Andy Bach, 66: Feeling good to be a part of something.
The Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. celebrated World Down Syndrome Day Monday afternoon with a parade around Westville.
The Chapel Haven adults reminded neighbors that individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities make up the community.
The group of Chapel Haven adults and staff got a healthy walk in while also distributing “daffodils for Down syndrome” throughout the neighborhood.
The adults carried signs during the walk reading reminders like “I can fall in love,” “We can live independent,” “We can live good lives,” and “We can marry.”
The group paraded down Whalley Avenue, stopping at local businesses to deliver bouquets of yellow daffodils. The group of about 50 Chapel Haven adults celebrated with a “jump for joy” in the middle of Central Avenue’s one-block “patio,” then continued the parade up Fountain and back to the Chapel Haven courtyard for cookie decorating and an outdoor lunch.
Chapel Haven Vice-President of Admissions and Marketing Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo added that the Monday celebration aimed to “dispel stereotypes” about Down syndrome on a local level.
Monday marked Chapel Haven’s fifth year celebrating World Down Syndrome Day.
Jonas Belton, 29, said he participated because he has many friends with Down syndrome. “This is a flagship for them,” he said. “And anything is better than sitting on my butt all day.”
Wayne Rosenfeld, 25: “Today was so fun!”
Jonas Belton, 29.
Chapel Haven Wellness Director Ryan McEachern celebrated the Monday walk with the adults at the end of an eight-week sweat equity challenge in which he has been participating with the Chapel Haven adults.
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz said the Monday walk served a reminder to the Chapel Haven adults and neighborhood that “this is their home.”
Twenty-nine-year-old Teal Patton celebrated Monday with the others. “This is a good time to see us,” Patton said. “It’s important to always help.”
Mike Storz and Teal Patton.
After the parade, the adults returned to the Chapel Haven courtyard to eat together after two years of limited social interactions due to the pandemic.
Congratulations to a special group of adults for being positive members of our community and for displaying skill, confidence, and abilities to each other and the Westville community Best of luck to each of you and your families for giving you the support and love that all children and adults crave.