Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County Inc

“Nancy Forsythe, DSNMC Board President is the mother of Adrian Forsythe who is a contractor for DSNMCs Self-advocate Community Network and the Teen Hangout.”

“The 990 is shared with The Board of Directors before being filed.”

“Research on similarly sized organizations and their employee compensation is used to determine salaries across the organization.”

“Research on similarly sized organizations and their employee compensation is used to determine salaries across the organization.”

“Forms are available upon request.”

“Contract Fees: $55,710Entertainers: $910Payroll Fees: $834Consultant: $7,500”

“Part III - Organizations Primary Exempt Purpose DSNMCs primary purpose and mission is to empower and support individuals with Downsyndrome, their families and the community through education, information, publicawareness, and advocacy. DSNMC supports 400+ families in Montgomery County and theWashington, DC Metro area. DSNMC has been consistently successful in achieving itsmission, with many initiatives undertaken throughout 2024. In 2024, DSNMC: Provided outreach to over 300 families. Hosted 125 hours of lifespan programming. Secured three new grant awards: Two Montgomery County grants supporting Transitioning Youth & Adult Programming and Organizational Capacity; Adventist Healthcare Community Fund supporting the New Family & Medical Outreach Initiative Hosted the Techniques for Success Conference Hosted a successful Step Up for Down Syndrome Celebration that brought together more than 650 walkers. Added 48 new members and welcomed 24 new babies. Programs and Services:EDUCATE & INFORMOur parent/guardian speaker series, Grupo Latino and annual Techniques for SuccessEducator Conference provide educational opportunities to families and practitioners on topics related to Down syndrome.COMMUNITY OUTREACHThrough our New Families Outreach Initiative, we partner with local hospitals, doctors, and early childhood intervention practitioners to welcome, support and provide resources to families who have received either a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. CULTIVATE CONNECTIONSSocial events like parent gatherings, dances, picnics, karaoke night, the teen hangout and play groups keep our community connected. Through these connections, life-long friendships are often formed among people with Down syndrome and between families.FOSTER COLLABORATIONPartnering with schools, organizations and corporations make it possible to effectively support families in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, offer a Career and College Readiness Program for high school students and strengthen our medical outreach initiative. EMPOWER & ADVOCATEIn collaboration with nonprofits and state agencies, we advocate on behalf of people with Down syndrome at the local, state and national levels. Our award-winning Positively Speaking workshops teach teens and adults with Down syndrome effective communication and self-advocacy skills. Step UP for Down Syndrome Fundraiser and Celebration:DSNMC holds an annual Awareness Walk in October during Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This event raises awareness, promotes inclusion, and celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome living in Montgomery County, MD, and the surrounding communities. In a typical year, more than 600 people attend the walk. Individuals and corporations donate to this fundraising event. Money raised is used for the general administration and for various projects and programs that carry out the organizations mission. Event expenses incurred are for equipment and facility rentals, food, T-shirts, DJ, promotional and advertising materials. Additional programs and services include social and educational events for people with Down syndrome of all ages, their parents, and families. These are the Winter Dance, Spring Picnic, Summer Pool Party, Playdates, New Family Breakfasts, and Parent/guardian Workshops. DSNMC has an active Listserv and private Facebook Group so parents can connect, ask questions, and share resources. DSNMC has a Grupo Latino which meets monthly in addition to attending regular events. We reach out to families who receive a pre-natal or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome and speak to medical professionals. We present new families with a welcome kit and link them with other families. DSNMC fosters advocacy by providing members with action alerts related to people living with Down syndrome.”