MDSS Social Clubs – Livewires & Dynomite
In 2006, a group of parents looking to provide social opportunities for their teens with Down syndrome approached MDSS for support in creating a social club. At about the same time, friends of Lisa Mitchell, a young MDSS member who was ill with cancer, decided to fundraise for a cause that Lisa was passionate about – social opportunities for teens and young adults with Down syndrome. The money Lisa’s friends donated became the seed money for Livewires, our first social club! Twelve participants met two Saturday evenings each month with paid staff and volunteers – and most importantly, NO PARENTS! Sadly, Lisa lost her battle with cancer, but her legacy lives on in our MDSS social clubs.
In 2014, a second social club (Dynomite) was created to provide a new group of teens similar social opportunities. Along the way, both groups began going on valuable outings (mini-golf, bowling, movies) a few of times a year.
In 2016, Livewires and Dynomite merged into a single, larger, and more dynamic club, providing an opportunity for new friendships to take root.
And then came Covid. All the fun activities that made up the social club gatherings – karaoke, shooting hoops, playing board games, making crafts, and hanging out, came to an abrupt halt. Social club participants missed getting together with their friends. But, before long, our wonderfully creative staff, using Zoom technology, recreated the social club meetings in an online format.
In 2022-2023 as Covid restrictions were lifted, our social club has adapted to the new circumstances with a mix of virtual meetings and outings. We are excited to be getting back to an in-person format in 2023-2024.
For now, registration is open to current social club members only, as we are at maximum capacity.