Tweens & Teens UP! (ages 8-17)

A program of DSNetwork, Tweens & Teens UP program is offered in both the East Valley, North Valley and West Valley. Youth with Down syndrome participate in monthly community-based outings, opportunities and activities to socialize and meet friends in a supportive atmosphere. The group meets the 2nd Saturday of the Month (some exceptions – see group details.) Transportation is provided to the activity for participants who don’t live within reasonable proximity of the service area. For example, transportation will pick up participants in the West and North Valleys for an outing in the East Valley. Outing locations vary month to month and all groups are invited to attend the common outing.

Topics and activities include, but not limited to:
– Building relationships and friendships
– Community awareness and outreach
– Job Skills training in community establishments
– Team Building Activities
– Cooking / Activities of daily living
– Group Outings and so much more

NOTE: Locations/Outings subject to change.
(If child has behaviors, toileting/feeding difficulty, please have an assistant/habitation/respite provider attend). DSNetwork provides respite care for this group at a ratio of 3 youth to 1 provider. Respite care for Tweens & Teens UP is provided by Absolute HCBS.

2019 Group Details

Tweens & Teens UP! meets the second Saturday of each month except for March, October and December.
Cost per group outing is $10.
Scholarships are available upon request when registering.
Outings include transportation (if applicable), respite care, healthy snacks, drinks and admission/activities.
Group participants should wear their RED Tweens & Teens UP! t-shirts at every outing. Each participant will receive a group t-shirt at their first outing.

Upcoming Groups

Meet the Facilitator – Kacie Perry

East, North, and West Valley Facilitator

Kacie Perry is a certified special education teacher that has been working in the Mesa Public Schools school district since 2007. Kacie started her career in a primary resource classroom and then moved to the junior high setting, where she taught in an orthopedic impaired classroom for 5 years. Kacie currently teaches a 7th/8th grade MIID classroom. Kacie is dedicated to bringing families and communities together to provide the most inclusive educational environment for students of all ages and abilities. She is excited to be part of DSNetwork and supporting children with Down syndrome and their families.