Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Williamsburg Mom's Night Out
2025-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Waypoint Seafood & Grill, 1480 Quarterpath Rd, Williamsburg, 23185, United States

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

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 2-8
2025-01-18 15:00 - 15:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 8

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

Monthly on Saturdays
Jan. 18, March 15, April 19 and June 7
3:00-3:45 pm – Ages 2-7
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80658-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-2-to-8

Richmond Grandparent Group - January 2025
2025-01-13 18:30 - 19:30 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Connect with other grandparents on a similar journey. This group is peer-led and will promote conversation and connection for caregivers like you. This meeting will take place in-person at our Richmond office. Feel free to bring a bagged dinner!
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/admin/events/79030-richmond-grandparent-support-group-january-2025?event_type=event-advanced

2025 Disability Expo, Richmond
2025-01-12 10:00 - 14:00
VDSA will be attending the 2nd Annual Disability Expo at Weinstein JCC.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is excited to host our 2nd annual community-wide Disability Expo, in partnership with the Weinstein JCC and presented by QTS Data Centers,. The expo will feature non-profit organizations and businesses that provide services and resources for individuals across the lifespan from infants through senior citizens and their families.

Disability Expo

The Learning Program
2025-01-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-12-14 09:30 - 11:30
Register for The Learning Program 2024-2025!

-8 monthly sessions held on Saturdays between October 2024 and May 2025.
-All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option, except May which is entirely virtual.
-Location: Shady Grove YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
-Cost: The cost of the program is $250 (in person), $205 (virtual) (Scholarships Available).
Dates: October 5, 2024, November 9, 2024, December 14, 2024. January 11, 2025. February 8, 2025. March 8, 2025, April 12, 2025 and May 10, 2025 (Virtual only
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-Link to apply for scholarship: https://virginiadsa.org/scholarships/
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)
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.
If you have any questions, please email Ame Branam, Education Director, at abranam@virginiadsa.org
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75962-the-learning-program-2024-2025

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

VDSA Office Closed
2024-12-30 - 2024-12-31, 2024-12-23 - 2024-12-27, 2024-11-29 08:00 - 17:00

Fall Horseback Riding - afternoon sessions - Williamsburg
2024-12-17 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-03 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-26 17:00 - 18:00
Two – six week sessions – 9/24 to 10/29 and 11/12 to 12/19 at 10 am or 5 pm for an hour each Tuesday
Location: Dream Catchers Riding Center 10120 Fire Tower Rd, Toano, VA 23168
Scholarships are available
Register by emailing smclain@virginiadsa.org

Fall Horseback Riding- Morning - Williamsburg
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-26 10:00 - 11:00

Williamsburg Holiday Party & Potluck
2024-12-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Powhatan Secondary Clubhouse, 201 Charter House Lane, Williamsburg, 23188, United States
Join us for the annual VDSA Holiday Potluck. Please bring a dish to share. Gifts provided for children under age 10. If you can not attend and would like a gift for your child, please let us know. smclain@virginiadsa.org

Dinwiddie Holiday Potluck Dinner
2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00
Dinwiddie Holiday Potluck Dinner – Dec. 2024
December 15, 2024 @ 3:00PM — 5:00PM
Dinwiddie Fire & EMS – Station 2 – Ford: 13402 Cox Rd Church Rd, VA 23833

Ham as main dish will be provided!
Bring a salad, side, dessert or drinks to share!
Join for fun! Make crafts! Plus there may be a visit from Santa or one of his elves!
Individuals with Ds get gifts and siblings under the age of 10!

