The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

September is time for the walk: the Buddy Walk of the Valley, where more than 2,500 people walk to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV). “The Valley” is eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The DSAV supports activities for adults and children with Down syndrome and provides education to families and local communities.

DSAV programs include:

• The Buddy Up Tennis fitness program to promote physical fitness and inclusion; and
• iCan Shine Bike Camp for individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle
• Yoga for members at the DSAV Center for Success in Boardman, Ohio
• Music & Movement classes for members ages 8 and under at the DSAV Center for Success

The organization also awards grants to families to help them with speech and vision therapy, supplemental nutrition, sports activities, summer tutoring, and more.

Down Syndrome Association of the Valley is supported by Hastings Mutual and Champion Insurance of Austintown, Ohio.

For more on DSAV, visit their website.

Image: Sandi Rich, Photography by Sandi