Support Groups

We strive to support and connect with families during the lifespan from twinkle to wrinkle by providing individual and family support to each family.

One way we offer that support is through gatherings of different caregiver groups. Currently we have the following caregiver groups meeting regularly: Moms, Dads, Dual Diagnosis – DSPlus and Spanish-speaking families.

In addition, we are always a phone call or email away with any questions you may have, or if you need a listening ear, or a resource to help support you in your caregiving journey. Getting to know each family is very important to us. If you haven’t connected with us yet, please fill out this form below so we can reach out and get to know you and officially welcome you into our community.

MOMS

Monthly Moms’ Night Out – Sometime Moms just need to have a night out to connect with friends who understand their journey.  Monthly Mom’s Night out gatherings happen at restaurants all around the greater Richmond area, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Harrisonburg areas.

D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S., is a group composed of fathers of children who happen to have Down syndrome.

In Richmond, we meet for dinner at Capital Ale House (Midlothian) the first Tuesday of every month to enjoy camaraderie and our experiences as dads raising a child with Down syndrome.  In other communities, the location and date changes regularly. Please check our calendar for the upcoming dates and times.

This group also hosts a golf tournament every November.

DS Plus – Dual Diagnosis

This group is specifically designed to meet and talk with other parents whose children have a diagnosis in addition to Down syndrome. This can include Autism, Sensory processing disorders, feeding issues, Leukemia, and more. Please check our calendar for upcoming dates and times.

Grandparents

Are you a grandparent of a person with Down syndrome?  Would you like to learn more about supporting your grandchild by joining the Grandparent-to-Grandparent Support Group? Email Dana at Dzedd@virginiadsa.org or check out our calendar for upcoming meetings.

Hispanic Families

We welcome Spanish-speaking families.  We have a WhatsApp group and host programs for our Spanish-speaking families to connect in their native language. Damos la bienvenida a las familias de habla hispana. Tenemos un grupo de WhatsApp y programas de acogida.

21 Shades of Virginia

A support group created after an expressed need in support of families expecting or raising a Black/ Interracial child with Down syndrome. The purpose of this group is to create a space for the Black Community to network, collaborate, create, and share information while building meaningful connections. This group meets monthly via zoom with opportunities for in person events and programming.