DOWNSIDE UP

Downside Up Inc. aims to serve families who have children with disabilities in the greater Chattanooga area in order to bridge the gap found due to the lack of access and affordability in services and opportunities. The start of Downside Up Inc. blossomed out of isolation and fear. Almost eleven years ago when their son, Everett, was born with Down syndrome, Theresa Nix felt alone and afraid. Lack of experience and knowledge about something new will do that to you. Out of the five most basic needs as humans, love and belonging is at the very core. She quickly realized as new parents, who longed to belong, that her family did not quite fit into everyday places and spaces. So, she began to create their own fun and inclusive opportunities to meet and connect with others who were on the same amazing journey. What she found was a whole lot of families feeling the exact same way. Downside Up was born! Through family camps, retreats. events, and now a physical space, she is able to develop connections, strength, and unity for many families who long to belong. We are a family for families. Downside Up Inc. strives to create affordable opportunities for these families to increase socialization, create community, and build other specific programs designed to meet the needs of the individuals in the community. One frequent piece of feedback this organization receives is not only the lack of accessibility, but the lack of affordability. One parent reported that they were able to find a program that would allow their child to participate, however they were required to hire an individual to be one-on-one with their child, making the camp twice as expensive as it had originally been, meaning the parents were unable to afford the program. Many parents report similar situations. Grants are a primary means to allow for affordable opportunities to be provided to these families in order to create diverse, inclusive, equitable experiences.