Celebrating Every Ability: Meet Our October Give Back Partner, Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands! 💙
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions, achievements and experiences of individuals with Down syndrome while encouraging greater understanding and inclusion in our communities.
This month, Metro Stars Gymnastics is proud to support Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (DSA) as our October Metro Stars Gives Back partner!
Since 1999, this Omaha-based nonprofit has been helping individuals with Down syndrome and their families find support, build connections and access opportunities throughout different stages of life. Through educational programs, advocacy and community activities, DSA works to ensure individuals with Down syndrome have the resources and encouragement to pursue their goals.
We’re excited to highlight an organization that’s making a meaningful difference for families right here in our community.
More Than Awareness: Building Connections and Independence
For the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands, inclusion goes beyond raising awareness. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to participate in their communities, develop independence and build relationships.
DSA offers resources and programs that support individuals and families from early childhood through adulthood.
For parents navigating a new diagnosis, the organization provides information and opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences. As children grow, DSA continues offering educational resources, social activities and programs that encourage the development of practical skills.
One example is Skills Lab, where children and teens with Down syndrome participate in hands-on activities that help strengthen everyday life skills.
The organization also offers adaptive cooking classes, social groups, recreational activities and educational opportunities designed to encourage learning, friendships and greater independence.
These programs do more than provide activities. They help individuals explore their interests, strengthen connections and take an active part in their communities.
Recognizing Strengths, Celebrating Progress
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is also an opportunity to recognize something important: every individual has their own abilities, interests, personality and goals.
At Metro Stars, we see the value of recognizing individual progress every day. One gymnast might be working toward a new skill, while another is building the confidence to try something unfamiliar. Each accomplishment deserves recognition, no matter how big or small.
Through our Inclusive Gymnastics Classes and Inclusive Open Gym events, we aim to provide opportunities for children with different abilities and support needs to participate in gymnastics in an encouraging environment.
That focus on individual achievement is one reason DSA’s mission resonates with us. Their programs recognize that each person follows their own path, and having the right opportunities and support can make a meaningful difference along the way.
This October, we’re excited to help bring more attention to the important work DSA is doing throughout the Midlands.
A Look Back at September’s Give Back!
Before introducing another month of giving, we’d also like to celebrate what our Metro Stars families helped accomplish in September!
Through our Give Back program, we raised $1,467.40 for Connected Roots Care Center (CRCC), an Omaha organization providing inclusive education, therapy, medical support and other services for children and families.
Thank you to everyone who participated in Open Gym and helped make this contribution possible! We’re grateful to have a community that continues to support local organizations through something as simple as a visit to the gym.
We’re looking forward to carrying that generosity into October!
Your Open Gym Visit Makes a Difference!
Throughout October, 20% of all Metro Stars Open Gym proceeds will be donated to Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands.
Each Open Gym visit helps contribute to an organization providing valuable programs, resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It’s a chance for your gymnast to enjoy time in the gym while being part of something that reaches beyond it.
As we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we hope our Metro Stars community will join us in celebrating individuality, learning more about Down syndrome and supporting the work of DSA.
📌 Learn more about our October Give Back partner! Visit the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands website to discover their programs, resources and opportunities to get involved.
📌 Join us for Open Gym this October! Explore Metro Stars Gymnastics for Open Gym schedules, classes and upcoming activities.
Thank you for continuing to make Metro Stars Gives Back a meaningful part of our community!