The Emerald Family Down Syndrome Network began with a few families getting together for fun and socialization. Co-Presidents Sydney Shook and Gail Udell felt the need for the Eugene/Springfield area to have a group to support families and advocate for our loved ones with Down syndrome within the community.

Sydney has a 4 year old son, Aidan. The Shook family came to Eugene from Portland and missed that connection they felt with the Portland groups (there are two). Gail, who learned of her daughter Teagan's Down Syndrome prenatally, was only able to find families online those first couple of years. Teagan is now 4 years old. Together, along with Deborah Haaby, Teagan's God Mother and volunteer board member of the EFDSN, work hard to make this group successful. All 3 board members work full time so we understand the work-life balance. Always know that the tiniest bit of input or time is greatly needed and appreciated.

That said - the following are our hopes and dreams (short term) for the EFDSN and we welcome and encourage your participation to make it happen. If you are interested in helping with any of these projects, please contact us (go to contact page):

BUDDY WALK 2008: The date is set - SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 - and we are already started on making our 2008 Eugene Buddy Walk a success. We learned a lot from our first year, and are excited to make 2008 even more successful. There is plenty to do and we welcome your input! It is the biggest fund raising event for our group, and 90% of all funds raised go directly back into the group (we donate a small portion to some specific causes). Go to the Buddy Walk tab to learn more about this event.

Fundraising: This goes hand in hand with the Buddy Walk, but it is something that we need to make happen immediately. It's as simple as giving us a lead to a business with contact name, or jump in and help us create our fundraising materials.

New Parent Packs: Besides creating welcome packages for Parents that contact us, this project encompasses letters with materials to supply all OB/GYN and Pediatrician offices in the area, as well as Birthing Centers. We would also like to create a call list we could provide for people who would like to talk to families of children with Down Syndrome.

Local Resources Brochure: We know there are so many resources available to us - but when do you use them, do you qualify, which resource meet which need? We are working to catalog all of the agencies and resource available in Lane County to share with our members, and anyone else who might be able to use them. A piece of this goal is to have an area at our 2008 Buddy Walk and invite local agencies a "booth" to promote themselves and what they can offer.

Adults with DS Group: We have held one event (bowling & pizza party) so far, and are working on a 2nd event - a karaoke night! With your help and ideas, we can make this a monthly event for those awesome adults who have Down Syndrome in our community! We assure you, they are a lively bunch and know how to have a good time!

Wonder Boys: We want to establish a group for school age boys with Down Syndrome, similar to the existing Special Friends group for girls. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish with just a little energy and time. If you'd like to help make this group happen, please Contact Us.

Special Friends: This is our established Teenage Girl Group, started by Brittany Ewalt (go to About Us page and select "Special Friends" to learn more.) We can always use help with ideas and volunteers. However, we will have another need - Brittany is graduating this year, and we need help to carry on what she started. If you would like to be a part of that, we urge you to contact us.

Group Brochure: A compilation of family stories and local resources to share with each other and new families.

Scholarship Program: Continue to develop this much needed resource for families. Our hope is to provide financial assistance to any family whose child would like to take part in a recreational activity in the community.

Family Forums: For families wanting to take part in a discussion based forum to learn from older families and local educators.

Outside Speakers: We would really like to bring speakers into the community who share our passion. Our first speaker we would like to bring to town is Kathy Snow. You can learn more about Kathy Snow under our Resources. Look for "Disability is Natural" at www.disabilityisnatural.com.

Grants: We would like to create a small group to research and apply for grants on behalf of our group.

All of these goals are attainable and we will accomplish them, but with your help we will be able to achieve them in a short term plan rather than years from now.