| President’s Message
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It is hard to believe that the fall flew by and as I write this message
Christmas is approaching fast. I hope these holidays are found to be merry
and bright. Our fall included a nice picnic and the 2003 “Sharing Our Joy”
calendar unveiling in September followed by a great buddy walk in Muskogee.
In October we held our conference featuring Dianne Craft which was very
enlightening. In November we had a discussion of future plans and opportunities
for expansion and our annual Christmas party was on December 7th at the
Junior League of Tulsa. Many thanks to the Junior League of Tulsa for sponsoring
our Christmas party again this year. It was wonderful.
My involvement with DSAT over the last four years has been a blessing
and I have appreciated the support that has been poured out from so many
of you over the years. As we embark on a new year a transition of leadership
will take place for the organization. While much has been accomplished
there is an unlimited amount of offerings we can provide. Many of you know
Adam and Erin Paul and their precious daughter Taylor. Adam and Erin have
been enthusiastic supporters of DSAT with lots of energy and have attended
the National Down Syndrome Conference Volunteer Leadership Sessions and
will step up to serve as president and vice-president of DSAT. I will continue
to assist in many areas, but will focus more where my daughter’s best interest
lie. Please join me in supporting Adam and Erin as I believe they will
be a great team to lead the organization into the future.
Our business session in November provided for a discussion of investment
opportunities as well as funding opportunities. It has been a vision or
dream that we might recognize opportunities of providing services from
our own facility. We have decided to proceed in looking for such
a facility with some guidelines to follow. This facility could be used
to house a library and other items for checkout such as physical and occupational
training equipment. Used to serve as a parent to parent meeting place as
well as hopefully serve as a future meeting location. Please let us know
if you know of a possible location that might be suited for such use.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
Our Mission
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The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT) is a nonprofit
organization that exists to enhance the lives of individuals with Down
syndrome, their families and caregivers. This is accomplished by providing
support, encouragement, current information, education, opportunities for
socialization and by promoting community recognition of the inherent dignity
of all people with developmental disabilities.
Our Vision
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For our children to be accepted as contributing members of the community.
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For our children to be educated in all aspects of life.
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For our children to enjoy a safe and as independent life as can be accommodated.
2002 Recap
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Distributed over 100 new parent packets
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Visited with new parents on the phone and at hospitals
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Supported the establishment of a local support group in the Muskogee/Tahlequah
area
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Provided for Zoo outing for member families and friends
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Support of Special Olympics in Stillwater
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Held meetings with topics on hand writing without tears, genetics
consulting with Dr. Leichtman, nutrition, and estate planning
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Completed Year 2003 “Sharing Our Joy” Calendar
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Support of the Muskogee “Buddy Walk”
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Sponsored a Family “Pot Luck” Picnic
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Sponsored a Parents and Educators conference featuring Dianne Craft , MA,
CNHP
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Presented to several community civic organizations
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Annual Christmas Party sponsored by the Junior League of Tulsa
2003
Objectives
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Continuing to be an active organization through increased involvement and
participation.
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Continuing to provide Christmas & Easter parties, as well as other
community activities.
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Continue with our flagship project “Sharing Our Joy” calendar for 2004
that provides additional funding and promotes community awareness.
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Continue distribution of New Parent Packets and updated brochure
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Continue newsletter/postcard mailings and web site support.
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Development and distribution of pediatric doctor education packets.
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Creation of a membership profile and directory.
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Actively explore opportunities for multiple funding sources.
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Participate and volunteer for activities at Special Olympics. Recognize
educators as recipients of the Marilyn LaPointe Scholarship Program.
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Establish facility for specific DSAT use.
Future Vision
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Development of a New Parent Video
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Development of a Clinic program to address the health care needs specific
to Down Syndrome
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Vocational/Occupational Training Center or Partnerships
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Transportation Network or Partnerships
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Information Conferences for parents, teachers & family
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Member directory with family information, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Include a “brag section” on the family’s and child’s accomplishments.
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Continue to explore funding options.
2003
Tulsa Buddy Walk Top
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Anyone interested in helping organize a Buddy Walk to be held in October?
This will be the first ever Buddy Walk in Tulsa so come and help to make
it successful. An organizing committee will be meeting on the 3rd Monday
of each month from January until the event in October. Anyone interested
is welcome to come to the meetings or call Erin at 355-0193 to offer your
assistance. Meetings will be at the Farm Shopping Center Mazzios in Tulsa
at 51st & Memorial at 6:30 PM. Please join us!
Profile
Your Child
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Submit a profile of your child and your experience for the “New
Parent Packets”. These are given to the area hospitals to be given to all
parents when they find out their child has DS. If you already have a profile
in the packet, consider updating it and adding another year to your child’s
story. Also included is a contact sheet for the “new parents” to call and
visit with someone who has been there. Please let us know if you would
consider being a phone contact as well.
Many parents have given feedback on how helpful it was to see
the children’s pictures and read the stories. Please share your child with
a new parent this year.
Ladies
Night Out Top
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Kim Wofford’s is the place to be at 7:00 PM on January 31st.
A little Bunko, enjoy dinner and lots of fun! Everyone welcome. Please
RSVP to Kim by January 28th at 622-6906.
