ABOUT US
Mission: The purpose of the Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc. is to serve families of and persons
with Down syndrome by providing information and support.
Vision: The group wishes to promote a happy, healthy, accepting environment which enables independence for
people with Down syndrome so that they may reach their potential at all stages of their lives.
Membership: The group is primarily for families of children with Down syndrome. However, families, individuals, and
organizations may become members. Members elect the board of directors. Any individual may receive the
newsletter or attend any of the group’s events or activities, regardless of membership status.
History: The group was founded in 1982 by eight sets of parents looking to share information and network in order
to serve their children with Down syndrome. Currently, the group consists of over 400 families, individuals, and
organizations with an interest in the well-being of persons with Down syndrome.
Offerings: The group produces a bi-monthly newsletter which includes information about upcoming workshops and
conferences, a calendar of local, state, and national activities, articles submitted by members, listings of resources,
advocacy information, book reviews, and more. The newsletter and more is published on the group’s website at www.
cdspg.org. The group sponsors annual social events such as the June Family Picnic, the Welcome Brunch for new
families, and a winter holiday party. The group also supports smaller, more informal gatherings of members:
playgroups for children, dads’/moms’ nights out, and more. The group facilitates education and advocacy by
supporting local, state, and national workshops, conferences, and other initiatives. A Welcome Committee provides
individualized support to families of newborns and families new to the area. A listserv enables its users to
communicate quickly using the Internet. Counselor-facilitated peer groups such as the young-women’s groups called
“Circle of Friends” provide the opportunity for people with Down syndrome to discuss age-appropriate topics.
Funding: Grants, contributions, an annual golf tournament and membership contributions support the group
financially. The Group is registered as a 501 (c)(3) organization for federal tax purposes.
To request a newsletter or to become a member of the Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc.,
call 410.321.5434.
CDSPG, Inc. is a not-for-profit support organization serving the Baltimore, MD metropolitan region.
CONTACT: postal mail: P.O. Box 20127, Baltimore, MD 21284-0127 tel: 410.321.5434 email: infoplease@cdspg.org
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