Manasota BUDS is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that provides programs, services, and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their Families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Florida.  Our mission is to provide families with a neutral and supportive forum for sharing and networking, and to promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome. Membership is free and our programs and services are free to members. 

Manasota BUDS was formed in May 2002 by a small group of families who wanted to network, compare notes, share stories, and support one another. At that time, we became and have maintained our affiliation with the National Down Syndrome Society, the National Down Syndrome Congress, our 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization certification, and have hosted an annual Buddy Walk. We were then, and continue to be, an organization that is run solely by parents of children with Down sydrome who volunteer their time and energy to Manasota BUDS. We have minimal overhead and spend our money wisely -- on programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. 

We appreciate your interest because Manasota BUDS is an important community resource - we are the only area resource that is focused soley on individuals with Down syndrome, their friends, and family. We have grown from that small group of families in 2002 to now impacting more than 120 families in our area!

Examples of the Programs and Services we offer include:

• New and Expectant Parent Kits – available upon request by telephone, e-mail to Manasota BUDS, or contact with a Manasota BUDS member -  to new or expectant parents, local hospitals, therapy service providers, points of intake to the state of Florida’s Early Steps Program, or caregivers in the Florida Foster Care System.

• A lending library of books, visual media, developmental toys, and therapeutic equipment

• Scholarships to The  Down Syndrome Center at Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center in Jacksonville, a regional center of excellence where families receive independent evaluations for their children

• Music Therapy sessions and gymnastic classes to enhance speech and language skills, cognitive abilities, physical movement, and social awareness

• Scholarships for kids with Down syndrome to attend the summer camp or prgram of their choice

• Monthly meetings for families to gain education and support for raising their children with Down syndrome

• Scholarships for families to attend local and national Down syndrome conferences

• DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) Program – as a affiliate of this national organization, we offer monthly meetings for Dads of children with Down syndrome

• TEEN BUDS program – a monthly social activity for teenagers with Down syndrome

• Informational website at www.manasotabuds.org

• Scholarships for children with Down syndrome to participate in hippotherapy at SMART and InStride

• Provide workshops and conferences on a variety of topics intended to benefit indiviiduals with Down syndrome, their Families, and Caregivers.