Our Mission

History of GCDSS

The Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society (GCDSS) was established in 2004. There is a great need for the organization in our area to be an advocate for the children with Down syndrome as well as their families.

Through the existence of GCDSS, Inc., communication to new parents is increasing and advocacy on behalf of our children is stronger. Each year we have more than 1,000 supporters walk in our Annual Buddy walk. This is an amazing effort to show support of our children.

Each time a new precious child is born with DS - through our involvement with the area hospitals - we are notified and quickly respond with a New Parent Guide. Parents from all over have expressed that regardless of who their doctor or hospital was when their child was born - there was very little support or information made available to assist them through one of the most profound life altering and emotional events in their lives. Regardless of whether a parent receives the diagnosis pre-natal or at birth, the New Parent Guide includes answers to many immediate questions as well as provides them with resource information. We let these new parents know that we are there to support them and are only a phone call or e-mail away.

In addition, GCDSS also has a lending library of books on a variety of topics relating to Down syndrome in which parents can check out without having to purchase.

GCDSS is quickly growing and expanding our network all over the Gulf Coast Mississippi area. We reach out to new and existing families through the media, local disability resources, healthcare providers, our website and word of mouth

GCDSS continues to have many plans and goals for our future. We rely solely on donations from corporate sponsorships and individual donations to fund all of our activities. GCDSS is run by a host of volunteers, therefore, there is no overhead costs for paid staff or offices and our funding goes directly to support our mission.