SIGN UP TO BRING: salad, side dish for adult and/kids, gluten free items, dessert and drinks.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78846-dinwiddie-holiday-potluck-dinner-dec-2024
If you have any questions, please feel to contact Mindi Freds, Tri-Cities Coordinator
mindi_freds@yahoo.com or 217-892-2932

Charlottesville Holiday Party
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00
Charlottesville Holiday Party
December 15, 2024 @ 2:00PM — 4:00PM

acac Adventure Central 200 Four Seasons Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Join us for the afternoon Holiday Party for

Indoor climbing, air hockey and more games
Santa visit hopefully, crafts and gifts
All individuals with Down Syndrome and siblings under the age of 10 will receive gifts!
Event is Free
Bring an appetizer or dessert to share

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78203-charlottesville-holiday-party-dec-2024

Richmond Holiday Parent Respite Event, Dec 2024
2024-12-14 13:30 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Enjoy time away for shopping, decorating, or just grabbing a late lunch with friends! VDSA staff and volunteers will keep your children safe and occupied. This event is open to families of individuals with Down syndrome. Email Sherry to join the waitlist for this event if registration is closed: sklauer@virginiadsa.org. For more details and to register visit: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78054-richmond-parent-respite-event

Richmond - Painting Class
2024-12-13 12:30 - 13:30
Richmond – Painting Class in Midlothian

Fridays
12:30 to 1:30 pm
$15 per person
Open to All Friends with Disabilities
Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 8 & Dec. 13
Art Factory, 4810 Market Square Ln, Midlothian

Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71081-richmond-painting-classes-at-the-art-factory-fall-2024

Richmond Holiday Party
2024-12-07 08:30 - 13:00
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association’s annual Holiday Party is coming up!
Two seatings
8:30 am – 10:15 am and 11:15AM — 1:00PM
Hilton Hotel & Spa in Short Pump 12042 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233
Both seatings include:

Pictures with Santa, crafts & games
Quiet Sensory Room.
Assigned seating this year.
If there is another family that you would like to sit with, please email dzedd@virginiadsa.org to make a request.
All individuals with Down Syndrome and siblings under the age of 10 will receive gifts!
Two (2) adults who live in your household or care for your loved one (outside the household) are invited
Seating is limited due to capacity.
If you need an accommodation for an attendee OR to add more than two (2) adult family members who live in your household, please send an email to Dana Zedd, dzedd@virginiadsa.org to discuss further.
Event is Free
Buffet Breakfast served of scrambled eggs, pork bacon, home style potatoes, french toast, and fruit. In addition, there will be a toasting station with breads (including gluten free) with butter, jellies and jams.
If your child has food allergies, you are welcome to bring food for them to eat at your table.

VDSA loves sponsoring the Holiday Party, however, it is an expensive endeavor. If you need to cancel, please do so in as much advance as possible.
First Seating:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/77874-1st-seating-richmond-holiday-celebration-2024-8-30-10-15-am
Second Seating:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78339-2nd-seating-richmond-holiday-celebration-2024-11-15-am-to-1-00-pm

Virtual School Inclusion Support Group
2024-12-04 19:00 - 20:00
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!
Register here for Zoom link: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78823-virtual-school-inclusion-support-group-dec-2024

Ornament Decorating Party, Manchester Moose Lodge, Richmond
2024-12-01 13:00 - 15:00
Ornament Decorating Party hosted and sponsored by the Manchester Moose Lodge
11110 Trade Rd, North Chesterfield, Sunday, December 1st from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Casual pizza lunch, decorate ornaments, see Santa and everyone gets a gift too!
The whole family is welcome including siblings and grandparents!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78463-holiday-party-manchester-moose-lodge-dec-2024

Thanksgiving
2024-11-28

Parent Night Out - Petersburg
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join as Mom and Dad or Mom or Dad.
Good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own dinner.
Friday, Nov. 22 – The Landing Grill, 8629 River Rd, Petersburg
6:30 pm
Register here:

https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/78197-parent-s-night-outs-tricities-2024

Richmond - Moms' Night Out, Midlothian
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join other Moms for a Dinner out for good food and conversation. Everyone pays for their own meal.
All start at 6:30 pm.
Friday, August 9 – Midlothian – Charred – 13451 Hull Street Rd N, Midlothian, VA 23112
Friday, Sept. 27 – Forest Hill – Maldini’s Ristorante Pizzeria, 4811 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Friday, October 18 – Richmond, Brambly Park, 708 Belleville St, Richmond, VA 23230
Friday, November 1 – Short Pump – West Coast Provisions, 301 Maltby Blvd, Henrico, VA 23233
Friday, November 22 – Midlothian – Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, 13607 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
Hope you can join us!
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/71054-moms-night-out-greater-richmond-2024
