The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County has eight active committees. If you are a member and are interested in joining any of the committees or have any questions please feel free to contact any of the committee chairs. If you are interested in becoming a committee chair please contact: gena@dsnmc.org
The DSNMC Active Committees are:
Advocacy Committee (Chair, Heather Sachs)
The Advocacy Committee strives to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome through advocacy and support of inclusion in Montgomery County and statewide, with a particular focus on educational and recreational opportunities. We aim to teach parents how they can effectively advocate for their children with DS so that they will have the same access to opportunities in community schools and recreational activities as their typical peers. In addition to teaching parents advocacy techniques to meet the particular goals of their own children, the Advocacy Committee will become involved with relevant policy and legislative agendas on the county, state and national levels to improve life for the Down syndrome community as a whole. In particular, the Advocacy Committee will work with the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (“MDAC”), a statewide group of representatives of Down syndrome affiliates, to achieve common policy objectives.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Heather at: heather@dsnmc.org
Executive Committee (Chair, Gena Mitchell)
The Executive Committee overseas the operations of the board and develops strategies to make day-to-day operations of the organization more efficient and effective. The executive committee ensures effective board processes, structures and roles, including retreat planning, committee development, and board evaluation; sometimes includes role of nominating committee, such as keeping list of potential board members, orientation and training.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Gena at: gena@dsnmc.org
Development/Fundraising Committee (Chair, Gena Mitchell)
The Development/Fundraising committee is dedicated to building DSNMC both financially and structurally. This committee oversees development and implementation of the fundraising plan; identifies and solicits funds from external sources of support (local corporations, small businesses, and personal donations) to generate revenue for the organization. With these monies raised, we will collaborate with DSNMC Board members to disperse the funds to our committees and newly created programs to support our families and the Down syndrome community in Montgomery County, as well as national organizations that support research and overall awareness of Down syndrome.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Gena at: gena@dsnmc.org
New Family Outreach Committee (Chair, Kathy Myers)
The purpose of the New Family Outreach Committee is to offer support and resources to expectant and new families of babies with Down syndrome in our area. We also help families with children with Down syndrome that are moving or have moved into Montgomery County.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Kathy at: kathy@dsnmc.org
Social Outreach (Chair, OPEN)
The purpose of the Social Outreach Committee is to organize social events, parties and get together's for the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County families.
If you are interested in becoming a Chair for this Committee or to join the committee contact Gena at: gena@dsnmc.org
Professional Outreach Committee (Chair, Mimi Gehres)
The Professional Outreach Committee has developed a program called "The Professionals Outreach Program." This program seeks to give health care professionals a realistic perspective of what it is like to have a child with Down syndrome from the parent’s own experiences. The program informs health care professionals about the resources and services available in the community, so that when they come in contact with individuals with Down syndrome and their families they will present a Down syndrome diagnosis in an optimal way by providing this valuable information to them. In addition, the program serves to inform new and expectant parents about the potential of their child with Down syndrome and helps them to address specific developmental and health care issues.
If you are a physician, nurse, genetic counselor or social worker we would like to offer you the opportunity to participate in this program at no cost. All we ask is the opportunity to conduct an in-service training. We realize your time and that of your staff is extremely valuable and limited, which is why we are able to adapt the program to meet your schedule and needs.
If you would like discuss the program further and explore how we may be able to work together, please call Miimi Gehres at 301-946-5610 or mimi@dsnmc.org.
DSNMC Education Committee (Chair, Camy Fawzy)
The Education Committee provides families, educators and communities including children and young adults with Down syndrome access to information, educational resources and networking opportunities to better enable them to reach their potential.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Cami at: camifawzy@yahoo.com
Self-Advocate Leadership Network/Employment Committee (Chair, Nancy Forsythe)
This committee has two components: Self-Advocacy and Employment Opportunities.
The Self-Advocate Leadership Network connects people who are interested in leadership and making systems change for people with Down syndrome. Through the Network, we learn better how to advocate for ourselves and for others. We learn what leadership and advocacy are; how to be better leaders and advocates; and how to stay in touch with each other through social media, like facebook and blogs. We are active members of our communities in Montgomery and surrounding counties, and in the state of Maryland. We learn and advocate about government policies that affect people with disabilities. We work together to improve employment for people with disabilities.
The goal of the Employment Program is to improve employment outcomes for people with Down syndrome. Our focus is on working with the private sector to overcome barriers to employment of people with Down syndrome. We do this through employer outreach and education; by participating in private sector and other employer-related business organizations; by building networks among private sector employers and between employers and self-advocates; and by working with local and state government on issues related to employment of people with disabilities.
If you are interested in more information or would like to join this committee contact Nancy at: forsythe.n@gmail.com