Celebrating people with Down syndrome

When we celebrate the extraordinary lives of people in our communities, everybody benefits. Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC) is proof of that.

Children and their families enjoy swim class provided by Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati in 2022.

Established in 1981, DSAGC offers a variety of programs and resources to support individuals with Down syndrome to live healthy, self-determined and fulfilling lives. One of the main ways it does this is by bringing people together to have fun and experience joy together.

Something for everyone

From tutoring and support groups to parent education workshops, DSAGC has something for everyone. “We work with around 1,400 individuals of all ages with Down syndrome and around 3,000 family members,” says Jim Hudson, executive director at DSAGC. “So, it’s very important that our programs reflect the diversity of our communities.”

“We work with around 1,400 individuals and their family members, so it’s very important that our programs reflect the diversity of our communities.”

– Jim Hudson, executive director, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

Swim camp, bike camp and music therapy are some of DSAGC’s most popular programs. It even offers a weekend-long experience – called the Independent Living Retreat – where adults with Down syndrome can develop and work through individual goals like learning a new skill or making a new friend.

Walking for a cause

Joyce Unkraut, personal lines account manager at Kneflin-Dillhoff-Hils & Kruse Insurance Agency (KDHK), has been volunteering with DSAGC for over 20 years. Unkraut leads her colleagues in raising money for and walking in DSAGC’s annual Buddy Walk, its largest fundraising and awareness event. She is also on the Buddy Walk Committee.

“Supporting people is what our agency is all about. That we get to have so much fun while doing that is icing on the cake.”

– Joyce Unkraut, personal lines account manager, Kneflin-Dillhoff-Hils & Kruse Insurance Agency

The Buddy Walk is a short one-mile stroll through Sawyer Point Park in Cincinnati, filled with music, entertainment and fun. It attracts over 13,000 participants and raises half of the organization’s annual revenue through donations to teams who participate in the walk. “I’ve been walking with my nephew’s team for as long as I can remember,” Unkraut says. “It’s truly a celebration of our loved ones with Down syndrome.”

Unkraut, with the help of her colleagues at KDHK, has in certain years raised about $10,000 for the Buddy Walk. Unkraut likes to share the donations across many teams so that everyone can share in this sense of accomplishment. “Supporting people is what our agency is all about,” says Unkraut. “That we get to have so much fun while doing that is icing on the cake.”

Every penny counts

A Make More Happen Award from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will contribute to DSAGC’s ability to provide educational programs, recreational activities and social events to its communities. The funds will also be used to support families with transportation assistance, program and class participation and caregiver support.

Theo, one of the children served by Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, takes his first steps with the help of his new walker.

Help KDHK Insurance Agency win $10,000 for DSAGC by cheering them on with a vote!

If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.