The local team helped to raise more than $500,000 in partnership with Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.

OAK BLUFFS, MA (November 18, 2022) – Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) announces that their Family Support Center hosted the island community and joined thousands of family members, friends and people with Down syndrome to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness, as part of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) 2022 Buddy Walk.

The MDSC Buddy Walk, held every October for the past 25 years, is the largest annual gathering of the Down Syndrome community in New England. With a communal gathering at the traditional Buddy Walk site of Wakefield Commons on October 9th, in additional to “In Your Community” walks around the state, the event raised awareness and upwards of $500,000 for critical MDSC programs and services to ensure individuals with Down Syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives in the community.

MVCS’ Family Support Center hosted a local team and the first annual island Buddy Walk was coordinated by Theresa Inman, Support Specialist at Family Support Center. Theresa’s team raised over $2,500 for MDSC and down syndrome awareness and more than 45 community members gathered together at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on October 9th for their Buddy Walk. The YMCA generously donated space for a post-walk celebration with music by Andy Herr and catering by Fella’s BBQ. Card My Yard broadcasted the event for the island.

Funds raised from the Buddy Walk directly support vital MDSC programs and services, including Parents First Call for new and expectant parents, Your Next Star employment initiative, Advocates in Motion teen and young adult program, Self Advocate Advisory Council empowerment and social activities, education programs, and legislative advocacy efforts, all of which help the MDSC ensure individuals with Down Syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives in the community.

About the MVCS Family Support Center:

MVCS Family Support Center works directly with families on MV and Nantucket that have a loved one with Down Syndrome, Autism, or other intellectual disabilities. To learn more, please email FSC@mvcommunityservices.org.