Welcome. You Are Not Alone. We Are Here For You.

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. 

Welcome. You Are Not Alone. We Are Here For You.

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. 

What Is First Connect?

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.

 

First Connect is a support program for new parents to help them begin their 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! 

 

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.

Volunteer With The First Connect Program

If you are interested in getting involved in the First Connect program, please email [email protected] or contact us to let us know you would like to learn more about becoming a trained First Connect parent mentor.

In connection with our First Connect program, DSAG is also proud to provide new parents with printed welcome materials and a celebration basket with gifts to say, “Congratulations!” on the birth of a child with Down syndrome.
Sponsoring a First Connect new parent packet or celebration basket is easy and can really make a difference to an expectant family.
$20 covers the costs of materials, printing, and distribution of each packet, and ensures a positive message reaches the new parents of a child with Down syndrome.
$75 covers the cost of a celebration basket, including welcome materials and gifts to celebrate that new extra special loved one. Sponsor a packet or basket today by donating and selecting the way you wish to support our First Connect program! Thank you!

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The Down Syndrome
Awareness Group?

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