Designer Genes of North Dakota

05/11/2026

We’re looking for volunteers at Designer Genes of North Dakota

We rely on volunteers, sponsors, and community members working together to help make our programs and events successful across the state.

These opportunities help strengthen awareness, belonging, and outreach efforts that support individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout North Dakota.

Whether you have a few hours to give, ideas to share, or simply want to get more involved in your community, we would love to connect with you.

Designer Genes Website:
https://www.designergenesnd.com/volunteer

Volunteer Registration Form:
https://forms.gle/29bqMerqgbonPLNx8

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate every mom, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community. Thank you to those who have cheered through milestones big and small, advocated, and poured love into everyday.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Designer Genes! 🌼

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

Save the Date for our upcoming Visual Supports Opportunity on May 19th.

Join us for a visual schedule event in partnership with the University of Mary Speech Therapy Program. Parents and caregivers will create two visual supports to take home and use right away.

⭐️ A suggested $5 donation helps cover materials.
(cash, check, or credit card accepted)

If you are interested in attending, please be sure to register and complete our brief information survey below: https://forms.gle/rBK8FRut14APZRHv5

Questions? Email us at info@designergenesnd.com.

05/07/2026

Looking forward to seeing our Jamestown and surrounding area families this weekend at the membership meet-up. ☀️

Please reach out with any questions.
📧 info@designergenesnd.com
📞 701-751-2071

05/05/2026

Community Update:
Following yesterday’s apartment fire in Bismarck, several individuals with IDD were displaced and are now navigating urgent housing and support needs. We’ve gathered information from ND Housing and ND Medicaid and created a shareable graphic to help people understand available benefits and impacts.

Please check into your SNAP benefits. There is a form that needs to be filled out within 10 days, and a payout from renters' insurance may cause a decrease in SNAP. The SNAP Customer Support Center contact is 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY) or applyforhelp@nd.gov.

Other community partners are ready to help:

American Red Cross: (701) 368‑4035

ND Lions Emergency Relief: Contact via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NDLionsEmergencyRelief/)
• Donation centers: Century Baptist Church (205 C**t Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503)
• Monetary donations: Any Security First Bank location
• ND Community Foundation: https://ndcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11427

Please share to help ensure individuals with IDD and their families get connected to the support they need.

05/05/2026

Sharing information to support individuals impacted by the recent apartment fire in Bismarck. If you are able to help, donations are greatly appreciated during this time of need for members of our community.

Please see the flyer below for specific items needed by those affected. Beds and recliner chairs are also needed but not listed on the flyer. Please reach out if you are able to help with these items.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. 💛

We are doing a donation drive for people we know that are impacted by the recent apartment fire in Bismarck. The flyer lists the needs of the individuals that have been impacted. If you would like to donate and are able to drop off in Bismarck, please call Sargianna at 701-319-0413. We appreciate your assistance in this time of need for many.

05/05/2026

Upcoming Special Education Funding Committee Meeting
- May 6th, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Roughrider Room, State Capitol, Bismarck

We are sharing information about the upcoming Special Education Funding Committee meeting so families, educators, and community members are aware of topics impacting special education in North Dakota.

The Special Education Funding Committee will be reviewing studies related to special education teacher shortages and collective needs, reading and mathematics proficiency rates among students with disabilities, and special education funding models.

For those interested, meeting agenda and materials are available below:
https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/committees/interim/special-education-funding-committee

Please reach out with questions at info@designergenesnd.com

Number Of Members: Members/Staff Meetings Studies and Assignments All Documents Legislative Members Representative David Richter District 1 | RepublicanR Chairman Senator Michelle Axtman District 7 | RepublicanR Vice Chairman Representative LaurieBeth Hager District 21 | DemocratD Representative Kar...

05/05/2026

We are ONE week away from trivia night.

Join us for Trivia Night on May 12th at Gideon's Brewing Company! Bring your friends, test your knowledge, and get ready for a night of fun, laughs, and friendly competition!

💙 Starts at 6PM
💙 Enjoy a night out, while supporting Designer Genes

There will be special prizes for trivia top teams. No worries, there will be multiple games, so multiple chances to win! Grab your crew and we’ll see you there!

05/05/2026

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day! 📚

To the wonderful teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff across our state who make inclusion a priority, thank you. Your creativity, dedication, and commitment make a lasting impact to so many. Thank you for helping ALL students learn, grow, and belong.

05/04/2026

📚 Scholarship Opportunity 📚

The National Down Syndrome Congress Jake Pratt Scholarship presented by UPS will provide financial assistance to help students overcome barriers to higher education and pursue their academic goals. This scholarship aims to support students with Down Syndrome who are currently enrolled or accepted in inclusive postsecondary education programs at colleges or universities.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

For all information, click the link below:
https://ndsccenter.org/programs-events/scholarships/