F.R.I.E.N.D.S DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA
Call us at
813.245.2782
Proudly serving
Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties
HOW WE CAN HELP
New & Expectant Parents
MISSION
The Mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Support, Inc. is to provide all encompassing educational and support services to families who have been impacted by Down Syndrome; while promoting complete community integration of those impacted by Down Syndrome.
GOALS
Our Goals are to provide broad reaching educational services for families impacted by Down Syndrome in the Florida Tampa Bay Area. To provide financial and social service support for families impacted by Down Syndrome. To provide outreach to the Tampa Bay Area community in education and community integration for families impacted by Down Syndrome. We serve the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco County.
Learning that your unborn baby has Down syndrome can be very difficult to hear. This unexpected news may generate a wide range of emotions and unanswered questions.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is here to assist you as you prepare for the birth of your new baby. Our Parent Liaisons can provide guidance for you and your family, connect you with another parent who received a prenatal diagnosis, and make a personal visit.
New Parents
Expectant and New Parents can request to receive our free "F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Parent Packet".
The Packet has vital health and Down Syndrome information. There are numerous pamphlets and brochures from various agencies, such as, "The Special Health Care Needs Resource Guide", info on USF Bay Area Early Learning Steps, Tampa Bay's Special Olympics Clinic, GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, Hope Haven Clinic, Agency's for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Medicaid, Social Security and Tampa area special needs schools. A FREE copy of the book "Babies with Down Syndrome - A New Parents Guide" is also included in the Parent Packet.
Please know that we care about your family and we are here to help you at this sensitive time.
Play Groups & Social Club
For our 0-4 yrs. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Rotary Camp Florida. The Camp sits on beautiful Lake Gornto, in Brandon, FL. 1915 Camp Florida Road, Brandon FL, 33510. Contact Kathy Boisseau for more information (603) 438-2886.
For our 5-10 yrs. Meets monthly at various locations for fun. Contact Sylvia Costa for more information (954) 650-7691.
For ages 15-25yrs+. This social club is for all Special Needs young adults who want to get together monthly. They will meet up for Dinner & a Movie, Laser Tag, trips to Busch Gardens, etc. For more info call Ann Foyt (813) 245-2782.
Quarterly Events
March -World Down Syndrome Day Picnic
July -Down Syndrome Awareness Picnic & Pool Party
October -F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Buddy Walk
December -F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Christmas Potluck & Cookie Swap
WE WANT TO THANK ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS FOR HELPING TO MAKE OUR BUDDY WALK HAPPEN!!
What is the Buddy Walk?
The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.
- Walk Date: October 1, 2016
- Walk Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Walk Name: FDST Buddy Walk
- Address: Raymond James Stadium
4201 N. Dale Mabry
Tampa,FL 33607 - Organizer Name: Craig Woodard, Sr.
- Email: c34wood@yahoo.com
ORDER A BUDDY WALK BANNER SIGN
BUDDY WALK SIGNS!!
We will be creating yard signs with a picture of your loved ones with Down Syndrome to place along the walk route.
ORDER YOUR BUDDY WALK SIGNS HERE!!
We will be creating yard signs with a picture of your loved one with Down Syndrome to place along the walk route.
The sign is 12 x 18 inches. Lawn Signs are made of corrugated polypropylene plastic that is 4.0 mm thick.
TO ORDER:
1. Send the following information to buddywalkbanners@gmail.com
a. Contact person’s name and phone number
b. Photo to use on the banner (photo needs to be in landscape orientation like the sample)
c. What you want on banner: Name, Age, recent milestone, favorite quote, favorite hobby, best friends, etc. We will create your sign and send you a proof.
Once you approve the proof we will send you
an invoice for $30.00. Order by 9/15/16 to ensure banner arrives by day of Buddy Walk.
Questions??? Email buddywalkbanners@gmail.comIf you have any questions please contact buddywalkbanners@gmail.com.
Phone
(813) 245-2782
Contact/Join
info@friendssupport.org
Address
P.O. Box 677
Brandon, Florida 33547