The Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group (CVDSG) was founded in March 2010, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization the following year, with the vision of creating a community of families in the Champlain Valley Region of Vermont and Upstate New York who have a child or family member with Down syndrome.  From that initial meeting, where a small group of families gathered, the CVDSG has grown to include over 70 families spread out across the Champlain Valley.

These families have more in common than simply sharing experiences of having a child with Down syndrome.  They all share the joys and challenges of parenting children with and without special needs, and have come to rely on each other for support and friendship.  Our families are committed to supporting one another on our common journey.

We hope to reach out to those families who have just started down this path, as well as those who can share their wisdom, advice and counsel to other families.  Ultimately, we hope to build a lasting community that values ALL people and our individual and collective experiences.

The members of the CVDSG routinely meet four times each year:  at a member’s home in January for the annual meeting; at various locations for a family gathering in late spring; at the summer BBQ and picnic in North Beach Park in Burlington in July; and then, for the Annual Buddy Walk in Downtown Burlington in either late September or early October.  Details about these events will be listed on the “Upcoming Events” section of this site.

The group also provides financial support to various programs.  At the present time, the CVDSG supports: the attendance of two families to participate in the Annual Conference in March, hosted by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress; summer camp attendance; and participation in a United Dance Workshop in Burlington.  Details about these programs are typically provided to all members through the use of our group’s email distribution list