COVID-19 Resources

The resources below have been compiled to assist DSAWM families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keeping DSAWM Staff and Visitors Safe

The DSAWM office has reopened to staff and visitors. We’ve missed you and are so excited to finally see everyone again! As we begin to welcome members and guests back to our office, health and safety will continue to be our priority. Here are the steps we are taking to ensure both at the DSAWM office:

1. Requesting all visitors wear a mask when in the office. DSAWM will have masks available for those who do not have their own. Staff will also wear masks when interacting with guests.

2. Limiting the number of in-person programming this summer. Virtual programming will continue through July in an effort to limit physical contact between members, staff, and volunteers. Some activities that can be held outdoors and in small groups will begin meeting this month. As the summer progresses, we will reevaluate and share our programming schedule with members. Please note that two large summer gatherings, the Member Picnic and Oh Baby, have been cancelled.

3. Staggering days in which staff members are in the office. DSAWM Program Director Nate and DSAWM Communications Director Victoria will be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays. DSAWM Executive Director Jennifer and Step Up Coordinator and DSAWMF Fund Development Director Tom will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On the days in which a staff member is not in the office, they will be working remotely from home to continue to assist members virtually.

4. Daily cleaning of commonly-touched surfaces. Staff will clean commonly-touched surfaces like door handles, tabletops, phones, and laptops at the beginning and end of every day, as well as after use by a guest.

We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we all work together to navigate the new normal. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 616-956-3488 or via our online contact form at dsawm.org/contact. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services websites.
National Resources
State and Local Resources

General Information

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Health Departments by Michigan County

Information For Individuals with Down Syndrome and Their Families

Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s “Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 & Down Syndrome” Q&A
Michigan Alliance for Families
LuMind IDSC
Dr. Brian Skotko

Educational Support

Free Virtual Education Resources
Special Education Resources Facebook Group
Virtual Field Trips

Meal Support

Michigan Department of Education Food Service Program (Statewide)
Grab & Go Meal Sites by School District (West MI)
Local Pantries/Food Assistance Programs

Financial/Other Support

Michigan 211

DSAWM Supplemental Program Materials

Book Club

In-Person Meetings

When: Every other Tuesday at 5:30pm (June meetings: June 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25)

Who: current Book Club participants only

Beginning June 30, Book Club will meet in-person at Manhattan Park. We will practice social distancing to ensure everyone’s health and safety. If the weather is poor, we will meet online via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, contact Nate at nate@dsawm.org.
Cooking Capers

Virtual Classes

When: Thursdays at 6pm

Who: current GR Cooking Capers participants only (Group A meets on 7/16 & 7/30 and Group B meets on 7/9 & 7/23)

Check-in with Nate to learn a new recipe and discuss how you’re using your cooking skills at home. This program is currently limited to only those members who have participated in Grand Rapids Cooking Capers this year. Nate will email members/parents with the link to the Zoom meeting. We are working to offer a similar program for the Kalamazoo Cooking Capers group. More details will be shared with those members when we have them.

Activities to Try at Home

Stuffed Mini Peppers, Black Bean Tacos, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Yogurt
Fiesta Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Hash, and Gluten-free Banana Coffee Cake
Lakeshore MNI

Virtual Meetings

When: Mondays in April, May, June, and July at 9pm

Who: lakeshore-area moms (Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan counties)

Chat with familiar faces on Monday evenings during Moms’ Night In! Like MNO, MNI provides moms with an accepting environment to share experiences and enjoy an hour of respite with other moms raising children with Down syndrome. Due to limited space, these MNI meetings will be specifically for lakeshore-area (Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan counties) moms. Mom Kristina will host the get-togethers on Zoom. If you live on the lakeshore and would like to participate, please email Kristina at krisica02@gmail.com.
Music Classes

Virtual Classes

All ‘Participate’ buttons below link to live Zoom meetings. If you want to attend a virtual program, click the corresponding ‘Participate’ button a few minutes before the program is scheduled to start. If you have questions, check out the tutorial here or email Nate at nate@dsawm.org.

Music Jamboree: Songwriting

When: Mondays at 10am

Who: members aged 13+

Members aged 13+ are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah and learn to write new, original songs from music to lyrics. No experience necessary. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Disney-Along

When: Tuesdays at 1:30pm

Who: members of all ages

Members of all ages are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a sing-along session featuring songs from your favorite Disney movies. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Kids Rhythm & Movement

When: Wednesdays at 10am

Who: members aged 12 and under

Members aged 12 and under are invited to join Music Therapist Leah to work on clapping and drumming rhythms, and moving around to different music. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Teens/Adults Rhythm & Movement

When: Wednesdays at 11am

Who: members aged 13+

Members aged 13+ are invited to join Music Therapist Leah to work on clapping and drumming rhythms, and moving around to different music. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Your Favorites Sing-Along

When: Thursdays at 11am

Who: members of all ages

Members of all ages are invited to join Music Therapist Leah to sing-along session that will feature everyone’s favorite songs from pop tunes to classic jams to Broadway hits. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate
Rapid Runners

In-Person Gatherings

When: Mondays from 6:30-7:30pm
Who: members aged 14+

Rapid Runners is a fun program that encourages participants to maintain great health, get exercise, meet new friends, and tackle a 5k race. Members aged 14+ are invited to join coaches each Monday at Manhattan Park where we will stretch and do some warm ups as a group. Runners will then be paired with volunteers to work on their jogging and walking. This training is based on the couch to 5k model. We will be training to eventually participate in a local 5k race TBD. We plan to practice social distancing while running and encourage parents to help enforce and encourage loved ones to follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Register
Shape Up

Virtual Classes

When: Mondays at 6:30pm thru June 8

Who: current Shape Up participants only

Check-in with Nate, Tabitha, and Abrianne to discuss how you’re staying active and making healthy choices at home. This program is currently limited to only those members who have participated in Shape Up this year. Nate will email members/parents with the link to the Zoom meeting. Depending on attendance, we may open the program up to all members in the coming weeks.

Activities to Try at Home

5 Minutes of Cardio & Strength
Exercise Band Workout for Beginners with Coach Tabitha and Healthy Snack Ideas
Zumba Playlist