Friendship Club+ Adult Edition
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club+ Adult Edition.
Friendship Club+ Social Group is a fun and welcoming place where adults with Down syndrome can connect, learn, and grow together! Each meeting is packed with engaging social skills activities that help participants make a positive first impression, greet others confidently, and practice active listening to build stronger friendships. Participants will explore teamwork through games, projects, and group challenges, learning how to work effectively together and celebrating each other’s strengths. Our group is dedicated to boosting confidence, enhancing personal and social skills, and fostering meaningful relationships in a friendly and supportive environment.
Why join:
– Builds Real-Life Social Skills – Members practice greeting, listening, and teamwork in a safe, supportive space, helping them feel more confident in everyday situations.

– Encourages Independence – Participants learn how to start conversations, join group activities, and make new friends.

– Provides a Safe, Supportive Environment – The group is designed with understanding and patience, ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and respected.

– Promotes Emotional Growth – Activities help members recognize feelings, handle challenges, and resolve disagreements positively.
– Expands Social Circles – Your adult child can meet new people, form meaningful friendships, and enjoy regular opportunities to connect beyond home and family.
Club meeting dates are all Sundays:
September 14, 21, 28 / October 5, 12, 19, 26 / November 2, 9, 16 (Club party)
Cost: The cost of the program is $100 (Scholarships Available)
This program is sponsored by the Community Care Corps/Oasis Institute.

Caregiver Restorative Yoga
2025-10-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Humble Haven Yoga, 6980 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA, 23230
Rest, renew and recharge! Don’t miss this special class just for VDSA Caregivers at Humble Haven Yoga. This is a restorative yoga class meant for deep relaxation. NO experience necessary! Just wear something comfortable and come take a deep breath with your community.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92137-caregiver-restorative-yoga

Richmond - Step Up RVA Packet Pickup
2025-10-08 14:00 - 18:30, 2025-10-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-09 14:00 - 18:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
If you have registered a team for our 2025 Step Up For Down Syndrome 5K and Family Fun Festival, you may pick up your packet during the dates below:
– Wednesday, October 8th from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm (VDSA office)

– Thursday, October 9th – 9:00 am -12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm, (VDSA office)

The VDSA office located at 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond VA 23229. There is plenty of parking at the front and back of the building.

– Saturday, October 11th from 7:30 – 9:00 am (Dorey Park)
We HIGHLY encourage an early packet pickup to avoid lines on the morning of the event.

If you are picking up packets for team members, we encourage you to email aevans@virginiadsa.org no later than Wednesday, October 8th. We can package your team together and have them ready for pickup. If you are unable to email ahead of time, bring a list of your team member names. Please advise team members if you are picking up for them to avoid them making an unnecessary trip. We will also be taking walk-up registrations during both Packet Pickup times.

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
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/90605-virtual-improvaneer-fall-2025

Richmond – Painting Class
2025-10-17 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-14 12:30 - 13:30
Painting Class at the Art Factory is the Second Friday of Each Month
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Dates: September 12th – October 17th – November 14th – December 12th
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/83876-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2025

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Children’s Museum Free Sensory-Friendly Night
All ages are welcome at the Children’s Museum’s Free Sensory Friendly Night.

A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Sibling welcome!
REGISTER HERE

River City Inclusive Gym - Fall 2025 - Ages 2 to 8
2025-10-18 15:00 - 15:45, 2025-11-22 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA, 23238, United States
River City Inclusive Gym – Fall 2025 Ages 2 to 8
11248 Patterson Avenue
Richmond, VA 23238
October 18th and November 22nd
3:oo to 3:45pm
Ages 2 to 8
Cost: $10
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register Here: River City Inclusive Gym

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-10-18 16:00 - 16:45, 2025-11-22 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Fall 2025 Ages 8 to adult

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

Monthly on Saturdays
October 18th & November 22nd
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

VDSA Family Halloween Bash
2025-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
VDSA Family Halloween Bash

Let’s BOO-gie and share a feast!
You’re invited to a Halloween Potluck Dance Party on Friday, October 24th, at 6:00 PM
Christ Church Episcopal – 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen 23060
Come dressed in your most inventive disguises (optional) and bring a spooky dish to share for our feast. We’ll be dancing the night away to some hauntingly good tunes.”
Please register by October 22nd if you dare to join us!.

