HOIDSA Newsletter

Fall 2022

From the HOIDSA Board

Hello HOIDSA Families! It has been too long since we have done a newsletter! We have decided to transition to an electronic version of a newsletter, and we are hoping to produce one on a quarterly basis so that all of our families know about events that we have going on as well as to highlight some of the resources that we have available.


Due to COVID and the global pandemic, we have been slow to bring back a lot of in-person events but at the recent Board meeting we had a lot of discussion about our mission and where we want to take the organization from here. We know that our families value and benefit connection and time together so we are really hoping that we can plan more social events for the remainder of 2022 and for 2023. Stay tuned for details on these events!


The other thing that the board discussed was making sure that we know what resources our families need as well as communicating which resources that HOIDSA already has available. Please visit our website to learn about some of our current resources which include the following:



  • IEP Resource Advisors
  • Family Conference Stipend
  • Student Support Stipend
  • Adoption Grants



We also are always open to input on what resources that you may need or that would be helpful. We hope to get back into some larger fundraising events in 2023 as well, but that means that we are in GREAT need of volunteers. We need help in the following areas - Board Members, an Annual Friendship Walk Chair, Education Chair, and just General Event Volunteers.


Please respond to the survey linked below to let us know how you would be willing to help and what type of things that you would like to see HOIDSA doing in the future!

HOIDSA's Summer Fun Pool Party

On July 22, HOIDSA hosted a pool party at Shore Acres Pool in Chillicothe. It was a fun filled event for the whole family. Everyone had fun swimming and splashing in the water! Thanks to all of the families that attended!

Grandparents Group

HOIDSA Grandparents’ Group had their second post-COVID dinner at Perdue’s Grill in

Tremont. Lots of catching up with old friends, and, of course, lots of bragging about our

grandkids.

The grandparents are planning their next dinner in early November with the place and exact

date to be determined.

If you’re a grandparent of a Down syndrome child and you like to eat, drop an email to

mwking@rocketmail.com.

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HOIDSA Halloween Costume Party @ the Lakeview Recreation Center

Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 1-3pm

1013 West Lake Avenue

Peoria, IL

Come join us for a costume party! We will have some afternoon snacks, a fun craft, and some games. There will be a costume contest with small prizes for the winners!


The costume contest will be done in age brackets as follows:


  • 0 - 3 years old
  • 4-6 years old
  • 7-10 years old
  • 11-17 years old
  • 18 years old and older

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

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