DSAWM

Book Club
2025-10-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Young Athletes
2025-10-28 17:30 - 18:15, 2025-10-21 17:30 - 18:15, 2025-10-14 17:30 - 18:15 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join DSAWM, Autism Support of Kent County, and Special Olympics in our Young Athletes program. This program will be on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-6:15pm in the SOMI Auxiliary Gym. Young Athletes is a sport play program designed for members aged 2-7. Participants will be introduced to the basics of sports and start to build their gross motor skills for future sports participation. Young Athletes also helps to build cognitive and social skills. Email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Please complete 2 quick registrations if you would like to participate:

https://dsawm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dsawm/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2432&

and

https://forms.gle/Qo31XvBKV38PTmgb6

Aging with Down Syndrome Meeting
2025-10-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, 49548
Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to this support group that meets 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.

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

Shape Up
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Shape Up is a fun and exciting health program for members 14 and older. We will meet on Mondays from 6pm-7:30pm in the SOMI Athlete Hub. There will be 45 minutes of nutrition education and 45 minutes of exercise. Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/96053773711?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every week.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Independent Living Skills
2025-10-27 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-20 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-13 17:00 - 18:00 | DSAWM Board Room, 160 68th St SW Suite 110, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
This series of workshops for individuals 14+ will focus on a variety of skills one needs to work towards independence. We will meet every Monday from 5pm-6pm in the DSAWM board room. Please send topic suggestions and questions to our Program Coordinator, Maria, at program@dsawm.org.

Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/97658800068?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every week.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Lakeshore Down Syndrome Awareness Month Celebration
2025-10-25 11:00 - 14:00 | Fellinlove Farm, 6364 144th Ave, Holland, Michigan, 49423, United States
DSAWM is very excited to have another Down Syndrome Awareness Month Celebration for our Lakeshore families on October 25th from 11am-2pm at Fellinlove Farm! Come connect with other families, see the animals, explore the Not So Spooky Trail, and celebrate Down syndrome! DSAWM will provide light refreshments.

Please register HERE if you would like to attend!

Email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Buddy Up Tennis
2025-10-25 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-10-18 10:15 - 11:45 | Michigan
Saturdays

MVP Athletic Club, Crahen

10:15am-11:45am

Ages 5+

Buddy Up Tennis is a 90-minute tennis and fitness program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our Athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with Athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No tennis experience required!

New Athletes please complete the Buddy Up Tennis Athlete Application and Release Form, click HERE for registration, and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Returning Athletes please click HERE for registration and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

New Buddies please complete the Buddy Up Tennis Buddy Application and Release, click HERE to complete your Background Check/DSAWM Volunteer Form, and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Returning Buddies please sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Please email GrandRapidsTennis@buforlife.org if you have any questions.

Kalamazoo Cooking Capers
2025-10-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Western Michigan University Kohrman Hall, 2200 Ring Rd S, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49006, United States
DSAWM is excited to bring Cooking Capers back to Kalamazoo every other Friday from 5:00pm-6:30pm! Cooking Capers is an engaging program led by Western Michigan University nutrition students, designed to teach kitchen independence to participants with Down syndrome aged 12 and up (participants aged 12-15 must have a guardian present). We learn kitchen safety, how to follow recipes, and much more! Western Michigan University is allowing us to use their cooking lab for the program which is in Kohrman Hall. Registration is required to ensure we purchase the right amount of groceries. Once you are registered the DSAWM Program Coordinator can send you parking details and a map of where the cooking lab is located.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Dad's Night Out
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Big Mini Putt Club, 70 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, United States
Dad’s Night Out is a monthly program for fathers raising children with Down syndrome. Each month, dad’s have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost of meals for first-time attendees if food is included in the event or ordered as part of the gathering (excluding alcohol). This month the dad’s will be going to Big Mini Putt Club!

Please email Rich at rich@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Cooking Capers
2025-10-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
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.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Drumming with Arts in Motion
2025-10-23 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join us on Thursdays from 5pm-6pm for Drumming with Josh from Arts in Motion! This program is for members of all ages and it will be a fun opportunity to work on your rhythm and make some music with friends.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Dance for Teens and Adults
2025-10-22 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 teens and adult members aged 13 and older. We stretch, dance, and play percussion instruments while we listen to participant-selected music!

