| Buddy Groups |
| The latest program addition for the BUDS network! |
We are excited to roll out our new “Buddy Groups” this year for our family
members who have Down syndrome. The concept is for the person with DS and
their families to establish friendships with other families within the same age
group.
Here’s how it will work. A group of about 8 to 10 families will each agree to host a
gathering in their home for a group of individuals who have DS that will rotate
each month. To join the group, you must agree to host one of the events. You
will agree among your group, via e-mail, etc. who will host which month,
correspond with each other, and work as families to schedule your events. The
same group of individuals with DS will then rotate each month to a different family’
s home for an event. Each family will incur the cost of the event which they host
in their home. By the end of the year, you will hopefully have a core group of
friends for your children as well as lasting family friendships.
For example, for the teens and young adults (age 13 and up), we plan to host
“Pizza & Movie Nights” in our homes. Each family will host one night in their
home, order pizza, watch a DVD, play video games or do whatever their family
member enjoys.
For the “tweeners,” it could be an after school event. For the younger children, it
could be a play group. It’s up to your “Buddy” group how you would like to
organize your gatherings. If you are interested in hosting an event, please
contact the following individuals.
members who have Down syndrome. The concept is for the person with DS and
their families to establish friendships with other families within the same age
group.
Here’s how it will work. A group of about 8 to 10 families will each agree to host a
gathering in their home for a group of individuals who have DS that will rotate
each month. To join the group, you must agree to host one of the events. You
will agree among your group, via e-mail, etc. who will host which month,
correspond with each other, and work as families to schedule your events. The
same group of individuals with DS will then rotate each month to a different family’
s home for an event. Each family will incur the cost of the event which they host
in their home. By the end of the year, you will hopefully have a core group of
friends for your children as well as lasting family friendships.
For example, for the teens and young adults (age 13 and up), we plan to host
“Pizza & Movie Nights” in our homes. Each family will host one night in their
home, order pizza, watch a DVD, play video games or do whatever their family
member enjoys.
For the “tweeners,” it could be an after school event. For the younger children, it
could be a play group. It’s up to your “Buddy” group how you would like to
organize your gatherings. If you are interested in hosting an event, please
contact the following individuals.
| BUDS Teen & Young Adult Pizza Party Buddy Group (ages 13 and up) Contact: Nancy Hennefer at golforlife@comcast.net or (856) 354-0584 BUDS “Tweeners” After School Buddy Group (ages 7 to 12) Contact: Nancy Scully at scullyclan@go.com or (856) 566-2487 BUDS “Young Child” Buddy Play Group (ages 6 and under) Contact: Laurie Lausi at notes2lausi@comcast.net or (856) 424-2301 |
| All of life is a journey, and this website is no exception. Check back very soon for updates! |
