Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Virtual - Improvaneer - Fall Session 1
2024-09-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for this fulfilled virtual hour!
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00 pm
Fall Session 1: Sept. 5 to Oct. 3
Fall 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/

Virtual - Housing Options presentation by Heart Havens
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association invites parents and caregivers to attend a virtual session led by housing provider Heart Havens. This session will go into the types of housing, such as group homes or sponsored residential settings, and what caregivers should look for and be aware of when helping their loved ones on their residential journey.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74999-virtual-housing-options-presented-by-heart-havens

Virtual - School Inclusion Support Group
2024-09-18 19:00 - 20:00
Connect with caregivers who speak your language!

Join us for the monthly school-inclusion focused VDSA caregiver support group. This group is peer-led by parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. Come ask your questions and share your knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey!
7-8 pm on Zoom, register to receive link
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75775-virtual-school-inclusion-support-group-september-2024

Volunteer Academy - Richmond
2024-09-17 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

Richmond - Yoga Through the Jungle
2024-09-15 10:00 - 11:00
Join VDSA for this wonderful new program!
Yoga Journey Thru the Jungle

Promoting awareness, focus, balance and socialization
Lots of animal poses and fun
We know the kids will not stay still for too long and that is no problem!
Ages 5 to 12
Siblings are welcome
Cost $5 per person

Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 – 10 am to 11 am
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75059-richmond-yoga-through-the-jungle

Williamsburg/Newport News Virginia Living Museum
2024-09-14 13:30 - 15:30
Ages 4 and older are welcome to join VDSA at the Virginia Living Museum. Meet in the private party room and take a self-guided tour. Thanks to the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg for sponsoring this. Limited to 3o people. Please RSVP. Thank you Williamsburg/Newport News trip to Virginia Living Museum

Step UP in Shenandoah Valley
2024-09-14 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for our 3rd Annual Step UP in Shenandoah Valley!
Saturday, September 14th from 10am – 1pm
Hillandale Park: 801 Hillandale Ave. Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Join us for a 1k, Family Festival, and Community Resource Fair, kids’ zone, music, exhibitors, food, Silent Auction, and more!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74091-shenandoah-step-up-for-down-syndrome-in-the-valley-2024Register here

Richmond - Summer Painting Classes (Midlothian)
2024-09-13 12:30 - 13:30
Summer Painting Classes at The Art Factory

Once a month on Fridays
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
$15 per class
9/13
FunQuest (Ages 13-21) & Fun4Life (21+)adults!
Siblings welcome.
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112

Register here:

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71081-painting-class-at-the-art-factory

Virtual Comprehensive Caregiver Support Group
2024-09-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
For caregivers of an individual with a dual diagnosis. Join us this month for a discussion on Medicaid and DD waiver services with Jamie Colgin of the Hanover County Community Services Board.
Friday, September 13, 2024 noon-1:30pm
Virtual on Zoom
Register to receive Zoom link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74828-comprehensive-caregiver-support-sept-24

Hybrid Grandparent Support Group
2024-09-09 06:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Connect with other grandparents of individuals with Down syndrome! In-person and virtual, this group is peer-led and meets bi-monthly.
Monday 9/9
6:30-7:30 pm
Register for Zoom link https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74836-grandparent-support-group

Williamsburg Mom's Night Out
2024-09-08 18:30 - 20:30
Save the Date – Location TBD New Town Williamsburg!

Richmond - Art and Play in the Park, Midlothian
2024-09-08 10:30 - 12:00
Richmond – Art and Play in the Park, Fall 2024

Sunday, September 8, @ 10:30AM — 12:00PM at Huguenot Park: 10901 Robious Rd Midlothian, VA 23235 Get Directions
Saturday, Oct. 5 @10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Park 365, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227

Register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75213-richmond-art-and-play-in-the-park-fall-2024

Richmond Laser Tag
2024-09-07 11:00 - 13:00
Richmond Laser Tag
September 7, 2024 @ 11:00AM — 12:45PM

Mission Laser 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA 23236
$12 per person
Includes Laser Tag & PIzza Lunch
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75062-richmond-laser-tag

Labor Day
2024-09-02

Virtual - Solo Support Squad for Single Parents
2024-08-29 19:30 - 20:30
Connect with other single parents on the similar path of raising a child with Down syndrome solo. This group is peer-led and meets on Zoom so you can join from anywhere (no childcare needed!).
Thursday, 8/29, 7:30-8:30 pm
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74671-solo-support-squad-support-group-for-single-parents

Richmond - Friendship Club - Guys
2024-08-25 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:

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 - Gals
2024-08-25 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.
Register:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/73946-friendship-club-guys-and-gals
This program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Williamsburg - Back-to-School Bowling
2024-08-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Twin Pin Bowling, 2057 Lebanon Church Rd, Newport News, 23691, United States
Join the Greater Williamsburg Community for Back to school Bowling!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/73543-back-to-school-bowling-party
Ages 10 and up please join us for an afternoon of Bowling at Twin Pin, by the gate to the Naval Weapons Station.
Saturday, Aug. 24 from 2-4 pm.
Made possible by the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg!
Any questions, please contact Sally McClain – smclain@virginiadsa.org

