Meet Jennifer Ford | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, how does your business help the community?
For over 40 years, the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas has been dedicated to providing resources and support for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. When families first receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, they are often overwhelmed by a mix of emotions and questions. Many know absolutely nothing about Down syndrome and others may have preconceived notions about the condition. At this early time of diagnosis, the Down Syndrome Guild is able to provide hope, education, and support through its New Parent Program. The New Parent Program consists of providing families with an informational welcome packet and connecting them with trained parent volunteers called First Call Parents. The New Parent Program also aims to connect other families in the same life stage through a variety of social and educational offerings like music classes, informational seminars, and more. As families enter the school age stage of life, the Down Syndrome Guild continues to provide educational and social opportunities to meet families’ changing needs. Families have the opportunity to educate themselves on a variety of school related topics and have access to national and local experts in the field through the organization’s educational seminars and annual conference. Children and teens with Down syndrome also benefit from skill building programs like iCan Bike and iCan Swim summer camps and socializing with other families through holiday themed events and an annual family picnic. When young adults begin to transition out of the school system, the Down Syndrome Guild remains steady in providing education and resources for families on topics like employment, post-secondary education, financial planning, healthcare, housing, and more. Additionally, adults with Down syndrome further benefit from more frequent educational and social programs to boost skills through activities like book club, walking club, and monthly social gatherings. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas currently supports more than 2,000 individuals with Down syndrome across North Texas through its many programs. Resources are provided in both English and Spanish. In addition to family support, the Down Syndrome Guild provides resources and support to both medical professionals and educators. Advocacy at the national, state, and local levels is also a priority to ensure people with Down syndrome are valued and included.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My first job post college was in an administrative role with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). This is where I fell in love with the non-profit sector and realized there were so many organizations making a huge impact in the community. Upon moving to North Texas, I continued to seek out employment in the non-profit area, which led me to the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. I had very limited knowledge about Down syndrome at the time, but I was eager to put my administrative skills to use as one of the organization’s first staff persons. After several years with the Down Syndrome Guild and learning more about the families, I became increasingly interested in Special Education and decided to pursue my teacher certification. I taught in Castleberry ISD for two years before returning to the Down Syndrome Guild as temporarily summer support. That temporary position led to full time employment with the Down Syndrome Guild once again, and I moved into the role of Executive Director in 2014. As a college student, I’m not sure that I even knew much about careers in the non-profit sector. I majored in Business Administration, which certainly prepared me for where I am today, but my small school did not have have a specific non-profit leadership track. I’m excited to see that so many universities now have more focus on this sector and are educating future leaders in the nonprofit field. The Center for Non-Profit Management has been a wonderful resource for me personally in continuing my professional development as an Executive Director. I am so proud that I get to go to work everyday and help make a difference. That is one of the things I love most about the non-profit sector and working with families. The families we support across North Texas and the connections I have made with other Down syndrome associations across the nation are so invaluable to me. I came to the Down Syndrome Guild not knowing much about Down syndrome at all to now being one of the first people families call when they have a question. I think that shows just how powerful this community is and how their advocacy is truly making a difference in the community as a whole to help educate and promote inclusion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things when my husband and I first moved to North Texas was to pick an area of town we had never been before and just explore for the day. We don’t have quite as many of those adventures anymore especially with kids, but we do have a few favorites that are regulars on our list. 1. Downtown McKinney is one of favorite spots in all of North Texas. I love the quaint old town feel, the antique shops, and the locally owned restaurants. You can never go wrong with breakfast at Spoons, lunch at Hugs Cafe or Patina Green (get the BOB -Brisket on a Biscuit on Fridays), dinner at Rick’s Chophouse, and/or grab pie for dessert at Emporium Pies. 2. We love going to a Texas Rangers game in Arlington. We can’t wait to check out the new stadium. 3. With kids, both the Dallas and Ft. Worth zoos as well as the Perot Museum is so much fun. 4. The Ft. Worth Stockyards are a must see for anyone visiting outside of Texas. 5. Tex-Mex is also a must for anyone visiting. Gloria’s and Christina’s are two of our favorites around North Texas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas would not be here today without the tenacity of its founders. This group of moms recognized the value of a local organization dedicated to people with Down syndrome and their families. They also helped in developing the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s and paved the way for many families and leaders in the organization today. Because the organization only has two full time staff members, the Down Syndrome Guild relies heavily on community volunteers to fulfill its mission. Volunteers not only serve on the organization’s Board of Directors and planning committees, but also serve in one-one-one roles at camps, book club, social gatherings, and more. Last, the Down Syndrome Guild could not continue to serve the community without the ongoing support of its donors. Donor partnerships are what allow the Down Syndrome Guild to be able to offer so many ongoing programs that enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.

Website: www.downsyndromedallas.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsgdallas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-guild-of-dallas/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dallasdsg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSGDallas