For New, Expecting and Adopting Parents
Whether you’ve received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis or you’re walking through an adoption of a child with Down syndrome, our First Call Program is designed with you in mind.
What is First Call?
First call is our program for walking alongside you when you first receive the news of your baby’s diagnosis with Down syndrome. The First Call team is here to help whether you receive your diagnosis prenatally or after birth. We will answer questions honestly, provide you with resources and information, share with you the joys and the challenges that come from raising a child with Down syndrome, and provide you with support in your journey. As a part of First Call, our staff will offer to connect you with a volunteer experienced parent who will be available to you as needed to serve as a mentor and sounding board in those early days.
How does it work?
We are available to come visit in the hospital or at home, and we are also available by phone or e-mail anytime. We are here as a shoulder to lean on, a voice of experience, and a source of current information. We’re also here to listen with compassion, never judgment. Not every parent in First Call has the same story or has found the same solution, but we have had similar concerns at one time or another.
Why First Call?
As a parent, you may feel you have entered a whole new world – one that can be confusing and filled with deep, and perhaps conflicting, feelings at first. You may have lots of questions, concerns and even fears. Our First Call program was designed to bring comfort and care during these emotions. It is our hope that through information and support, you will gain answers to your questions, empathy for your feelings, and an understanding of your baby’s needs. We feel strongly that the opportunity to talk to other parents of children with Down syndrome can be invaluable.
All of us involved in the First Call Program agree that whatever our first reaction to the words “Down syndrome” may have been, time has taught us that our children bring boundless love and inspiration to our lives, and we want no family to feel alone.
Our services are free and confidential.