Register Here: Halloween Bash
Sign-up to bring a dish here: Spooky Dish

Life in the Community
2025-11-01 09:00 - 16:00
Life in the Community

SPONSORED BY
The Central Virginia Transition into Adulthood Coalition Life in the Community Committee
The Autism Society of Central Virginia, The Down Syndrome Association of Virginia, The Arc of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, Beyond Boundaries, Commonwealth Autism, Northstar Academy, Shineforth, VCU, Bright Point Community College,
Special Olympics, The Arc of Hanover

Saturday, November 1st
9am-4pm
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center
13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
A must-attend conference for teens and adults with disabilities and their caregivers!
This conference will focus on the critical aspects of transitioning to adulthood, providing valuable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities to help navigate education, employment, independent living and community engagement. Whether you’re navigating education, employment, independent living, or community engagement, this event will empower and equip you for the journey ahead.
When You Register:

You can request any special accommodations.
Self-Advocates can request a Peer Mentor Ambassador to provide support with schedules, navigating hallways, and exploring vendor tables. (Please note: Ambassadors cannot assist with activities of daily living support.)
Select your boxed lunch preference.
Please select your preferred track (the session topic you’re most interested in). You’re welcome to attend sessions outside of your chosen track as well.

Register here: https://ascv.org/lifeinthecommunity/

Midlothian Moms' Night Out
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Chili’s Grill & Bar, 12231 Chattanooga Plz, 12231 Chattanooga Plz, Midlothian, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Let’s meet at Chili’s Grill & Bar!
Join fellow VDSA Moms from Midlothian for a fun night out.

Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms Night Out Friday, November 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Enjoy super food and support! All food and drink purchases are your own responsibility. Hope to see you there! Any questions please email Kimberly Woodbury at kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org
Register Here: Moms’ Night Out

Richmond - Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Peak Experiences RVA, 1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA, 23220
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!
November 15th 10:30 am – Noon
Peak Experiences RVA
1375 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/82481-rock-climbing-with-beyond-boundaries

Richmond - Arts and Craft Workshop
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
You’re Invited to our New Monthly Arts and Craft Workshop
Enjoy creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind DIY art pieces that are tailored to each individual’s unique abilities and skill levels.
Date: Wednesday, November 19th, from 10 am – Noon
Location: VDSA’s Activity Room – 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124
For ages 18+ / Cost: $5.00
Register Here: Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece

Science Museum of Virginia Minds of All Kinds (All ages)
2025-11-21 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Meet up with friends from VDSA at the Science Museum

Minds of All Kinds event on Friday, November 21st from 4pm-8pm!

Enjoy the museum on this free night at the Science Museum.

The museum will be making exhibits sensory friendly on this evening, and
staff will be available to support and assist families.

You must register with the museum at this link which takes you
to the Science Museum of Virginia webpage:

No charge
For all ages!! Siblings welcome!
Register here: Minds of All Kinds

Teen Movie Night
2025-11-30 17:45 - 21:00 | Regal West Tower, Regal West Tower, Richmond, Virginia, 23294
Join Friendship Circle of Virginia and Virginia Down Syndrome Association for a Teen Movie night on Sunday, November 30th as we come together to watch the movie Zootopia 2!
Arrival Time: 5:45 PM, Movie Start Time: 6:15 PM
Regal West Tower – 8998 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294
This event is for teens 13+. 1 Parent/Caregiver will attend free of charge.
Register Here: Teen Movie Night
