Supporting Each Other

Community Groups

The Down Syndrome Guild is proud to sponsor support groups that meet in various cities throughout the greater Kansas City area. Some of these groups have adopted the name FRIENDS, which stands for Family Resource Information Education Network for Down Syndrome. Please feel free to attend any group meeting that interests you. If you are interested in starting a support group in your area, contact the DSG office at 913-384-4848 for more information.

Dotte FRIENDS
Dotte Friends is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in Kansas City, KS surrouding areas such as Leavenworth, Bonner Springs, Edwardsville,Piper and other Wyandotte County areas. Dotte FRIENDS meets monthly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about Dotte Friends, contact Becky Mesler at 913.788.9013 or  via email at abecky529@kc.rr.com

Eastland FRIENDS
Eastland FRIENDS is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown and other small suburbs in Eastern Jackson County. Eastland FRIENDS meets monthly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about Eastland FRIENDS by contacting Jenni Bryan at 816-347-0994 or via email at kjmmbryan@yahoo.com

African American FRIENDS

African American Friends is a Down Syndrome Guild Support group serving our African American families through out the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.  African American Friends meets periodically throughout the year for social and educational meetings.  For more information about African American Friends contact Petrice Welch at 816.531.7265 or via email chelwelch@yahoo.com.

FRIENDS of Joplin
FRIENDS of Joplin is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in surrounding areas of Joplin, MO. FRIENDS of Joplin meets monthly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about FRIENDS of Joplin contact Alicia Hammer at 417.499.3606 or via email at alihammer@sbcglobal.net

Johnson County FRIENDS
Johnson County FRIENDS is a Down Syndrome Guild support group that serves families living in Johnson County. Johnson County FRIENDS meets monthly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about Johnson County FRIENDS, please contact Debbie Yost at 913.814.9739 or via email at deb.opks@gmail.com

FACES
The Family Advocacy Center for Educational Support is a Down Syndrome Guild sponsored group that meets in Olathe to discuss educational issues. FACES meets monthly to offer educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about FACES, please contact Debbie Horn at (913)768-6717 or via email at debbie@horns4.com.

Lawrence and Topeka FRIENDS
Lawrence and Topeka FRIENDS is a Down Syndrome Guild support group that serves families living in Lawrence and Topeka. For more information about Lawrence and Topeka FRIENDS please contact Anne Martinez at 785.354.8243 or via email, richard-anne@sbcglobal.net.

Northland Buddies
Northland Buddies is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in Kansas City North, Liberty, Smithville, Kearney, Parkville, and other surrounding Northland cities in Clay and Platte counties. Northland Buddies meets monthly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about Northland Buddies contact Kris Plubell at 816.792.4671 or via email at kdkb@plubells.com

St. Joseph FRIENDS
St. Joseph FRIENDS is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in St. Joseph, Missouri. For more information about St. Joseph FRIENDS, please contact Stephaine Mefford at 816-364-0003.

Rural Missouri FRIENDS
Rural Missouri FRIENDS is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving families living in Brookfield, Chilicothe, Keytesville, Meadville and other rural communities.  Rural Missouri FRIENDS meets quarterly for social and educational support and is proud to have a variety of speakers who present information on best practices in working with individuals with Down syndrome. For more information about Rural Missouri FRIENDS, please contact Kathy McCurry at 660-258-7204 or via email at kmccurry@shighway.com

Teen Club
Teen Club is a Down Syndrome Guild support group serving teens and their families living in Eastern Jackson County. Teen Club meets the fourth Saturday of each month for social activities and group outings.  For more information please contact Diane Chrisman at 816-229-2034 or at dianesingsforjoy@comcast.net.

Esperanza
Cada niño trae un rayo de luz especial al mundo. Todos merecen un futuro brillante. Visión con Esperanzqa 360º fué creado pensando en el futuro de los niños y sus familias. Está dirigido a los niños latinos que tienen discapacidad en el desarrollo. Lleva esperanza a sus familias.
Hay algo en lo que esta programa le puede ayudar? Llámenos. Nos vá a dar mucho gusto responder a sus preguntas: 816-241-3780.

Best Network
Our mission is to create communities of kindness and inclusion through performing arts, integrating people with and without disabilities. Our purpose is to entertain, educate and break down social barriers while creating customized employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Our message is “We are here and we belong, because every soul has worth and a purpose here on earth.” For more information about BEST NETWORK watch our KC Star Video or visit our Web site at http://www.thebestnetwork.org/ or contact Marlene Wagnon at bestnetarts@earthlink.net.