Dear New and Expectant Parents,

Congratulations on this new journey! At the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSA-GC), we firmly believe that every baby deserves a joyful welcome into the world. Whether you received the diagnosis during pregnancy or after your baby’s birth, we understand that this news can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, from shock and confusion to isolation.

We want you to know that you are not alone. Our team at DSA-GC is here to support you every step of the way. We provide accurate, up-to-date information to help you navigate this new chapter in your life. We offer a variety of resources and connections that can assist you in making important decisions for your family.

Remember, this journey is unique to you, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.

Call us today so we can help. 704-536-2163

The First Call Program for New and Expectant Parents offers:

• Welcome Baby Bag containing gifts and resources
• Award winning New Parent Handbook
• Accurate and up to date information about Down syndrome
• Parent Mentor Program to connect parents with similar journeys
• Hospital and in-home visits (upon request)
• Access to DSA-GC’s  full range of resources, programs, and community events including our New Parent Socials, New and Expectant Parent Meetings, Playgroups
• Local, private, on-line communities
• Connecting families with positive resources about Down syndrome diagnosis

DSA of Greater Charlotte offers free and confidential services and resources. Our Parent Mentor Program connects experienced parents of children with Down syndrome with parents of prenatal or newly diagnosed children with the condition. Our Parent Mentors are committed to providing honest answers and sharing the joys and challenges they’ve encountered on their personal journeys. We strive to pair new parents with mentors who have faced similar experiences.

We can arrange visits with you and your family either at hospitals or in your home, if this is desired. Our goal is to be a supportive presence, offering a listening ear, sharing our experiences, and providing the latest information. We supply new parents with current information about Down syndrome and resources available to their families.

New Parent Meetings and Socials
DSA-GC provides various ways for families to connect with each other. Please refer to our calendar for upcoming events, including Moms’ Night Out, Dads’ Night Out, New Parent Meetings, New Parent Socials, and more! These programs offer parents of individuals with Down syndrome the opportunity to come together for informal support, networking, and enjoyable activities. These gatherings are held several times a year at various locations throughout the 12 counties that we support.

For immediate information and support
Please call 704-536-2163 or email contactus@dsa-gc.org You can also arrange for a Prenatal Packet and Welcome Baby Basket by completing the form below. You’ll also have the option in the forms to arrange a visit and/or be paired with a Parent Mentor.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Congress have teamed up to publish the 2nd edition of the groundbreaking Prenatal Testing Pamphlet for Down syndrome.

“There is plenty of information out there about Down syndrome but a lot of it is not accurate, balanced, or up-to-date, and this can be scary and overwhelming to new parents. The information found in “Diagnosis to Delivery” and downsyndromepregnancy.org is empowering, helping new parents see that their new baby with Down syndrome will have all the same wonderful qualities and possibilities as any new baby, so that the arrival of this new life is the celebration it was meant to be. ” – Cam Brasington, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor

“Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis”
“Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis” contains medical and developmental information about people with Down syndrome as well as local and national resources, pregnancy options and helpful visuals and graphics. This booklet has been reviewed by all the major medical organizations involved in expectant mothers’ health.

Online Resources

• Visit our national affiliate, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), for a wealth of information for expectant parents.
• Prenatal Screening and Testing for Chromosome Conditions
• Understanding Down Syndrome
• DownSyndromePregnancy.org
• Books about Down Syndrome (Downloadable)
• Down Syndrome Materials in Spanish