PODS

Parents of Down Syndrome of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Families Helping Families

THANK YOU for all the support that made Buddy Walk 2009 another successful event!

Parents of Down Syndrome of Northeastern Pennsylvania (PODS) is a nonprofit organization providing support and programs for families of Down Syndrome. We began in January of 1996 at the home of Phil and Cindy Rossi, where eight families met with one thing in common- the concern for their children. They discussed the trials and successes, the past, the present, and the possible future of their children. From that meeting eventually evolved into what is known today as PODS of Northeastern Pennsylvania. When we acknowledge our past, we provide hope for the future, so THANK YOU to those eight families that had the courage and the love to meet over 13 years ago. Without your vision then, we would not exist today.

PODS meets on the last Sunday of each month for general support group meetings at 6pm (except on holiday weekends) at the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania at 115 Meadow Avenue in Scranton, PA. The Advisory Committee meetings are held the same day at 5PM. In addition to our support group meetings, we have extensive programs including karate, music therapy, swim lessons at the Greater Scranton YMCA, the annual PODS picnic at Lackawanna State Park, a pumpkin patch outing, an Easter egg hunt, Breakfast with Santa at Coopers Restaurant in Scranton, a parent's night out, play dates with our children at local parks, involvement in the Challenger League, and our flagship event through the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the Buddy Walk, held this year on Sunday, September 27th at the Scranton School District's Memorial Stadium. We also bring in speakers from important community organizations that serve our children. Please come out to one of our support group meetings or events to see what we are all about. We've been through it and can offer support and assistance to your family too! If you would like to get involved or are interested in any upcoming event, please reach us at finnertyk@comcast.net or 570.585.2962

Calendar of Events 2009

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• PODS Newsletter January 2010 (PDF)
• PODS Newsletter August 2009 (PDF)
• PODS Newsletter June 2009 (PDF)
• PODS Newsletter May 2009 (PDF)
• PODS Newsletter April 2009 (PDF)
• PODS Newsletter February 2009 (PDF)

2009 Advisory Board Members

Chairperson - Kristen Finnerty
Buddy Walk Chairperson - Steve Finnerty
Secretary - Jeannie Kropa
Social Chairperson - Cindy Rossi
Treasurer - Sherry Durkin
Arc Liason - Kelly Carey