F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 

Families Raising Inspiring Educating and Networking for 

DOWN SYNDROME

WEST FLORIDA

Call us at

813-245-2782

Proudly serving

Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco, Hernando, counties

Register For The Buddy Walk Here

FDSWF would like to give a big THANK YOU to our 2017 Buddy Walk Sponsors!  
To become a sponsor for our 2nd Annual FDSWF Buddy Walk please register here.

  • Coppertail Brewing
  • Tampa Bay Rays
  • Tampa Bay Times
  • 4Rsmokehouse
  • AmeriDisability
  • A.R. Savage & Son
  • Bay Harbor Hotel
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • The Buddy Walk
  • F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida
  • The Florida Aquarium
  • Hampton by Hilton
  • Julie Hirsch Photography
  • Marine Towing of Tampa
  • M.U.C.H. Foundation
  • Osprey Observer
  • Pepsico
  • Sheraton
  • OneMain Financial
  • The Fresh Market
  • Winthrop Town Center
  • Lowry Park Zoo
  • Topgolf
Sponsorship Information Packet

Mission & Goals

New & Expectant Parents

MISSION     GOALS

MISSION    

The Mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida 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.

For Physicians

For Physicians - Learning the diagnosis is extremely difficult for parents and should be handled correctly. Physician's please watch the film and if you have any questions please call (813)245-2782. Thank you for taking the time.

Expectant Parents

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 you with our FRIENDS Parent Packet, guidance for you and your family, and if you wish help you connect with other parents who received a prenatal diagnosis. 

New Parents

For New & Expectant parents - Our Parent Liaisons are assigned all West Florida hospitals and are in contact with Labor & Deliver, NICU, and Social Workers to ensure that our FRIENDS Parent Packets are available for new parents.  Parent Liaisons peer to peer visits to meet with new parents are available upon request.  
FRIENDS Parent Packets are available in Spanish and a bilingual Parent Liaison is available.  Please know that we care about your family and we are here to help you at this sensitive time.
Our FRIENDS Parent Packets are free and have vital health and Down Syndrome information with numerous pamphlets and brochures from various agencies. A free copy of the book "Babies with Down Syndrome, A New Parent's Guide". 

To request a FRIENDS Parent Packet or a Parent Liaison visit call (813)245-2782 or send your request to info@friendssupport.  Please feel free to click on the Parent Packet Intro and Healthcare Guide to download and give to parents.

 

 Parents Packet Intro Letter
Download the Healthcare Guide

 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIPS

Conference Scholarship

The Conference Scholarship was designed to assist members who wished to attend conferences with a subject matter that would be informative and useful to them and their family. Funding is limited to $200/person and $400/family each year. Read More & Apply

Recreational Scholarships

Recreational scholarships are available to individuals with Down syndrome who wish to take part in recreational activities that include, but are not limited to, organized sports, summer camps, exercise classes, swim lessons, gymnastics and dance... Read More & Apply

Education Scholarships

Education Scholarships provides financial assistance to assist member who wish to attend in in educational activities. These activities might include but are not limited to IEP training, Wright's Law, private tutoring, auditing college courses, purchase of talk tools or... Read More & Apply

Down Syndrome Center at Hope Haven Scholarship

The Down Syndrome Center’s evaluation assesses the following: Educational Progress, Speech and Language Skills, Behavioral/Social Skills, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Issues. After evaluation(s), your family will receive... Read More & Apply

Click Here To Apply For Scholarships

Phone

(813) 245-2782

Contact/Join

info@friendssupport.org

Address

P.O. Box 677
Brandon, Florida 33547

or 1219 Millennium Parkway #119, Brandon FL 33511

 

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida is a non-profit 501c3 Private Operating Foundation.  

FRIENDS SUPPORT, INC   TAX EIN #65-1261646