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Developmental Sports
2025-10-21 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-14 18:15 - 19:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join DSAWM, Autism Support of Kent County, and Special Olympics in our Developmental Sports program. This program will be on Tuesdays from 6:15pm-7:00pm in the SOMI Auxiliary Gym. Developmental Sports is a program designed to teach members aged 8-13 how to participate in a team sport. Participants will be introduced to the basics of team sports play and start to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to play as a team. Developmental Spors will also help build cognitive and social skills and allow kids to see the possibilities in their athletic careers. Sports offerings will vary each week, with each week of the program focusing on a different team sports. Sports will be repeated multiple times throughout the session to help develop and strengthen skills. Email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Please complete 2 quick registrations if you would like to participate:

https://dsawm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dsawm/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2433&

and

https://forms.gle/APaNxKtsxxvefmBF9

Shape Up for Older Adults
2025-10-21 17:00 - 17:45 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
We’re excited to partner with Senior Neighbors to bring a new Shape Up option for members aged 45 and older. Members aged 45 and older are still welcome to attend our Monday Shape Up program but this new version will feature modified exercises for those who may need extra physical guidance. While our members work out, caregivers can enjoy workshops, support, and meaningful connections.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

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

Annual Meeting
2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join us for the DSAWM Annual Meeting at our building (160 68th St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548) in Meeting Room 4 on Monday October 20th from 6:00pm-7:00pm! This will be a time where DSAWM members and the community can meet with our staff and Board as we discuss the state of the organization and goals for the year ahead, as well as confirm new members to the DSAWM Board of Directors. We will provide light refreshments during the meeting for anyone who attends!

Meeting Agenda:

Welcome & Mission Moment

Reports from the Board and Executive Director

Financial Overview

Foundation Update

Board Elections

2025 Priorities & 40th Anniversary

Unable to attend in person? We would love for you to join us virtually! We will be broadcasting the Annual Meeting over Zoom. Use this Zoom link to join: https://zoom.us/j/93872203456?pwd=[REDACTED]

If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, please do not hesitate to email us at info@dsawm.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Mom's Night Out
2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Grand Rapids Escape Room, 2675 E Paris Ave SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, 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. This month’s gathering will be at the Grand Rapids Escape Room! An escape room is a real-life adventure game where you and other moms will team up to solve puzzles and clues before time runs out. The cost will be about $27 per person.

Please email Keri at dsmamas321@yahoo.com if you have any questions and to RSVP!

Lakeshore Dance
2025-10-20 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! 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 would like to participate!

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

Kalamazoo FNO Down Syndrome Awareness Month Celebration
2025-10-18 16:30 - 19:30 | Ripple Effects Inclusion Center, 2255 W Centre Avenue, Portage, Michigan, 49024, United States
Join us for a Family Night Out (FNO) celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month at Ripple Effects Inclusion Center! Ripple Effects is an inclusive facility that has space for families of all ages and stages. We hope that utilizing this space will provide a space for entire families to get to know and support each other no matter what stage of life they are in from pregnancy to adulthood. Ripple effects has spaces for infants and kids to safely play, but they also have a video game room, a pool table, and a foosball table for older kids and adults to enjoy. We will have a craft and DSAWM will cater food! You may also bring your own food if you have unique needs or preferences.

If you are interested in attending please register HERE!

If you have any questions or suggestions for food please email program@dsawm.org

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Fundraiser
2025-10-15 00:00 - 23:59 | Good Mooed Cafe, 3555 68th St SE, Dutton, Michigan, 49316, United States
We are having another fundraiser at Good Mooed Cafe and Railtown Brewing Company for Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Join us at either location — Good Mooed Cafe or Railtown Brewing Company — on October 15th and a portion of sales will be donated to DSAWM. BRING THIS FLYER printed or digital form, and DSAWM will receive an additional 10%! Members with Down syndrome can sign up HERE to volunteer to host and serve at Railtown Brewing Company.

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