Holiday Giving 2023: Spreading Happiness. Funding Joy.

Upside Downs

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Upside Downs is committed to helping the Down syndrome community through new parent support, recreational activities, raising awareness, and advocating for a brighter future. Their goal is to promote the “upside” and positive aspects of Down syndrome and further the belief that anything is possible.

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With the funds donated through Holiday Giving, Upside Downs supported two core programs, the Basket Program and the Magical Dance Party, which have been instrumental in fostering support and community among their families. These initiatives not only celebrate those with Down syndrome and their families, but also create moments of joy and connection that are priceless.

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Looking ahead, Upside Downs will invest remaining funds to expand their offerings, including two new programs aimed at teaching children with Down syndrome and other special needs how to bike and swim. This type of programming promotes fitness and confidence while providing invaluable life skills that can enhance independence and quality of life.  

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Gaitway Therapeutic Horsemanship

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Gaitway Therapeutic Horsemanship empowers children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse. Through their “equine therapists,” Gaitway disguises therapy and exercise as adventure, bringing to life their mission of changing lives, one stride at a time.

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Funds from the Holiday Giving program enabled Gaitway to expand services, improve facilities, and provide professional development to staff members. With the donation, the organization expanded their therapeutic riding program to accommodate more participants, allowing them to serve more individuals and provide them with the unique benefits of equine-assisted therapy. Funds also helped enhance the facility to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both riders and therapy horses, and contributed to ongoing training and professional development for their instructors and staff.  

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Split Second Foundation

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Split Second Foundation is committed to breaking physical, societal, and research barriers for people living with disabilities. As the Gulf Coast’s first and only adaptive fitness facility for those living with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, amputation, visual impairment, and/or other neurological conditions, they are creating programs that remove obstacles and improve lives.

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Through the support of Holiday Giving, Split Second Foundation took a significant step forward in expanding their programs and facilities to better serve their community's needs. The funds helped with the acquisition of a new building, which will serve as a new home for the Split Second Fitness and Care Center.

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The new building will enable the organization to broaden their reach and impact by providing additional space to accommodate more individuals and families in need, offering access to fitness programs, educational resources, and community support initiatives.