Mentorships for Down Syndrome Youth

Welcome and thanks for stopping by!

My name's Jerry and this is my son Gus.  He's a four year old boy that just so happens to have Down Syndrome. Gus is a run-away miracle that inspires me and just about everyone he bumps into every day.  He's added joy to my life I didn't think was possible.

Well, Gus and I have been talking about the future. He knows, as well as I do, that there's thousands of kids just like him. Amazing kids who deserve the right to chase big dreams, just like everybody else does.   
Dreams like becoming a... 
Chef, actor, artist, tradesperson, coach, athlete, solider, and business owner. And whatever else they believe is possible. Who knows, astronaut?... 
 
To help, I've committed 30% of all the profits I gain through my media business (www.toowimedia.com ) to launch and support a peer mentorship program for youths with Down Syndrome. The program will aim to facilitate peer guidance at every developmental stage.

HERE'S THE IDEA:
Children, youth, and young adults with Down Syndrome will get the chance to mentor with older peers with Down Syndrome. 

HOW IT WORKS:
Youth and young adults will get paired up with senior peers successfully navigating school, college, jobs, and careers. 

THE WHY:
The idea is to empower positive peer relationships that build confidence for big life leaps and transitions. This aim to provide a positive generational bridge to empower practical learning opportunities at every life stage. 

THE MISSION:
Careers - The program will aim to create partnerships with innovative companies world wide. The mission is to create real world mentorships with real opportunies at the end -vs token ones.  We will target innovative companies and organizations worldwide, perhaps like a Google, Virgin, or a Whole Foods, and conscious local businesses.

The goal is to create chances to step into rewarding roles with real growth opportunities, competitive packages, and benefits attached.  

Life Guidance - The program would also support peer guidance for every leg of the life journey, past launch and into adulthood, providing roles models for marriage and couplehood, and other life leaps.

WHERE THE MONEY WILL GO:
Funds raised will be used to assemble support, basically. 

We will grow organically, first rounding up volunteers to generate interest and educate through social media campaigns and events.

The next goal will be to launch a nonprofit.  We will need to finance incorporation, and the right team of passionate pros (ideally folks with a DS family members) to run the organization.

*If you happen to be such a person and are interested, please email me directly at [email redacted] 

WHERE DID THE NAME COME FROM?...

Miracle To Me is the name of Gus's favorite song.

I write songs which I play for Gus on guitar before he goes to sleep at night. He really likes the tune and reminds me often,"Papa, I'm a miracle." And he is -not just to his mother and and our family, but his community. 

So is every child and all the little one's with DS out there. I'm excited about this idea because I'd like the  world to share in the fun and joy we get to experience as parents of these remarkable people. I believe the world will be a much better place when those with Down Syndrome (and other special needs populations) are given pathways to bright opportunites in life. 

Perhaps with your help we can make that dream a reality.

Thank you.  Wishing you grace to fill your sails wherever you are, 

Jerry & Gus & Family