Club 21 turns 15!
15 years ago, Club 21 Learning and Resource Center opened its doors on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2009.
We have much to celebrate and be thankful for as we look back and look forward to what's next in "building a future of possibilities".
Here are some of our 15th Anniversary Stories:
Club 21 Founding Moms
In 2006, a group of moms sat around a kitchen table brainstorming ways to build a more inclusive world for individuals with Down syndrome. After meeting every week for years, their mission was clear: To provide educational tools and resources to families and educators so that individuals with Down syndrome could be fully included. This was how Club 21 Learning and Resource Center was born as a non-profit in 2009.
First Club 21 Together is Better Walk
“We held our walk at Flintridge Prep and raised $13,000. Club 21 was founded on donations from family, friends, and high school students that walked alongside us. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and joined in. We continue to need donors and volunteers today to build the possibilities of What’s Next?”
Nancy Litteken, Executive Director
Partnership with Pasadena Covenant Church
“I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Pasadena Covenant Church for the outstanding partnership with Club 21 in leasing space at their campus for 15 years. What began as a humble arrangement with a single room has evolved into a flourishing collaboration encompassing many diverse spaces across the campus. The conducive environment provided by PCC, coupled with the genuine dedication and assistance from Jim Tyberg, Doreen Rudder and many others, has enabled us to expand our reach and impact to the Down Syndrome community.”
Matt Peacore, Club 21 Board Chair
I Am Sam Video
For 15 years, Club 21 has celebrated by producing videos. We produced this video years ago. Sam and his parents show us the journey from diagnosis to finding tools and resources at Club 21 for Sam to be a valued and contributing member of his community.
Club 21 Volunteers
Club 21 says “THANK YOU” to all our past, present and future VOLUNTEERS!
We could not do what we do without volunteers! Volunteers are a huge part of what we do and always have been from the very beginning.
Club 21 Past Board and Staff
Club 21 says “THANK YOU” to all our past Board of Director members and Staff!
“My family and I had known Molly since before she was born! Her life and the life of her family mattered deeply. I was honored to be asked by Nancy Litteken to step on to the original board. We didn’t know exactly what we were signing on for but dove in, head first! There were hard, new and rough waters to navigate but our board was honored, tenacious and willing to work together to begin building hopeful educational connections, and financial support for our precious families and their underserved children who just happened to have Down syndrome.”
Nancy Norris, Club 21 Past Board Chair
THANK YOU to all our generous and faithful DONORS!
To each and every donor over the past 15 years, whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined along the way, Club 21 appreciates YOU! Your generosity continues to open doors as together we “build a future of possibilities”.
