DS Awareness Month Spotlight – Meet Chris!

Meet Christopher (Chris) Payne! I’m 38 and new to Louisville and DSL after living in Michigan my whole life. Both my older brother and younger sister live here – so we got the family back together in Louisville. I’ve been active in the Special Olympics for many years as a Powerlifter, Bowler, and Bocce player. I graduated from High School in 2007 and attended the local Junior College to take some fun classes for a few semesters. Over the years I’ve been an active volunteer at a number of nonprofits and had part-time jobs. Before Covid, I had a job at the YMCA. Covid brought everything I did to a halt, The YMCA closed, my Best Buddies program ended, my community living staff from the university was canceled and my church closed where I was an usher. So like most people the world changed and became much smaller. Our favorite vacation place is Hilton Head Island. I’ve been going there with my family every year since I was born. I’m glad to have found DSL. The people and the programs are great. I like the Boogie Down Crew and the ADA program. I’m looking forward to making some new friends at DSL!

If you would like to share a spotlight for someone you love with Down Syndrome contact ivyf@dsoflou.org

#DownSyndromeAwareness #DSLKindnessWarrior #TheLuckyFew #DownSyndromeLove


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