a new topic included with fun activities.

Friendship skills
Social skills
Build social connections
Learn about emotions
Deal with confrontation
How to cope when things don’t go your way
and more

Club meeting dates are all Sundays:

March 17, April 14, May 5, June 2, July 14, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 (Club party)

It is important to be able to attend the majority of the dates. Teen and young adult volunteers will be part of the Club as well.
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Painting Class Midlothian
2025-01-10 12:30 - 13:30
Painting Class
Monthly from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at The Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA 23112
Dates: January 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9
$15 per class
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80656-painting-class-at-art-factory-winter-spring-2024

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-01-18 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 8 to adult

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80659-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-9-to-adult

Va-LEND Information Session
2025-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
The Va-LEND program provides interdisciplinary training to professionals, family members and self-advocates.
https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/
Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., is the director of Va-LEND at Virginia Commonwealth University and has offered to provide an information session on the program to interested VDSA families.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81282-va-lend-information-session

Improvaneer - Winter Session
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!
7:00 to 8:00 pm

Returning and new participants welcome!
Teens and adults are welcome to sign up!

The Improvaneer Method:
Teaches participants:
Eye Contact. Creative Thinking. Adaption To Change. Quick Thinking. Focus. Listening. Voice Projection. Character Development. Attention To Detail.
Structure:

Each class lasts one hour and has a theme, a discussion, five games, and ‘homeprov’ that the participants are to practice with friends and family.
In each class we will gradually build in real world scenarios by mostly playing games that imitate various jobs, situations, and connections in real life.
Each week parents will receive an outline of what is coming up in the class.
After the class, emails will be sent to with ‘homeprov’ reminders.

Note from Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill.
Learn more:
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/81220-virtual-improvaneer-winter-2025

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Peak Experiences Midlothian, 11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, 23112, United States
Join us for a fun session of indoor rock climbing led by Beyond Boundaries. No experience is necessary! Cost: $10 per individual with Down syndrome.
All ages! Maximum number of climbers: 12!
February 22nd 1:00pm-2:30pm
Peak Experiences Midlothian
11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA 23113
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82481-rock-climbing-with-beyond-boundaries

Richmond - I’m Determined Self-Advocacy Training
2025-03-01 09:30 - 13:00
Practice Self-Determination Skills for School, Work, and Life!
Join us for the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined self-advocacy program at VDSA. Self-advocates will attend the workshop from 9:30-1 pm and caregivers are welcome for their own special session from 9:45-10:45 am.
A pizza lunch will be provided for all! Contact abranam@virginiadsa.org for more information. Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+ are welcome. This program is in-person at the VDSA Richmond office but families from all Virginia localities are welcome.
Location: VDSA Office
1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 124
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Register here.

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-03-15 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 8 to adult

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80659-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-9-to-adult

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom

VDSA Goes to the Movies
2025-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Regal West Tower, Regal West Tower, Richmond, Virginia, 23294
Join VDSA in Observing World Down Syndrome Day at Regal West Tower Theater for a Screening of Snow White!
The movie starts at 7:00 pm, but we will be there at 6:00 pm to start the celebration!!

Register Here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84362-vdsa-goes-to-the-movies

Richmond - Dance Day
2025-03-25 17:00 - 19:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Enjoy dancing? Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association and Miracles in Motion for a DAY of Dance. This event provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to dance together, learn, and have fun with peers.
Two sessions are available: 5:00 – 5:45 pm for ages 5 to 12, and 6:00 – 6:45 pm for ages 13 to adult.
Miracles in Motion is designed to provide full dance experience to people with special needs. Providing complete dance education, along with structured choreography in a dance company setting. The classes cover many styles of dance including jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, musical theater, and creative movement. Every session is re-structured to meet the specific needs of each dancer participating.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84198-dance-day

Richmond - Family-Friendly Nature Walk
2025-04-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
Join VDSA for a family-friendly nature walk!
Sunday, April 6 at Huguenot Park
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Will end with snacks and drinks / All ages and siblings welcome!
No charge
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/84006-richmond-nature-hikes-april-6

Led by Beyond Boundaries

Pajama Movie Night Party
2025-04-12 17:00 - 20:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to a Pajama Movie Night!
Get ready for a cozy night in! Join us for a pajama movie night filled with snacks, and good company in your pajamas! Don’t forget your pillow and blanket!!
Date: Saturday, April 12th from 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 13+ / Cost: $5.00
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/85540-pajama-movie-night-party

Outdoor Adventure Club
2025-04-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA, Virginia, 23227
Spring 2025 Outdoor Adventure CLUB
Ages 13-20 (FunQuest) & 21+ (Fun4Life)
April 17 to May 22 – Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Bryan Park. Richmond, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227
Led by Beyond Boundaries / Co-hosted with Jacob’s Chance
Includes: fishing, Leave No Trace, hikes, and more outdoor fun!
The cost is $50/person
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83955-outdoor-adventure-club
