Aimed at Providing Information, Resources, and Support to New and Expectant Parents

BURLINGTON, MA & MIAMI, FL (September 16, 2024) — The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and Best Buddies International, two powerful organizations with similar missions to provide essential services for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are proud to announce an important new collaboration.

The MDSC’s renowned National Parents First Call Center, which has developed best practices in providing critical one-on-one mentoring support for new and expectant parents who have recently received a Down syndrome diagnosis, has trained 33 organizations in 18 states. Now, it is collaborating with Best Buddies International’s new Eunie’s Buddies program. Eunie’s Buddies will provide support and resources to new and expectant families as they navigate the journey of raising a child with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD).

Eunie’s Buddies — named affectionately in honor of Special Olympics’ founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver — pairs experienced parents of a child with an IDD with new parents who are expecting, have just welcomed a baby, or are raising a child up to the age of five years old who has been recently diagnosed with an IDD.

“Best Buddies has a stellar reputation in the disability advocacy world for good reason, and they have been a valued programming partner with MDSC in Massachusetts for many years,” said Maureen Gallagher, MDSC Executive Director. “Now, with this new collaboration, we are thrilled that MDSC’s National Parents First Call Center’s gold-standard best practices can benefit Eunie’s Buddies. By working together, we can help many more families at a critical time in their journey here in Massachusetts,” Gallagher added.

“Historically, Best Buddies has supported individuals with IDD, while Eunie’s Buddies now focuses specifically on parents and caregivers, offering vital support and resources to help the entire family thrive throughout the different life stages,” said Cecilia Elizalde, Senior Director of Eunie’s Buddies. “We couldn’t be more excited about this innovative new chapter in our Best Buddies—MDSC partnership. When it comes to providing one-on-one mentoring for new and expectant parents, MDSC’s National Parents First Call Center is the gold-standard. That’s why we are proud to have selected them to provide our staff with invaluable training, enabling us to implement proven best practices in engaging and supporting Eunie’s Buddies’ families.”

In Massachusetts, where MDSC is headquartered and where the Parents First Call Program serves over 600 local new families annually, MDSC and Best Buddies MA/RI will work closely together to provide a seamless experience for new and expectant families. These two organizations will ensure that all new and expectant families have a helping hand as they learn about the full potential of individuals with IDD and the many programs and resources available to help them on their journey.

You can learn more about the MDSC’s National First Call Center at mdsc.org/npfcc and Eunie’s Buddies at bestbuddies.org/family-support.

About the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress National Parents First Call Center

For the past 30 years, MDSC’s Parents First Call Program has provided new and expectant parents of a child with Down syndrome with access to experienced parent mentors who offer support and guidance on highly personal and sensitive questions. Upon receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis, parents are custom-paired with one of 40+ specially-trained PFC parents across the state who offer one-on-one support, up-to-date information, and guidance. The program offers customized advice and resources, including medical and early intervention services, and full access to MDSC’s family support, education, and empowerment programs throughout the lifespan.

The National Parents First Call Center was born from this model and serves as a comprehensive center for expectant parents, medical providers, and Down syndrome organization leaders. The Center includes three branches: the National Prenatal First Call Center, the First Call National Training Center, and Julia’s Way, which supports breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome.

About Best Buddies’ Eunie’s Buddies Program

Established in 1989, Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently. In 2024, Best Buddies launched its Family Support program, Eunie’s Buddies, named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Eunie’s Buddies pairs experienced parents of a child with IDD with new parents, offering encouragement, emotional support, and resources. The program aims to help families create a path for their children with IDD to have an education, gainful employment, and a fulfilled life.