Looking Back on September 2025

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

Wow—what an incredible day!

The 19th Annual DSAW-Chippewa Valley Awareness Walk was a huge success! Sunshine, smiles, and celebration filled the day as we came together to honor our amazing loved ones with Down syndrome and related disabilities.

A massive thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and fundraised—we had over 600 people register, 34 teams walking strong, with 10 of those teams who each raised over $1,000! Truly amazing!

We’re also so grateful to our generous sponsors, raffle donors, and rockstar volunteers who make this day possible year after year.

And can we talk about the 21 Showcase?! What a blast! You all shined so brightly—our hearts are still smiling.

We already can’t wait to do it all again next year!

DSAW-Fox Cities

September was packed with fun and connection for our DSAW–Fox Cities families! We kicked off the month with the return of Xtreme Air, where kids jumped, laughed, and played together as we started a new school year. Mid-month, we welcomed a guest speaker from Door2Dreams, who shared exciting updates about their housing project for adults with Down syndrome in Stevens Point. Families also took advantage of our early walk t-shirt pick-up, making walk day smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. We wrapped up the month with a relaxing Parent Night Out at the new Tomaso’s Pizza, where parents enjoyed great conversation and free pizza.

DSAW-Green Bay

This month has been full of meaningful connections and engaging activities for our DSAW- Green Bay community. We were proud to participate in several outreach opportunities, including the Brown County Volunteer Expo, HumanaShares Fall event, and collaborating with NWTC dental students to help educate future Dental Assistants and Hygienists on working with individuals with special needs.

Our fall events brought families together for fun, friendship, and inclusion. Highlights included the Sign-N-Play Fall session, Buddy Up Tennis, Dad’s Night Out at Midwest Super Speedway, an Inclusive Flag Football experience with FRC, and an Inclusive Dental Experience at NWTC.

Thanks to our community’s continued support, we are creating more opportunities for awareness, education, and belonging across Northeast Wisconsin.

DSAW-Southeastern Region

Thank you to everyone who joined us for DSAW’s 29th Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk! With your incredible support, we raised nearly $200,000 to fund life-changing programs and services for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities across Wisconsin. More than 2,000 attendees came together on Sunday to celebrate inclusion, community, and awareness. It was truly the biggest Down syndrome awareness party in the state! This event is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it makes a lasting difference for thousands of families statewide.

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

In September, Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties hosted their Annual Mini Golf and Awareness Walk! Prior to the walk, we reached our fundraising goal of $30,000! We are deeply grateful to the community for their support in making this event such a success. Our families enjoyed a fun afternoon of mini golf, balloons, raffles, and a celebration of our loved ones with Down syndrome. We rounded out the afternoon with our beloved 21 Showcase and a walk around the harbor. This Awareness Walk was definitely one for the books!

DSAW-South Central

What an incredible month we had at DSAW–South Central! September was packed with connection, laughter, and purpose — and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined in the fun.

Parents Night Out (Sept. 5)

Parents had a night out on SC while volunteers watched their kiddos at our Sun Prairie Center.

Ice Age Hikes (Sept. 7 & 28)

We were able to get outside and do a short hike with the Ice Age Alliance Trail around the South Central area.

Game Night at Hedberg Library (Sept 9)

Families came together to play some board games in Janesville.

Grandparents Group at JavaAbilities (Sept 11)

Grandparents gathered for coffee, connection, and conversation — supporting one another while celebrating their amazing grandkids.

Teen Club in Edgerton (Sept 13)

Our teens had an awesome afternoon of games, laughter, and hanging out with friends — always a favorite!

Mid-Continent Railway Ride (Sept 14)

All aboard! Families enjoyed a beautiful fall ride through the countryside — smiles for miles!

Moms Rock ’N It in Edgerton (Sept 19)

Our moms spent the evening recharging, connecting, and celebrating each other.

Mini Golfing & Playground Fun in New Glarus (Sept 21)

Families came out for a day of friendly competition and outdoor fun — a perfect early fall outing!

Party with a Purpose (Sept 27)

Our September fundraiser brought the community together for a great cause — raising over $1,000 to support DSAW–SC programs and events!

Professional Photo Shoot for Gallery 21 (Sept 28)

We wrapped up the month with a professional photo session, capturing the beauty, joy, and spirit of our community in preparation for Gallery 21!


Program and Services

Community Life Skills Hub - Southeastern

Skills Training Academy - Northeastern