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Home
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What We Do
Who We Are
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May 6, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have ...

Like many organizations, PALS Programs faced its share of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding momentum after a global pause required resilience, creativity, and a strong community to lean on.

Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have Powered PALS’ Growth
April 11, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit ...

In late March, all of our incredible Program Leads came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for our annual Leadership Summit - a weekend full of connection, inspiration, and bold ideas.

Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit Recap
March 14, 2025
Sarah Rogers
We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a ...

Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.

We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a Career with Down Syndrome
March 7, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
February 3, 2025
Sarah Rogers
PALS Magic

PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.

PALS Magic
Jenni Ross
March 26, 2021

Spring Virtual Programming: Week 2

Jenni Ross
March 26, 2021
Spring Virtual Programming: Week 2

The pandemic response here at PALS showcases the extreme flexibility, grit, and enthusiasm of every participant among the PALS family.

Jenni Ross
March 22, 2021

Introducing PALS Affinity Groups!

Jenni Ross
March 22, 2021
Introducing PALS Affinity Groups!

We have spoken extensively about the importance of promoting inclusion and improving access for all members of our community. Implementing PALS Affinity Groups moves us forward in achieving these goals.

Jenni Ross
March 9, 2021

Why PALS: Hiroto Watanabe, First Year Volunteer

Jenni Ross
March 9, 2021
Why PALS: Hiroto Watanabe, First Year Volunteer

PALS works to achieve something that we all want for ourselves: a feeling of belonging and community.

Jenni Ross
March 5, 2021

Spring Virtual Programming: Week 1

Jenni Ross
March 5, 2021
Spring Virtual Programming: Week 1

Virtual programming was a reminder that, even in these difficult times, we still have our PALS family. The distance between us couldn’t stop the amazing memories we were able to make together.

Jenni Ross
February 26, 2021

Summer 2021 Programs: How we're leveraging data and research to safely rebuild PALS

Jenni Ross
February 26, 2021
Summer 2021 Programs: How we're leveraging data and research to safely rebuild PALS

PALS is making informed decisions with the health and safety of our community at the core. In doing so, we are remaining ever flexible and responsive to changes in COVID numbers, vaccine rollout, and expert guidance and recommendations.

Jenni Ross
February 26, 2021

Reflections & Learnings This Black History Month

Jenni Ross
February 26, 2021
Reflections & Learnings This Black History Month

How you can celebrate Black History Month, and how you can continue promoting Black history beyond just this one month?

Jenni Ross
February 18, 2021

Summer 2021 Programs: Using input from our PALS Family to guide us forward.

Jenni Ross
February 18, 2021
Summer 2021 Programs: Using input from our PALS Family to guide us forward.

Last week, we surveyed PALS participants on what they’re seeking in a COVID-safe camp model this summer. Here are the results from that survey.

Guest User
January 15, 2021

Escape From Polar Palace: A thrilling, chilling, end-of-year success!

Guest User
January 15, 2021
Escape From Polar Palace: A thrilling, chilling, end-of-year success!

After a month of planning, Escape from Polar Palace would prove one of our most successful online events!

Jenni Ross
January 15, 2021

Joy, Hope, and Welcome: The Congratulations Project in 2020

Jenni Ross
January 15, 2021
Joy, Hope, and Welcome: The Congratulations Project in 2020

In the past year, we sent 494 letters, reaching all 50 U.S. states and 47 countries.

Jenni Ross
January 15, 2021

A look at ableism as we prepare for a new year.

Jenni Ross
January 15, 2021
A look at ableism as we prepare for a new year.

We are wired for connection and belonging, and as we reflect on 2020, we realize these things are more important than ever.

Jenni Ross
December 14, 2020

Inspiring from Afar: How PALS Conducted a Fully Virtual Leadership Summit

Jenni Ross
December 14, 2020
Inspiring from Afar: How PALS Conducted a Fully Virtual Leadership Summit

At first a seemingly impossible task, we rose to the challenge and developed a remote summit that brought together 53 directors from 16 states for a full weekend of training, development, and connection.

Jenni Ross
December 2, 2020

Remembering Dobbie Kristoff, A Loved Member of the PALS Family

Jenni Ross
December 2, 2020
Remembering Dobbie Kristoff, A Loved Member of the PALS Family

The PALS family is deeply saddened by the loss of a beloved member of our community, Dobbie Kristoff. Along with her identical twin sister, Dobbie co-founded The Howard Fund initiative at PALS, catalyzing a multigenerational bond between her family and our organization.

4 Comments
Jenni Ross
December 1, 2020

What is Giving Tuesday?

Jenni Ross
December 1, 2020
What is Giving Tuesday?

Nonprofit organizations around the world participate in Giving Tuesday campaigns to help inspire the spirit of giving.

Jenni Ross
November 24, 2020

Celebrate Inclusion This November

Jenni Ross
November 24, 2020
Celebrate Inclusion This November

For most families, November means preparing for Thanksgiving, a holiday spent celebrating family, thankfulness, and good food. To our Native American community members, November holds a much greater significance…

Jenni Ross
November 8, 2020

From the Executive Director: Announcing PALS Hybrid Programming

Jenni Ross
November 8, 2020
From the Executive Director: Announcing PALS Hybrid Programming

We know that our community - now, more than ever - needs connection, needs friendship, and needs hope.

Jenni Ross
November 6, 2020

What is Access? How PALS aims to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Jenni Ross
November 6, 2020
What is Access? How PALS aims to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Many folks don’t have a community of belonging like ours to call home… we want everyone to experience the PALS magic.

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© 2024 PALS PROGRAMS

PALS Programs is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID 35-2334489

Mailing Address:
PALS Programs
30 S 15th St
Ste 1550 PMB 98586
Philadelphia, PA 19102-4806

Phone:
267-477-PALS (7257)

Fax:
+1 908-315-5201 

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