Virginia Down Syndrome Association

River City Inclusive Gym - 4:00-4:45 pm - Ages 9 to Adult
2024-05-18 16:00 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult (Adventurers age 6 to 12) FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life 21+
$10 per class
Age groups will be separated as appropriate
Sign up for each individually. Choose the dates that work in your schedule.
Location is 3 miles from Hwy 288 & Patterson Ave.

Dates: May 18, June 15

River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in 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 court.
River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, 23238
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65222-river-city-inclusive-gym

Disability Inclusion Day at The Diamond
2024-05-19 13:30 - 15:30
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is looking forward to joining this event again this year.

Friendship Circle of Virginia is excited to host the 3rd Annual Inclusion Day at the Diamond
Highlighting Disability Inclusion and Mental Health presented by fas mart, on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1:35pm
Register below:

https://friendshipcircleva.org/didd2024/

Caregiver Restorative Yoga
2024-05-19 15:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Grandparent Support Group - In person & Virtual
2024-05-20 18:30 - 19:30
Grandparent Support Group – In person & Virtual
May 20, 2024 @ 6:30PM — 7:30PM

Virginia Down Syndrome Association 1504 Santa Rosa Rd
Richmond, VA 23229
Come connect with other grandparents of individuals with Down syndrome during this NEW support group through VDSA. You’ll enjoy:
– peer-led conversation
– in-person or virtual option
– a safe place to share the joys and challenges of being a grandparent

Register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/69730-grandparent-support-group

Adult Sibling Support Group - Virtual
2024-05-21 19:30 - 20:30
Adult Sibling Support Group- Virtual
April 16, 2024 to May 21 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM

Caregiver Support: Adult Siblings
Learn and share during this 6 week support group specially designed for, and led by, adult siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. The group will offer a mix of educational opportunities around legal, financial and housing considerations along with coping skills for emotions siblings and caregivers often experience like grief and shame.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68458-adult-sibling-support-group

Family BINGO Night
2024-05-24 19:00 - 20:30
Family BINGO night
May 24, 2024 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PM

Virginia Down Syndrome Association 1504 Santa Rosa Road,
Richmond, VA 23229

Come for a fun night with prizes!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68718-family-bingo-night

Friendship Club - Gals
2024-05-26 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

Friendship Club - Guys
2024-05-26 15:00 - 16:30, 2024-06-02 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

Memorial Day
2024-05-27

School-Inclusion Caregiver Support Group
2024-05-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for the relaunch of this caregiver support group for those with a school-aged child with Down syndrome. This group is peer-led and will take place on Zoom.

The Learning Program
2024-06-01 09:00 - 11:00
The Learning Program
Starts October 7 – 9:00 – 11:00 am
-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2023 and June 2024.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option (June is all virtual).
-Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $260 (in person), $160 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).

The Learning Program is an educational program developed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC). It serves as a platform for sharing literacy and math instructional strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

Virtual option for parents living outside of Richmond
LP Level 1 (recommended ages PreK-1st grade or emerging readers)
LP Level 2 (recommended ages 2nd-3rd grade)
Parent classes are taught by a local parent of a young adult with Down syndrome using the Learning Program curriculum.

During each session, parents will receive instruction in a separate parent only class. Children will receive hands-on learning in a student class with centers that focus on literacy and math led by qualified teachers and an occupational therapist.
Questions, email sklauer@virginiadsa.org
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/61132-the-learning-program

Friendship Club - Gals
2024-06-02 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 here:
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

Medicaid Lunch 'n Learn with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Anthem HealthKeepers Plus will review current happenings within Medicaid as well as give an overview of core benefits and value added benefits. Lunch will be provided!
We will also host this session through Zoom, so if you are unable to attend in-person, please tune in here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89719959168
Whether you plan to attend in-person or through Zoom, be sure to register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71819-medicaid-lunch-and-learn-with-anthem-healthkeepers-plus

Diagnosis+ Lunch & Learn Support Group
2024-06-07 12:00 - 13:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Join us for learning and connection! This month Jaime Colgin from the Hanover County CSB will join us to talk about social services for individuals with disabilities. Bring a bagged lunch! Attend in-person at VDSA or through Zoom.

