DSL Awarded Grant for Early Childhood Education by V.V. Cooke Foundation


Down Syndrome of Louisville is honored to be a recipient of a grant from the V.V. Cooke Foundation. The partnership with V.V. Cooke will allow Down Syndrome of Louisville to provide continued Early Childhood Education (ECE) support and resources to our families. 

ECE provides developmental and intellectual intervention for children with Down syndrome (DS) between the ages of 0-5. Children born with DS have developmental and intellectual delays that result in an increased need for physical, language, and behavioral support. Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, saying a first word, and dressing oneself are all developmental milestones children with DS need assistance to achieve. 

“We are thankful to have partners in our community that align with our cause and support our mission of supporting, educating, and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome” said Development Director, Nicole Volz. This partnership with the V.V. Cooke Foundation allows us to continue to expand our ECE programing and services, and reach individuals and families who were previously unreached. An important resource offered to our ECE families are the take-home therapy tools which allow families to continue practicing developmental milestone skills from the comfort of their homes. 

About Down Syndrome of Louisville

Down Syndrome of Louisville, Inc. (DSL) is a non-profit organization founded in 1977 by Mary Carter, an early childhood educator who established the first Early Intervention Education program for children with Down syndrome in Kentucky. In 1991, DSL incorporated and began offering support to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. In 2011, the Lifelong Learning Center was erected, the only known Lifelong Learning Center in the world for individuals with Down syndrome. Down syndrome of Louisville offers support, education, and advocacy to the 1,000+ individuals living in Louisville and surrounding counties; including Southern Indiana. 

 About the Grantor

The foundation was established in 1947 in honor of V.V. Cooke. Thanks to years of experience, they understand the process that a nonprofit organization has to go through to become successful. For over seven decades, the V.V. Cooke Foundation has dedicated itself to helping our community. Led by executive director, Carl Thomas, their team is here to ensure that nonprofits  get the support they need. 

For more information please contact Nicole Volz at 502-495-5088 or nicolev@dsoflou.org


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