A Letter of Gratitude

It is a pleasure and an honor to pay tribute to an amazing family that has truly made a positive impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome in their local community, their state and the entire nation!

I proudly serve as the Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana and can easily tell you that neither myself nor the organization could be what it is today without the effective leadership and guidance of Joe Bockerstette! In 2007, Joe began leading the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation through a strategic planning process that lasted approximately nine months. During those nine months an amazing team of individuals under the direction of Joe met during countless evenings and Saturday mornings where Joe graciously drove down from Fort Wayne to assist and facilitate a plan that gave birth to a much improved organization. Even after the plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and the organization given the new name, Down Syndrome Indiana, Joe continued to nurture the bonds by coming down to Indy annually to review, check progress, offer suggestions and keep us on track!

One of my favorite children’s movies is an animated film called, Robots. In the movie, the main character, Rodney, says over and over, “see a need, fill a need”. I love the concept of being successful because you find a gap that needs to be filled and you take leadership, step up and just fill it. This is exactly what Joe has done with our organization. He could tell that the then Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation was in need of guidance and he stepped up and voluntarily led us through nine months of strategic planning to the rebirth of the organization now known as Down Syndrome Indiana.

Joe, you have done so much for an organization that is near and dear to my heart that I have no idea how to ever repay your kindness. So, Down Syndrome Indiana would like to make a donation in the name of Amy Bockerstette to the Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund. In addition, we promise to stay true to the mission of enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome that you helped us to develop. Our mission is to serve as a conduit of information, support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, which promotes growth and inclusion in the community. Joe, we have always been proud to say that you were a fellow Hoosier and we will miss you dearly when you move to another state but, your move is just another testament to your dedication as it helps you grow the Ds community a little more!