Down to Defend

Down to Defend We have established safety classes aimed at combating this alarming reality.

In response to deeply troubling statistics revealing that individuals with intellectual disabilities face a staggering sevenfold higher risk of sexual assault compared to those without disabilities, Down to Defend has taken action. Our mission is clear: to educate and equip those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing safety resources to lead a more fulfilling life! Among th

e diverse range of classes we provide are Karate and Self-defense, CPR training, Infant Swim Rescue, and workshops focused on fostering healthy relationships. In addition to our educational initiatives, we extend our support to new parents in the Grand Rapids community who welcome babies born with Down syndrome or other chromosome abnormalities. We deliver celebration baskets to these families at local hospitals, offering not only practical resources but also heartfelt encouragement as they begin their parenting journey under unique circumstances.

Yesterday evening, Down to Defend had the opportunity to spend some time at Mill Creek Middle School hosting a table! 💙A...
08/21/2026

Yesterday evening, Down to Defend had the opportunity to spend some time at Mill Creek Middle School hosting a table! 💙

As we continue settling into our new home, we’re so excited to connect with and support the community we’re now a part of. We’re grateful for every opportunity to show up, build relationships, and share more about who we are and the work we do.

We’re excited for all that’s ahead in this community! Let us know if you stopped by our table! 👇

Some Celebration Basket deliveries are just a little extra special. 💙💛Cody and his mom, Kim had the joy of delivering a ...
08/13/2026

Some Celebration Basket deliveries are just a little extra special. 💙💛

Cody and his mom, Kim had the joy of delivering a basket to a close family friend as they welcomed their beautiful new baby! Getting to celebrate someone you love while welcoming them into our Lucky Few family makes a sweet moment even sweeter. 🥹

Lucy Sue, you are already surrounded by so much love, Kim and Cody couldn’t have been more excited to be part of your welcome. 💛

Welcome to the Lucky Few family, sweet baby! We’re so happy you’re here. ✨

Join us tomorrow, August 6, for our final morning of Down to Groove! We'll be at Thornapple Valley Church in Middleville...
08/05/2026

Join us tomorrow, August 6, for our final morning of Down to Groove! We'll be at Thornapple Valley Church in Middleville at 10am, ready to groove with you.

It has been such an honor to partner with Down to Defend to bring this program to Barry County. Thank you to Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation for your generous grant and Thornapple Valley Church in Middleville for being such welcoming hosts!

08/04/2026

That’s a wrap on Down to Groove 2026. 💙🎶

What an incredible season it has been! From singing and dancing to making new friends and building confidence, every class was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Thank you to every participant, family, instructor, and community partner who helped make this season so special. We are especially grateful to King’s Table Ministries, The Ability Collective, and the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation for helping us expand programming and create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

These moments are exactly why we do what we do. Thank you for being part of another amazing Down to Groove season. We already can’t wait to dance with you again next year! 💙

✨ We’re so excited to be part of Mill Creek Days this year, and we hope to see you there! 🎉📍 Friday, August 7Come visit ...
08/03/2026

✨ We’re so excited to be part of Mill Creek Days this year, and we hope to see you there! 🎉

📍 Friday, August 7
Come visit us in the Kids Area at Dwight Lydell Park from 5:00–7:00 PM! We’ll have fun games and activities for the whole family.

🎈 Saturday, August 8
Be sure to cheer us on at the Mill Creek Days Parade starting at 12:00 PM! The parade travels down West River Drive and passes right by our office.

We can’t wait to connect with our community, meet new families, and celebrate together. Stop by and say hi! 💙💛

Check out Mill Creek Days, Comstock Park, Michigan for more information!

Elevate Your Brand Through Photography 📸We’re excited to share that Cami is partnering with Down to Defend to bring a un...
07/31/2026

Elevate Your Brand Through Photography 📸

We’re excited to share that Cami is partnering with Down to Defend to bring a unique opportunity to our community—and she wants to partner with you, too!

This is so much more than a traditional photo session. Through branding photography, Cami helps tell your story in an authentic and meaningful way. Whether you’re a nonprofit, business owner, entrepreneur, self-advocate, or someone looking to build a strong personal brand, these sessions are designed to capture who you are and what you do in a way that connects with others.

Branding photography can provide content for your website, social media, marketing materials, professional headshots, and more—giving you a cohesive, authentic visual presence that grows alongside your mission or business.

Cami and I will be hosting a Zoom meeting to share more about the experience, pricing, package options, and how this opportunity can help elevate your brand.

Interested? Email [email protected] to receive the Zoom invitation and learn more!

What an incredible evening at the ADA Celebration hosted by Disability Advocates! 💙We were honored to host a table, conn...
07/23/2026

What an incredible evening at the ADA Celebration hosted by Disability Advocates! 💙

We were honored to host a table, connect with so many amazing individuals, families, and community partners, and share more about Down to Defend’s mission.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, shared your stories, asked questions, and supported our mission. We loved meeting both familiar and new faces!

A special thank you to Disability Advocates of Kent County for putting together such a meaningful celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act and bringing our community together. We’re grateful to have been a part of it!

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend a Lunch & Learn at Kent ISD and hear from the incredible Heather Avis from Th...
07/22/2026

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend a Lunch & Learn at Kent ISD and hear from the incredible Heather Avis from The Lucky Few®️ . 💙

As a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Lucky Few, Heather has dedicated her work to shifting the narrative around Down syndrome and creating a world where everyone truly belongs. Her message was a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t about simply making space, it’s about recognizing the inherent worth and value of every person.

It was an honor to meet her in person and leave feeling inspired, challenged, and even more passionate about the work we do every day at Down to Defend. Grateful to Kent ISD for hosting such a meaningful event! 💛

Address

4005 West River Drive NE Suite B4
Grand Rapids, MI
49321

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