About Us

New Directions provides information about Down syndrome, direction to resources, and networking opportunities. Programs and Services include: Expectant and New Parent Packets, Family Events, Online Support, Buddy Walk, Financial Assistance Program, Regional Conference.

New Directions strives to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lifespan by providing support, information and education to those individuals, their families, and professionals.

New Directions also seeks to provide the entire community with information and education to broaden awareness and foster positive attitudes regarding individuals with Down syndrome.

Our membership includes more than 250 families from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, and is constantly growing!

Our mailing list of over 1,500 names consists of medical professionals, Family Support Coordinators, teachers, therapists, family and friends. All of these people have been touched by individuals with Down syndrome and wish to stay updated on New Directions’ events.

New Directions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded by private support from individuals, foundations, community organizations and fundraising efforts.

A note from our President

Welcome to New Directions’ website! New Directions Down Syndrome Association is a resource for over 250 families in the four-state region. If you are a new or expectant parent of a child with Down syndrome, CONGRATULATIONS!! You are starting an amazing, wonderful journey! If you are a veteran parent of a child with Down syndrome, you know how rewarding it is! All of our Board Members have graciously volunteered their time to lead and grow this organization. We pride ourselves on providing updated, accurate and positive information regarding Down syndrome to Expectant and New Parents, as well as the Medical Community. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for our members to network with each other, to share in the joy of their child’s accomplishments and to ask questions and advice of one another when goals may seem hard to reach.

Thanks to proceeds from our annual fundraiser, the Buddy Walk, we are able to financially assist our members with various expenses due to the diagnosis of Down syndrome. Financial assistance for parents to attend educational workshops are also available.

We hope you find our website helpful. We welcome questions and will gladly assist you in any way we can. If you would like to join the many families of New Directions, please fill out the ‘Become a Member’ form (there is no expense to joining our membership!)

Thank You and Welcome!