The document proposes a program called LiveUp that aims to teach life skills and promote social development for adults with Down syndrome. The program would host 5 residential weekends throughout the year in different cities, each serving 20 participants and 20 mentors. The weekends would focus on social skills, life skills, healthy living, and community service. Outcomes would include increased independence, improved self-image, and stronger social networks for participants. Evaluation plans include pre- and post-surveys of participants and mentors to measure changes. The total cost is $XXX and they are requesting $XXXX in grant funds.

1. Abstract:
In the last thirty years, the life expectancy of adults with Down Syndrome has increased
dramatically, opening up a world of new possibilities for them. Many live independently,
hold jobs, and even establish meaningful romantic relationships. However services and
programs designed for people with Down Syndrome have not kept pace. Most still serve
children and young adults. The few programs that do address the needs of adults focus
on finding those with higher function menial labor jobs. Therefore adults living with
Down Syndrome find themselves suddenly without resources for developing and
navigating meaningful relationships, becoming responsible for their own physical
wellness, and contributing in meaningful ways to the community at large. As a result,
many of them suffer from depression, dementia and other mental and physical health
issues. The adult Down syndrome community is sorely in need of impactful and
empowering programs that redefine the expectations for its community members.
LiveUp Programs meet this need by organizing five residential, weekend-long programs
that bring together adults living with Down Syndrome and their advocates. Each
program--located in five different cities on five different weekends in May through
September--serves approximately 20 participants, supported by 20 volunteer mentors
and two to five program directors. The three-day programs focus on peer-to-peer
interaction and four core areas: social skill development, life skills, healthy living and
giving back. Through a variety of adult-appropriate activities tailored to each city,
participants learn independence, gain confidence and build meaningful and lasting
relationships with their mentors and each other. These activities range from sailing to
cooking classes to baseball games. Each participant is paired with a mentor with whom
they share a room and partner on the weekend’s activities. Each weekend also includes
a service project that participants and mentors complete together.
Outcomes will include documented a) increased independence, b) improved self-image
c) and greater risk-taking among participants, as well as d) documented greater
understanding for those with Down Syndrome among participants. Participants and
mentors will also demonstrate a stronger social network as a result. End of program and
end of year narrative evaluations will be used to determine the success of the programs.
The total cost of a year’s worth of program is $XXX. $XXX will be provided by tuition,
fundraisers, and in-kind donations. We request grant funds of only XXXXX. The
programs will continue after the grant year has ended through increased individual
donations and local fundraisers organized by program directors. The leadership of the
organization will share their successes through their newsletters, website, and
participation at national conferences for organizations focused on serving those with
Down Syndrome.
Goal: To teach life skills and promote social development and healthy living in adults
living with Down syndrome throughout the United States.
Objectives:
Objective 1:By the end of each program weekend, at least 85% of participants will have
an increased sense of independence and will be more willing to engage in activities on
their own.

2. Evaluation Plan: Conduct pre-program surveys with participants and their
parents. Conduct post-program survey with participants on the last day of the
program. Follow-up with parent survey within two months of the completion of the
program weekend.
Objective 2:After completion of the program, at least 90% of participants will
demonstrate a more positive self-image and will view themselves as more capable than
before the program.
Evaluation Plan: Conduct pre and post-program surveys with participants and their
parents; follow-up within two months of program weekend.
Objective 3:By the end of the program weekend, at least 75% will have tried an activity
outside of their comfort zone, encouraging them to be bigger risk-takers.
Evaluation Plan: Conduct pre and post-program surveys with participants and their
parents; follow-up within two months of program weekend. Conduct a post-program
formative evaluation to assess accuracy of program activities in achieving this
goal. Evaluate all program weekends at the end of the year to determine how well the
programming achieved this goal.
Objective 4:By the end of each program weekend, both at least 75% of participants
and volunteers will have strengthened their social network and understanding of those
both with and without disability.
Evaluation Plan: Conduct pre and post-program surveys with participants and their
parents; follow-up within two months of program weekend. Conduct pre and post-
program surveys with mentor volunteers.
Objective 5:By the end of the funding year, at least half of the participants will have
demonstrably improved mental health, based on the quality of life approach.
Evaluation Plan: Conduct end of the year survey with all participants and their parents.