DSAWM

Kalamazoo Rapid Runners
2026-08-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Celery Flats Park, 7328 Garden Ln, Portage, Michigan, 49002, United States
This summer, teens and adults with Down syndrome (ages 12 and up) are invited to join Rapid Runners, a fun and supportive program where we train together for the Bronson Children’s Hospital 5K which is on September 27th! Although the program is called Rapid Runners, there is absolutely no requirement for the participants to run. Participants can choose to walk or do a mix of walking and running at their own pace. We will meet at Celery Flats park on Mondays from 6pm-7pm each week to train. Participants are paired with volunteers for support and to build confidence.

Individuals with Down syndrome please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Volunteers please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Grand Rapids Rapid Runners
2026-08-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan Park, 3180 Cascade Rd SE, East Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
This summer, teens and adults with Down syndrome (ages 12 and up) are invited to join Rapid Runners, a fun and supportive program where we train together for the LMCU Bridge Run 5k which is on September 20th! Although the program is called Rapid Runners, there is absolutely no requirement for the participants to run. Participants can choose to walk or do a mix of walking and running at their own pace. We will meet at Manhattan park on Mondays from 6pm-7pm each week to train. Participants are paired with volunteers for support and to build confidence.

Individuals with Down syndrome please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Volunteers please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Book Club
2026-08-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Chapbook Cafe at Schuler Books, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month

6:00pm-7:00pm

Schuler Books

Ages 16+

Teens and adults with Down syndrome are invited to join Bobbi for Book Club at Schuler Books on 28th Street. Participants in Book Club will get the chance to read fun books with a group of their peers. After completing a book, members will be invited to a movie night where they will watch a film based on the book they read. All reading levels are welcome. Book Club will meet in the Chapbook Café.

Please email program@dsawm.org with any questions.

Benefits Planning Presentation
2026-08-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Michigan
Join us for a virtual workshop with Pete, the Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator at Disability Network Southwest Michigan. Pete will provide an overview of topics such as SSI and SSDI, the application process, employment while receiving benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and asset limits. There will also be time for questions and discussion, making this a great opportunity for families to better understand available benefits and plan for the future. This information is applicable to anyone that lives in Michigan.

Please register HERE if you would like to be sent the zoom link.

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Lakeshore Dance
2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417, United States
Join us for our monthly Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion at the Loutit District Library, typically held on the third Monday of each month from 6:00pm-7:00pm! This adaptive program is open to members age 6 and older. We’ll stretch, dance, and play fun percussion instruments while listening to participant-selected music! Occasionally, room availability at the library may require us to shift the date or time, and email updates will be sent whenever changes are needed.

Please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Lakeshore Mom's Night Out
2026-08-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Noto’s, 1223 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417, United States
Mom’s Night Out is a monthly program for mothers raising children with Down syndrome. Each month, mom’s have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost for first-time attendees (excluding alcohol). This month’s gathering will be at Noto’s!

Please email Maggie at lvalley22@gmail.com if you have any questions and to RSVP!

Grand Rapids Therapeutic Horse Handling
2026-08-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Michigan
We are partnering with Hestóvin Stables for Therapeutic Horse Handling on August 21st from 9:30am-11:30am. There will be no riding, but participants will do grooming, bathing, and games with the horses. This program is for ages 5+ and we are able to accommodate 10 participants.

Please register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Qdoba Fundraiser
2026-08-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Let’s get some QDOBA and support DSAWM! Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22nd between 4 and 8 pm. DSAWM will receive 25% of sales when you show this flyer online or in-store:

The fundraiser will be held at multiple locations throughout West Michigan, including:

3214 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

2211 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

6800 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

3155 West Shore Dr Holland, MI 49424

5350 S Harvey St Muskegon, MI 49444

2061 S Drake Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49006

2380 Health Dr SW Wyoming, MI 49519

4403 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49006

3871 Rivertown Pkwy Grandville, MI 49418

5901 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

3150 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Aging with Down Syndrome Meeting
2026-08-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, 160 68th St SW Ste. 110, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to this support group that meets on the fourth Monday of every month. The Aging with Down Syndrome Meetings are sponsored by DSAWM and Alzheimer’s Association. Participants share experiences and discuss the process of caring for loved ones growing older with Down syndrome.

Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/98327097209?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every meeting.

Please register HERE if you are interested in attending and email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Lakeshore Pickleball
2026-08-29 16:30 - 18:00 | Holland Charter Township Community Center, 12343 James Street, Holland, Michigan, 49424​, United States
DSAWM is excited to continue our Lakeshore Pickleball program with another session on August 29th from 4:30pm-6:00pm at the Holland Charter Township Community Center! This session will give participants the opportunity to continue developing their pickleball skills, build confidence on the court, and enjoy a fun evening with friends. Family members are encouraged to join in and play alongside their participant, just as many did during our open house. If you would prefer for your participant to be paired with a volunteer instead, please email Maria so we can plan accordingly: program@dsawm.org

Register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Grand Rapids Member Picnic
2026-08-30 11:00 - 13:00 | Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, Michigan, 49534, United States
Join us August 30th from 11am-1pm for our annual DSAWM summer picnic! Come close out the summer by connecting with other families and enjoying Millennium Park. DSAWM will pay for a daily admission pass for anyone that would like to spend time at the beach or splash pad! DSAWM will provide subs and drinks but we ask that you please bring a dish to share based on your last name: A–F bring chips or snacks, G–L bring a side dish or salad, M–R bring fruit or veggies, and S–Z bring a dessert or sweet treat.

Please register HERE if you would like to attend!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Grand Rapids Dance
2026-09-02 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-09 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join our Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion and our intern Molly! This is an adaptive program for all of our members aged 6 and older. We stretch, dance, and play percussion instruments while we listen to participant-selected music! Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/98736177911?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every week.

Register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Grand Rapids Cooking Capers
2026-09-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Grand Rapids Cooking Capers is a program led by GVSU nutrition students to teach independence in the kitchen for members 12 and older (members 12-15 must have a guardian present). We work on goals and learn kitchen safety, measurements, and more! We cook a delicious 3 course meal each week and enjoy socializing with others. Registrations are required so that we can make sure to accommodate all food allergies and purchase the correct amount of groceries.

Register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Closed for Labor Day
2026-09-07 00:00 - 23:59 | Michigan

Buddy Up Tennis
2026-09-12 10:15 - 11:45 | MVP Athletic Club, 115 Crahen Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Buddy Up Tennis is a 90-minute tennis and fitness program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome ages 5+, who we call our Athletes. Buddy Volunteers are partnered with Athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No tennis experience is required!

NEW ATHLETES & BUDDIES:Please visit the Buddy Up for Life registration site to create your account, complete your registration, and select the clinic dates you plan to attend.

RETURNING ATHLETES & BUDDIES:If you have already activated your new Buddy Up for Life account, please log in here to register for the session and select the clinic dates you plan to attend. If you have not received or completed your account activation, please email GrandRapidsTennis@buforlife.org for assistance.

NEW BUDDIES AGES 18+:In addition to registering through Buddy Up for Life, please click HERE to complete your Background Check/DSAWM Volunteer Form.

Please email GrandRapidsTennis@buforlife.org with any questions.

Kalamazoo Therapeutic Horse Handling
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Horse Time Center for Equine Collaboration, 7447 W H Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49009, United States
DSAWM is partnering with Horse Time Center for Equine Collaboration in Kalamazoo for a fun, hands-on horse experience! There will be no riding but there will be various ground activities with the horses, like grooming and leading. There will also be games and team-building activities! This program is for ages 5+ and a parent/caregiver must be present. We can accommodate 10 participants. DSAWM memberships must be active to participate.

Register HERE if you are interested in participating!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.