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2024-08-23 18:30 - 20:30
Charlottesville Moms’ Night Out
Fall 2024
All Friday nights at 6:30 pm
Aug. 23 – Carmellos – 400 Twentyninth Place Crt., Charlottesville
Sept. 27 – La Zeez, Modern Indian Fair, 401 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oct. 18 – Burton’s Grill and Bar, 3530 W. Cary St.
Nov. 1 – Fardowners, 5773 The Square, Crozet
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74979-charlottesville-moms-night-outs-aug-nov-2024

Virtual - IEP Advocacy presentation from All Needs Planning
2024-08-21 18:30 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is pleased to offer free, virtual educational sessions for caregivers this fall. All Needs Planning, which provides financial, estate, and life planning for families, has generously offered to provide the following upcoming sessions:

Wednesday, August 21st – IEP Advocacy from 6:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday, September 25th – Transitioning from school to adulthood from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 23rd – Medicaid waiver updates from 6:30pm-7:00pm

Feel free to register for all three topics and join us in conversation! For more information, contact Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Click here to register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74996-virtual-educational-webinars-from-all-needs-planning

Richmond - Caregiver Respite Event for Children 0-5 and siblings
2024-08-17 16:30 - 18:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
This event is for caregivers of children with young children (individuals with Down syndrome ages 0-5 and their young siblings). Drop your kids with our trained (and background checked) volunteers and staff while you get a break to eat, shop.. or just take a nap!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/73442-richmond-caregiver-respite-event-for-children-0-5-august-24

Richmond - Summer Pool Party - Colonial Heights
2024-08-17 11:00 - 14:00
Summer Pool Party
August 17, 2024 @ 11 am to 2 pm

Colonial Heights Swim & Yacht Club 1225 Duke Of Gloucester St

Colonial Heights, VA 23834

No charge for individuals with Ds
$3 per person
Grilled hotdogs and chips will be served
You are welcome to bring a dish to shareRegister here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/73355-summer-family-pool-party

Latinos de VDSA - Serie de Educación gratis por WhatsApp
2024-08-15 13:00 - 14:00
Latinos de VDSA – Serie de Educación gratis por WhatsApp
Jueves de 13:00 a 14:00 horas.
Vamos a conversar y dar información sobre:
* Sección de preguntas y repuestas
* Medicaid y SSI
* Abuso de niños en el colegio y en general
* Educación
* Temas legales y mas
Información y soporte para los padres’ que tienen niños/niñas con syndrome de down.
Admisión gratis al grupo VDSA Latinos-Información y soporte por 6 semanas por WhatsApp en espanol.
11, 18, 25 de julio 1, 8 y 15 de agosto
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71965-latinos-de-vdsa-serie-de-educaci-n-gratis-por-whatsapp

preguntas contacte a Cheryl Castle ccastle@virginiadsa.org o 804-390-5640

Charlottesville -Picnic and Polo
2024-08-11 10:30 - 13:30
August 11, 2024 @ 10:30AM — 1:30PM

King Family Vineyards 6550 Roseland Farm
Crozet, VA 22932
Polo starts at noon. Bring camp chairs.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71673-picnic-and-polo-2024

Richmond - River City Inclusive Gym
2024-08-10 15:00 - 17:00
River City Inclusive Gym
Monthly on Saturdays
Dates: Aug. 10, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 & Nov. 9
Times and ages: 3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 8
Times and ages:4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
(age groups will be separated))
Cost: $10 per session
Siblings welcome. Register in age group of sibling with Ds.
Location: 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238
2 miles from Hwy 288
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/74443-richmond-river-city-inclusive-gym
River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage every athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in an obstacle course format. This provides us optimum opportunity to instruct 1:1 while the whole group stays engaged. Upon entering the gym, the athletes begin their first course right away. As they go through the course, every obstacle or piece of equipment is adapted to meet individual needs if necessary. After 15 minutes the class takes a water break before beginning the next course. This pattern continues for the length of the class

Richmond - Spray Park and Playground get together!
2024-08-10 10:30 - 12:00
Join us for the Spray Park and Playground get together!
July 27 and August 10

Twin Hickory Recreation Center

Address: 5011 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
10:30 am – Noon

Siblings, grandparents and relatives also welcome to join us
The area has fence 3/4 of the way around with one entrance and exit

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71186-spray-park-outings

Richmond - Moms' Night Out - Midlothian at Charred
2024-08-09 18:30 - 20:00
Join other Moms for a Dinner out for good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own meal.
Friday, August 9 – Midlothian at Charred
Hope you can join us!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71054-moms-night-out-greater-richmond

Richmond - Summer Painting Classes at The Art Factory
2024-08-09 12:30 - 13:30
Summer Painting Classes at The Art Factory

Once a month on Fridays
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
$15 per class
8/9, 9/13
FunQuest (Ages 13-21) & Fun4Life (21+)adults!
Siblings welcome.
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Lane, Midlothian VA 23112

Register here:

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71081-painting-class-at-the-art-factory