Thank
You! Top
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Thank you to the following contributors. We couldn’t do it without
you:
Christmas Party
Olive Garden Cypress Avenue
Holiday Inn Express Stock Pot
Cookie Bouquet Texas Roadhouse
Hampton Inn Fajita Rita’s
TGI Fridays Jason’s Deli
St. Louis Bread George’s Donuts
Reasors Papa John’s
Laser Quest Sam’s
Zany Brainy Target
Dues Paid
Artie & Beth Soderfelt
Kendra Pennington
Donations
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Virginia Cevantes
Kendra Pennington
Northeastern Oklahoma Lactation Association in honor of the Paul Family
William C. & Jayne Mason in honor of Taylor Paul
Mom’s Support
Group Top
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The Tulsa ARC sponsors a support group each month for any mother
of a child with any special needs. They meet on the fourth Thursday of
each month at Kirk of the Hills at 7:00 PM. For information about the meetings
contact either Sherilyn or Linda at the Tulsa ARC (582-8272).
Teen Forum
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The Tulsa ARC is starting a new group for teen siblings. They
are calling it Teen Forum and it will meet concurrently with the Mom’s
Support Group. It will be led by Tracie Marshall who is herself a sib.
She is a wonderful person and works at the ARC. August 22nd is the launch
date. Call Tracie at the Tulsa ARC for more information (582-8272).
Calendar
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January 16th
DSAT Regular Meeting in the Special Olympics Building at 7:00 PM
January 20th
Buddy Walk Committee Meeting
Planning meeting at Mazzio’s at the Farm in Tulsa at 6:30 PM
January 23rd
Mom’s Support Group & Teen Forum at Kirk Of The Hills at 7:00 PM
January 31st
Ladies Night Out at Kim Wofford’s House at 7:00 PM
February 1st Deadline
Pre-order your t-shirts and pay your dues to support the association.
February 20th
Dr. Leichtman at the Muskogee/Tahlequah Down Syndrome Meeting
Repeat Performance
DSAT was honored to have Dr. Leichtman, an internationally known
clinical geneticist, to come to Tulsa to speak. Dr. Leichtman gave an informative
lecture on the importance of nutritional intervention. He then held individual
consultations at the Young People’s Clinic here in Tulsa. If you missed
his lecture, you have the chance to hear him again at the Muskogee/Tahlequah
Down Syndrome meeting on February 20th. He will also be scheduling consultations
again on that following weekend, February 21st, 22nd and 23rd. If you would
like to schedule a consultation, please call his office at 757-425-1969.
T-Shirts
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Pre-order.. not prepay your t-shirts for the kids now. It will have
the DSAT logo on the center of the shirt. They can pre-order by calling
Erin Paul (918) 355-0193 or thru e-mail at ERIN-ADAM@prodigy.net. The more
t-shirts we order the less they will be each. We estimate they will probably
be around $10 to $12 dollars each. We need to know how many people would
be interested by February 1st. Thanks!
Bad
Weather Policy Top
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DSAT has an established a policy regarding inclement weather.
If there is any question about whether or not we will have a meeting or
other event, there are two options available. Our website, www.DSAT.org,
will be updated immediately to show a cancellation and our information
line 748-5656 will have a brief message as well.
Newsletter
Deadlines Top
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Share with us your stories, good news and interesting facts.
Have your announcements, stories and information to Kendra Pennington by
February 22nd for the March newsletter. It is our hope to provide the most
current information.
You
Can Support the Good Work of DSAT! Top
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There are many ways to support the advocacy & awareness programs
of the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa.
Join DSAT: The membership contribution of $20.00 primarily supports
the postage, printing and copying of our newsletters and monthly postcard
meeting notices. Without this we would be using funds earmarked for
other services we provide.
Give a Cash Gift: This is the simplest way to give. You
can mail a check directly to DSAT at P.O. Box 54877, Tulsa, OK for any
amount. Your gift is tax deductible.
Include DSAT in your Will: Providing a charitable bequest in your
will is one of the best ways to save on federal estate taxes. Charitable
bequest are deductible for federal tax purposes.
Donate Stock: By donating stock to DSAT, you receive a charitable
deduction for its full, present, fair-market value and there is no tax
on the appreciation. In addition, there is no capital-gains tax on
transfer of stock to DSAT.
Create a Charitable Remainder Trust: A charitable Remainder Trust
provides income payments during your lifetime to a non-charitable beneficiary
followed by a gift of the remainder of the trust to DSAT after you pass
away. This type of trust allows you to reduce estate taxes, eliminate
capital gains and claim an income tax deduction.
Create a Charitable Lead Trust: With a charitable Lead Trust,
your heirs receive the residual assets after you pass away and DSAT receives
income during your lifetime. Like a Charitable Remainder Trust, a
CLT offers current income tax deductions and a reduction of capital gains.
Need more information? Contact Tracey Wilson at 288-7719.
SFOR SALE
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Items will be available at all meetings or by contacting any officer.
The items available are:
White polo shirts with DSAT logo $20
White canvas hats with DSAT logo $10
“Far Different Places”
(inspirational music) CD $10
Tape $6
Songbook $6
Video tape of all calendar
pictures set to music $10
and of course CALENDARS! $12
DISCLAIMER:
The Down Syndrome Association Of Tulsa does not promote, recommend or endorse
any service, professional or organization. Decisions regarding the
use of any service, professional or organization are the sole responsibility
of the family or guardian.
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