Fredericksburg Dads' Night Out at Mio Rancho
2024-06-07 18:30 - 20:30
Join Fredericksburg area families:
May 17 – Moms’ Night Out at 7 pm at Mio Rancho, 3400 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
June 7 – Dads’ Night Out at 7 pm at Basilico, 7013 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71581-fredericksburg-moms-and-dad-s-night-out-may-june-2024

Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

April 20 – Deep Run Park, Henrico, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
May 4 – Huguenot Park, Midlothian
June 8 – Park 365, Richmond

10:00 am to 11:30 am
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68547-art-in-the-park-spring-summer

Pajama and Pizza Party at The Art Factory (Baby to 8 yrs old)
2024-06-08 17:00 - 19:00
Pajama and Pizza Party at The Art Factory
Join us on:

Summer Saturday Nights
June 8, July 13, &/or Aug. 3
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Baby to 8 years old
Siblings welcome
$5 per person includes pizza and drinks (Ind. w/Ds free)
Art Factory Play Space, Midlothian (Hwy 288 & Hull St.

Art Factory 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA 23112
Register:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71055-pajama-and-pizza-party-at-the-art-factory

Beyond Boundaries - 5th annual R.I.M.B.Y Festival!
2024-06-09 12:00 - 16:00
Beyond Boundaries is so excited to host the 5th annual R.I.M.B.Y Festival! R.I.M.B.Y stands for “Right In My Backyard”
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association will be there too!
When: Sunday, June 9th from 12-4, FREE
Where: Hardywood Brewery in RVA at 2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond VA 23220
Live music featuring Mackenzie

Gala - Dancing with Local Stars
2024-06-13 17:30 - 22:00
Join us for our 2nd Annual
Dancing with the Local Stars Gala!

Thursday, June 13th 5:30pm-10pm At Altria Theater

The 2nd annual Dancing with the Local Stars Gala will be both a fundraising event for VDSA as well as an opportunity to celebrate our families and raise community awareness. We are partnering with specialty dancers from Miracles in Motion, a non-profit dance group that provides specialized dance instruction to individuals with disabilities of all ages. These dancers, 4 of whom have Down Syndrome, will be paired with local celebrities to perform a choreographed dance and be celebrated as a pair.

Dancing with the Local Stars Gala

Summer Painting Classes at The Art Factory
2024-06-14 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
6/14, 7/12, 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

Charlottesville Moms' Night out!
2024-06-14 18:30 - 20:30
Join for the Charlottesville Moms’ Night out!
May 17 – Sedona Taphouse
June 14 – Beer Run
July 19 – Fiesta Azteca
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71576-charlottesville-moms-night-out

Fredericksburg - Art & Play in the Park
2024-06-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join Fredericksburg area families for Art and Play in the Park at Alum Spring Park

June 15, 2024 @ 10:00AM — 12:00PM

Alum Spring Park 1 Greenbrier Dr
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Hope to see you all there! Bring camp chairs.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71737-fredericksburg-art-play-in-the-park

River City Inclusive Gym - Ages 2 to 8
2024-06-15 15:00 - 15:45
River City Inclusive Gym

3:00 – 3:45 pm – Ages 2 to 8
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult (Adventurers age 6 to 12) FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life 21+
$10 per class
Age groups will be separated as appropriate
Sign up for each individually. Choose the dates that work in your schedule.
Parents of children ages 2 & 3 are required to be the 1:1 with your child
Location is 3 miles from Hwy 288 & Patterson Ave.

Dates: June 15

River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in 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 court.
River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, 23238
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65222-river-city-inclusive-gym

River City Inclusive Gym - 4:00-4:45 pm - Ages 9 to Adult
2024-06-15 16:00 - 16:45
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Ages 9 to Adult (Adventurers age 6 to 12) FunQuest (ages 13 to 20) and Fun4Life 21+
$10 per class
Age groups will be separated as appropriate
Sign up for each individually. Choose the dates that work in your schedule.
Location is 3 miles from Hwy 288 & Patterson Ave.

Dates: June 15

River City Inclusive Gym class is designed to engage each athlete physically and mentally. Each class is set in 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 court.
River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Henrico

Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/65222-river-city-inclusive-gym

Henrico County’s Juneteenth Celebration
2024-06-15 16:00 - 21:45
VDSA will have a table at this annual celebration.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Dorey Park
Join Henrico Recreation & Parks for a vendor fair, kids zone, food trucks, and entertainment. FREE and open to the public!
Event Timeline
4:00 PM – Gates Open
4:00-8:00 PM – Vendor Fair & Kids’ Zone
4:00-10:00 PM – Entertainment
9:45 PM – Fireworks Finale

Father's Day
2024-06-16

Adventure Camp - Day 1
2024-06-17 10:00 - 12:00
Adventure Camp
Two sessions: 4 Day Camp
Ages 14+
Two Sessions: June 17 to 20th and July 22 to 25th
Time: 10 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $25
​Adventure Camp

Rafting
Fishing
Kayaking
Pontoon Boat Ride

Locations around the Richmond area.
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/68634-adventure-camp

Adventure Camp - Day 2
2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:00

Adventure Camp - Day 3
2024-06-19 10:00 - 12:00
