October 2016
Down Syndrome AWARENESS Month Gala
To celebrate individuals with Down syndrome (DS), build awareness of their accomplishments, and raise funds for critical activities, Rock the 21 hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Gala and Fundraiser at Maritime Parc in Jersey City. More than 300 people joined us for an evening that included fantastic food, a silent auction, raffle baskets, dancing with DJ Lisie, and a photo booth!
All of our efforts are done with a mission to build understanding and successful inclusion of persons with DS. Proceeds will be used to fund services, resources and tools, or to support other organizations with this same mission.
A big thank you to all of our local sponsors sponsors who made the event a huge success!
Summer 2016
New Therapy Room Provides Interactive Learning Space
In partnership with the Candle Lighters, Rock the 21 helped to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art early intervention, therapy and sensory room at a local school for children with Down syndrome. This light-filled, three-room space features a classroom, ball-pit, rock climbing wall and swings.
Therapists now have the appropriate space to work with the children, ages birth to nine years, in small groups and one-on-one to help improve their gross and fine motor abilities, language skills, social development and self-help skills.
The exercises and activities are designed to help the children reach their developmental milestones — something we can all be proud of helping them achieve!
letters AND GIFTS OF SUPPORT ARE ON THE WAY!
We know first-hand how surprising it can be to receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome. With current medical advances, that diagnosis can be received as early as 10 weeks gestation, before most couples have even gone public with their news that they are expecting a baby. With endless information available at a click of button, it can be incredibly lonely and stressful for parents to sort through information.
Rock the 21 wants to be the first to congratulate a family and offer support and resources. And, what better way to congratulate than with a gift?
Our diagnosis support packages include a congratulations card signed by a parent currently raising a child with Down syndrome and their contact information, along with every baby’s favorite toy — Sophie the Giraffe. The packages were delivered around the NJ/NYC metro area. Going forward, they will be offered to parents as soon as a DS diagnosis is given.
If you know of a doctor or family that would be interested in receiving a diagnosis support gift package, please contact us at: rockthe21ds@gmail.com