A Family Mission

What does your family stand for? Have you tried to figure that out together? If not, I would highly encourage you to do so by creating a family mission statement together. It has had an amazingly positive impact on my family and I believe it can have one on yours too! According to Stephen Covey, one of my most favorite authors, in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, “A family mission statement is a combined, unified expression from all family members of what your family is all about and the principles you choose to govern your family life.”

I have to admit, it took my family a loooonnnnggg time to create our statement but I am so glad we did. It gives us something tangible to look at and say, “you know treating another family member like that isn’t part of what we stand for” or “yes, we will take that volunteer project on” together because it is what we as a family stand for. The process of putting the statement together was just endearing! Over the course of time, I would ask my children what was important to our family, what our family stood for etc. and file their responses away. I will never forget asking my three year old what he thought was important in our family and he said, “We’re best friends!”. Of course after posting the statement on the chalkboard, my oldest then wrote something to the effect of, “this sucks” all over it but deep down inside I know it brings him a sense of pride, LOL! After all as country singer Aaron Tippen says in his song, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

Here is a link to help you get started on your mission statement: http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/

It may just change your life…

Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director

Down Syndrome Indiana Governmental Affairs Committee Receives Award!

Down Syndrome Indiana Governmental Affairs Committee Receives Award!

On February 24, 2010, the Down Syndrome Indiana Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) chaired by Tom Milvert of Columbus, IN received an award from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) for their work in the area of public policy and in successfully addressing policy issues that affect individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Indiana. “The Down Syndrome Indiana GAC has demonstrated exemplary commitment, organization and creativity in implementing strategies to raise awareness of public policy issues among the members of the Down syndrome community in Indiana.” stated Madeleine Will, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Down Syndrome Society.

The award was received by Tom Milvert (GAC Chair) and Jeff Huffman (DSI Board President), representatives of Down Syndrome Indiana that traveled to Washington D.C. on February 24-25, 2010 to participate in the Buddy Walk on Washington ® to meet with members of the Indiana Congressional delegation to educate them about the strengths and needs of their constituents with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Indiana is a nonprofit organization representing individuals with Down syndrome in Central Indiana. Down Syndrome Indiana is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. 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.

The Buddy Walk on Washington® is a program of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). The program brings together organizations and advocates from across the country to meet policy makers and raise issues of importance to people with Down syndrome and their families such as improving outcomes in education, opportunities for employment, asset development and independent living and increased resources for Down syndrome research and community services and supports.

There are more than 400,000 Americans living with Down syndrome. It is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is estimated that about 8,000 individuals with Down syndrome are currently living in Indiana. The life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.

While your stuck inside, tune in!

Good afternoon DSI Families!

I just wanted to remind you that DSI will be featured on, “Now Hear This” on the following Indy radio stations at the following times this weekend:

WNDE AM 1260 at 7am on Saturday

Q95 at 7am on Sunday

X103 at 9am on Sunday

So, while you are stuck inside this weekend because of the snow, tune in!

Thanks so much to the above stations for hosting DSI, we can’t wait to come back and tell you more about our wonderful families!


It is my pleasure to serve you!

Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez

New DSI Merchandise!

Check out Down Syndrome Indiana's latest offering!

Official logo and apparel items are available at
www.companycasuals.com/dsindiana


Please join us in proudly wearing the new Down Syndrome Indiana apparel.

20 Volunteers with the most hours logged at DSI...

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the many volunteers who work so hard to make Down Syndrome Indiana such a wonderful organization! I would like to offer a special thank you to those of you that submit your hours to the office for tracking. Based on those hours, the following 20 volunteers have logged the most hours volunteering with Down Syndrome Indiana! Please pay special attention to those volunteers with a * after their name. These volunteers are self advocates and I think it is important to recognize the many contributions that individuals with Down syndrome make to Down Syndrome Indiana and their communities as a whole.....

Angie Cain*
Jessica Green*
Dee Sheda
Ellen Kempski*
Joel Persinger*
Joe Meares
Dominique Lewis*
Patricia Finkley
Jan Huffman
Vickie Hartman
Dr. Schreiner
Katie Shaw*
Marty Mason*
David Wood
Angie Everton
Rob Morgan
Libby Sheda
Morgan Sheda
Drew Marsh
Timothy McGinnis

Thank you again to all the Down Syndrome Indiana volunteers!

Happy Holidays,


Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director

On Servant Leadership....

A servant leader can be defined as someone that:

… believes their primary mission is to serve the needs of their constituents;

…measures their effectiveness in terms of their ability to help others and not just a bottom line;

…sees themselves as working for the group as a whole instead of seeking individual recognition;

…is self sacrificing and humble, always using their talents to help elevate a group;

…is one that not only develops budgets and strategic plans but also helps to develop people, giving them an opportunity to gain new skills and shine in their own way;

While this definition describes every Down Syndrome Indiana board member, there is one in particular that I would like to recognize and that is current DSI board President, Steve Simpson. Steve has been President since 2005 and announced his desire to resign from the Presidency earlier this year. During his term, the organization has come incredibly far! I remember being present at a board meeting several years ago when the question was raised that if IDSF were a car and you looked under the hood, would you really see a well oiled/ well maintained vehicle? Or, might you be disappointed with what you saw? I don’t have the answer to that question but, I am so proud to say that if that question were posed today, the answer would be an easy, we may not be a fine tuned machine yet but we are certainly always striving for constant improvement to reach that ultimate goal of excellence! Steve, has taken us from the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation to Down Syndrome Indiana and what we are today. Where there was not one before, we now have a clear mission to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Our strategic plan serves as the roadmap for the work that staff does. An organized internal structure, an amazing working/ functioning and evolving board, as well as the best volunteers any organization could ask for, serve as our compass. Our programs and successful events, like our Holiday Party and Summer Picnic, where families come together and make needed connections serve as the vehicle to get us where we want to go. In short, Steve has helped develop DSI into a sound and professionally run organization that truly believes in enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. He is absolutely to be commended for everything he has done. So, to my mentor, my coach, my supervisor and my friend, ….. Thank you!

During the November board meeting, our board voted in a new President, Jeff Huffman, that will take office beginning January 1st, 2010.

Steve, again you are leaving us in a place that is much better than when you joined it. In my opinion, that is the true mark of a leader. It is my hope that DSI can continue the legacy and the charge that you are leaving with us.

Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome,

Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director

Tis the Season to be thankful...

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the Down Syndrome Indiana 2009 Buddy Walk® sponsors. Our wonderful event could not have been possible without your continued support and dedication. The 2009 sponsors were as follows:

The Russell and Natalie Best Charitable Fund
WISH TV 8/MY WNDY 23
Gordon Plumbing and Indy Portables
Hilton
Kroger
Montgomery Aviation
The Lyle Foundation
Beaty Construction
Carmel Pediatrics
First Class Lawncare
Irrigation Plus
Riley Children’s Hospital
Dr. Carol McKown, DDS
Midwest Orthotics
Noble of Indiana
WestPoint Financial Group
Speech Pathology Services
Univar

Again, thank you for all you do to support our families!

Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome,

Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director