We Are Together Again!

Join Us!

Things to Know & Do:

• REGISTER TODAY! Click Here to Get Started. It's Easy! Join a Team, Build a Team, Register or Simply Donate! The store has a handy 'How-To Register' to help answer your questions

• PRIZES for Top Team Fundraisers! Details > Buddy Walk Page

• FREE REGISTRATION & T-SHIRTS for our Buddies with Down syndrome

• SEEKING VOLUNTEERS! Lots of planning is underway. We need more muscle and want Y-O-U! Click Here to Sign Up

• SPONSORSHIPS! The Buddy Walk is our largest fundraiser of the year and our Sponsors play a BIG part. Click Here for Details and consider joining these terrific businesses, organizations and families!

Your CRDSS Board

Introducing our Newest Members

Tanya Roberts

Board Self Advocate

I was born in State College and have lived here my entire life. I graduated from State College Area High School and LifeLink PSU and have been a cashier at the at Penn State Creamery since I was 17. I am active with Special Olympics – my favorite sports are swimming and.........

Dawn Sowers

Board Member

I am excited to be part of the CRDSS. My experiences working with individuals with Down syndrome and their families as a speech-language pathologist will be beneficial as I become more involved with this community and Board activities. I am relatively new to the centre region and PA.....

Medora Ebersole

Board Member

At the Center for the Performing Arts, where I have worked since 2007, we create conditions for everyday awe. I identify and develop new ways to bring communities together to significantly change the quality of performing arts experiences. I have worked in nonprofit arts organizations.....

Read full introductions >

Saying So Long

Thank you Alison Smith

We sadly bid adieu to long-serving Board Member Alison Smith but are excited for their family. After graduating from the Penn State WorkLink program and earning her certificate from the University campus, Haley is pursuing her next chapter of life and Alison will be devoting her time to supporting her daughter's journey. Thank you for your years of devotion Alison and best wishes Haley! We hope to always see your family at our events!

Unified Sports Promotes Social Inclusion

Campus Recreation facilities and programs serve Penn State students, faculty, staff, and community with a diverse offering of wellbeing opportunities to enhance the student experience at University Park.

This season, Campus Recreation is proud to host Special Olympic athletes and Penn State partners in their Unified Intramural (IM) Sports Leagues. Campus Recreation began to offer Unified Sports in Spring of 2019 with basketball.  The program has grown from one game to several sport offerings throughout the year.  Unified Sports promotes social inclusion by joining people with and without intellectual disabilities together to play on the same team.  It offers Penn State students and Special Olympic athletes the opportunity to form friendships and enjoy sports together. 

== CRDSS Members are Invited to Participate ==

Upcoming Sports & Dates:

IM BOCCE - Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

IM Building - we will meet in the lobby between 7:15-7:30pm

Sept 5, 12, 19, 26

IM CORNHOLE - Thursday evenings, 6:30pm-7:30pm

IM Building - we will meet in the lobby between 6:15-6:30pm

Sept 7, 14, 21, 28

IM SOCCER - 6v6 - Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

IM Fields, Park Ave

Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3

IM 3v3 BASKETBALL - Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm - 7:15pm

IM Building - we will meet in the lobby between 6:15-6:30pm

Oct 24, 31, Nov 7, 14

We look forward to welcoming new participants!

Simply show up, or reach out to me in advance with any questions.

Diane Baldwin, Competitive Sports Coordinator

dls125@psu.edu (814) 867-1604

For Good Performance Troupe 

Join Us for the Fall 2023 Season!

New Members Welcome!

No previous performing experience necessary

SCHEDULE

• The Fall Season begins on Saturday September 16, 2023
• Rehearsals are held Saturdays from 11am - Noon at the Delta Building of the State College Area School District (SCASD) High School complex

If interested, reply to Krista Wilkinson, Director >

Visit the Troupe webpage >

Harmony at Penn State University

Fall 2023 Season Launches

Harmony is a performing arts program for individuals with and without disabilities, with a mission to promote and spread inclusivity and advocacy through theater. Performers and volunteers rehearse weekly and registration for the Fall Semester is now open. This fall, rehearsals will be held in the Hub-Robeson Center on Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00pm. Deadline September 3.

Performer Registration >

Community Connections Participants Enjoy a Variety of Activities at the YMCA

CRDSS partners with the YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch, to offer Community Connections - a whole-life program that provides organized activities to foster social, emotional, physical, and educational experiences for young adults with special needs. Community Connections is designed to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing a safe place to spend time with friends while being challenged intellectually. Starting young adults in the program as they finish High School allows them to form friendships, learn new skills, develop hobbies, and better transition into adulthood and independence.

Margie Fisher, who helped design Community Connections, shared, “This weekly program has enriched the lives of so many, including my daughter Brooke. It has introduced them to opportunities they’ve not experienced before, and infuses a vision into their hearts that their world is so much bigger than they ever imagined. The Y’s talented and committed staff are incredibly valuable and the partnerships they form with the families involved is real. It has created 'another family' for my daughter to enjoy at the Bellefonte YMCA.”

Participants engage in a variety of fun activities each week, including cooking, crafts, wellness programs, gym time, swimming, fishing, and so much more! The program is open to young adults affected by any type of disability and Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is poised to help offset the cost for our members. YMCA members can participate in the program for free. Community Connections meets every Wednesday at the Bellefonte YMCA from 1:15 - 2:30pm.

To learn more about this program or register, please contact Kristin Erb at kerb@ymcaocc.org or (814) 355-5551.

An Artist's Journey

by Michael Bérubé

A story of Jamie Bérubé told by his father Michael. A compelling tale of discovering Jamie's talents and exploring the path to 'fame'....as you will see, was Jamie's very own expected outcome.

Jamie was the artist behind our 2021 beloved Buddy Walk T-Shirt design and is working on a unique piece for the upcoming Buddy Walk Benefit Raffle. Jamie also recently served on our Art Contest judging panel (pictured above with Mom Janet), where he brought remarkable insight and reasoning to the process. Stand by for the unveiling of the winner and this year's T-Shirt design!

Read the full article here >

"Our Stories" shares essays, accounts, experiences, reflections and more. We invite our community to submit an entry to info@crdss.org

Thank You CRDSS Sponsors

Your Annual Support Makes an Impact!

Details on how to join these supporters >

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is a vibrant, hands-on organization

that provides individuals who have Down syndrome and their families

the tools, resources, and support necessary to participate in, contribute to,

and achieve personal health and fulfillment.

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

Lauren Smith, Executive Director

lauren@centreregiondownsyndrome.org

www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org