If you’ve stopped by DSAWM recently, you have witnessed our transformation in progress. What used to be an administrative office is becoming a welcoming, family-friendly center.
When DSAWM moved into the Masonic Center in downtown Grand Rapids a few years ago, it was to create a single destination for Down syndrome related programs and services. The commercial kitchen houses Cooking Capers, Shape Up is held on the 6th floor, and our drama classes and stage productions came to life in the auditorium. Now our first floor offices are getting a make-over to create a home for our families. There is still office space for staff and a conference room for meetings with community partners and committees. But in our first floor office space we are creating a few new spaces as well.
Parent Lounge
As soon as you enter DSAWM, you are welcomed by our parent lounge. Comfortable furniture, fresh coffee and tea, and wi-fi are provided for our families. Once it’s completed with a fresh coat of paint and photos of our members, the parent lounge will be a comfortable place for parent meetings or a little down time between appointments.
Therapy Playroom
Our new therapy playroom is welcoming and a fun location for our playgroups and programs for infants and children! We’ve already begun to receive therapeutic toys and classroom supplies from our wish list. Soon a coat of paint will brighten things up and friends from ACT will create a fun and inspiring wall mural.
Perhaps the most amazing part of this transformation is not the what, but the how. With a little ingenuity and a lot of generosity from the West Michigan community, DSAWM has spent nothing on this remodel. A coffee maker, toys and even furniture have all been donated from our wish list to create a welcoming environment for our families!
Watch your inbox – once our volunteer interior designer adds the finishing touches, DSAWM will hold a community Open House.
