First Connect: New Parent Mentors

First Connect is a support program for new parents to help you begin your incredible journey of raising a child with Down syndrome. While it will be a journey filled with challenges, it will also be a journey filled with more joy and love than you can ever imagine. Let’s begin this journey together! 

First Connect matches new parents with trained First Connect mentors—a dedicated group of experienced parents of children with Down syndrome who are available to offer you support and information.

First Connect: New Parent Mentors

First Connect is a support program for new parents to help you begin your incredible journey of raising a child with Down syndrome. While it will be a journey filled with challenges, it will also be a journey filled with more joy and love than you can ever imagine. Let’s begin this journey together! 

First Connect matches new parents with trained First Connect mentors—a dedicated group of experienced parents of children with Down syndrome who are available to offer you support and information.

You Are Not Alone

We understand how difficult it can be to hear this unexpected news. We are a safe place for you to turn to with your questions. We invite you to connect with our trained parent mentors to share your feelings with people who have been in your shoes. We care and we will not judge your thoughts and feelings.

 

There is no right or wrong way to react to a diagnosis. We all have unique life situations and come from different backgrounds. You may have a range of emotions. You may feel confused, sad or overwhelmed. Please know that these emotions are perfectly normal.

 

We offer you the opportunity to speak with experienced parents who can answer your questions and provide a realistic picture of raising a child with Down syndrome. We will answer your questions honestly and do our best to describe the joys and challenges we have experienced in our own personal journeys.

Contact Us
Mother and son, First Connect: New Parent Mentors

Important To Know

Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, have jobs, actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives, cultivate meaningful relationships, exercise their right to vote and make valuable contributions to society every single day.

Teen with ds at graduation with his sister, 3.21 Scholarship
2024 Buddy Walk Sponsor Registration
DSAG Down Syndrome Buddy Walk
DSAG Down syndrome two pals smiling, Home

Important To Know

Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, have jobs, actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives, cultivate meaningful relationships, exercise their right to vote and make valuable contributions to society every single day.

If you would like to connect with a First Connect parent who also received a suspected or confirmed prenatal diagnosis, please email [email protected] or contact us to let us know you are interested in connecting with one of our trained First Connect mentors.

FIRST CONNECT is a certified First Call™ program.

If you would like to connect with a First Connect parent who also received a suspected or confirmed prenatal diagnosis, please email [email protected] or contact us to let us know you are interested in connecting with one of our trained First Connect mentors.

FIRST CONNECT is a certified First Call™ program.