Bridge the Gap Garland

04/26/2026

AR Down Syndrome families! Join us for ADSA Family Zoo Day Saturday, May 16, 2026! 🦒🐆🦏🐘🐊

Pick up your zoo passes at the ADSA table in front of the zoo from 9:00am- 12:00pm.

Admission is FREE for people with Down syndrome and their immediate family. The pavilion will be reserved from 11:00 -3:00 for a place to sit, rest & visit. Water and lemonade will be provided. Meet at the pavilion at 11:30 for a group picture! 📸

Bring your strollers and wagons. No outside food, beverages, or coolers allowed inside zoo. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN.

⬇︎ REGISTER HERE ⬇︎
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/f9gxpga

04/26/2026

04/22/2026

IMPORTANT: To anyone with a loved one on the CES waitlist and anyone else who wants to rally on behalf of our kiddos that will need services for lifetime. For the second fiscal year in a row no money has been put into the budget to fund new CES waiver spots. The money allocated by former governor Hutchinson has been used up. So that means that there will be no new spots released and the only movement on the list will be if someone currently on waiver dies or moves out of state or into a facility. So it's time to RALLY!!!! Please call or send a letter to your state representative, your state senator and the governor telling them that your child is on the waitlist and that you would like them to add money to the upcoming fiscal budget to fund new slots. Tell them about your child and why the CES waiver spot would be beneficial to your family. I would stay away from mentioning being a paid caregiver however and just say "in home help/staff". Including a picture of your loved one too is helpful. THIS IS TIME SENSITIVE!!! They are in fiscal session now so don't delay. Don't worry about not being a good writer or any other excuse.....speak up, tell your story. Below is a sample of what you can say. I am including 3 links for you to easily look up your rep, senator and the governor's contact info. https://governor.arkansas.gov/interact/contact-the-governor/

https://senate.arkansas.gov/senators/senator-search/

https://ziplook.house.gov/htbin/findrep_house

Simple phone or email script: (calls get more attention bc they count them by issue)

My name is ________ and I am one of your constituents from (town). I am calling today to ask for funding to be added to this fiscal year's budget for the Community and Employment Services waiver. For the second year in a row, no money has been allocated for this program. My child is ___ years old and has a diagnosis of ____. He/She is currently number ____ on the waitlist. If funding is not added to address the current waitlist only 100-150 slots may open up this year due to death or moves out of state or into facilities. At that rate it will take my child ____ years to get his/her spot (Divide your current number by 150 to get number of years) Having CES waiver services is important to my family because (share your story....think do you need supportive living, supportive employment, modifications to your home, respite) Thank you for understanding the importance of this program and how it serves those living with disabilities in Arkansas. I urge you to please do what is right and encourage funding to be added to the budget for this program.

01/12/2026

11/19/2025

To Every Parent Raising a Child With Special Needs This Holiday Season.

I see you. We are you. The extra planning, the quiet adjustments, the skipped events, the sensory bags, the early exits, the deep breaths of not trying to lose your crap in front of other people , and the moments when you wonder if you’re doing enough.

The holidays can be beautiful, but they can also be overwhelming. And if your family celebrates a little differently, moves a little differently, or needs things to look a little calmer, that’s not just okay… that’s perfectly okay.

Your child doesn’t need a “Pinterest holiday.”
They need you — your patience, your love, your understanding, your safe presence. And you are doing more than enough.

If this season looks different for your family, please remember:

✨ Different doesn’t mean less.
✨ Rest days are allowed.
✨ Boundaries are healthy.
✨ Skipping the chaos is self-care.
✨ Your child’s joy matters more than anyone’s expectations.

And if no one has told you lately:
You’re doing an incredible job. Your child is lucky to have you. Your strength, your advocacy, and your love shine brighter than any holiday lights.

You’re not alone. 💛🎄

09/05/2025

08/16/2025

It is with great excitement to announce our planning meeting for the upcoming 2026 Night to Shine. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM, 1536 East Grand Ave. (Immanuel Christian Fellowship/The Assembly Hot Springs). Everyone is welcome to attend and be a part.

07/18/2025

07/17/2025

🚨 COMMUNITY HELP NEEDED: Water Shut Off for Local Special Needs Family 🚨

I’ve been asked to help with a unique and urgent situation involving a local mother and her adult daughter with special needs. Right now, their water has been shut off.
The total bill is $278. I’ve committed to covering the $100 reconnection fee, but I’m asking our amazing community to help cover the remaining balance so they can have clean, running water again.

They survive solely on SSI, which barely tops $900 a month not enough for rent, electricity, and water in today’s economy. This family is doing their best, but right now, they need us.
If you can chip in even just a few dollars it would make a world of difference. Please message me directly if you’re able to help. Let’s do what Garland County does best and take care of each other. 💙

*Disclaimer~ I am not giving the mother money directly I will be calling to pay the bill myself. Anyone who donates I will share the receipt with a blackout of name and location. Thank you in advance. 

07/16/2025

If you saw us on KARK 4 News, we talked about our upcoming event SO Row. Use the link below to support the athletes that will be coaching their teams to victory on Saturday!

🔗 https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5JGL6LX7FDP4G