Having a positive and motivating peer serve as a role model and mentor for individuals with Down syndrome can be extremely beneficial. They provide a safe space where your child or your adult can relax and chat about their interests, school or any dynamics that may be often preferable to engage with a peer. In addition, when encouraging messages are reinforced by peers rather than adults and parents, it is exceptionally validating and encouraging and can help increase self esteem and confidence. If your child is rigid is not open to new experiences, having a peer share divergent viewpoints can help broaden horizons and perspectives that they may not have otherwise gotten. Further, children with Down syndrome also have the opportunity to practice conversations and social skills in this process.

We seek volunteers who are mature and empathetic to serve as a mentor. Because they all volunteer their time, they are genuinely interested in making a difference and often get as much out of the experience as the self advocate. We have found that the mentee-mentors develop a genuine friendship over time.