Downside Up Inc

05/30/2026

💕💕💕

Two mothers are aiming to address post-graduation employment challenges for young adults with disabilities through Kindred Coffee and Goods, a business born from conversations about their teenage sons' futures.

05/30/2026

OPENING SOON: Miracle on the Mountain, previously advertised as the "largest inclusive playground in Tennessee," is opening in mid June.

Details in comments.

05/29/2026

🎉🎉🎉 we love Siskin!!!

We’re excited to be a finalist for Best of the Best Nonprofit! 💙

For over 70 years, Siskin Children's Institute has supported children and families in our community through specialized services, programs, and care.

Voting is a simple way to support our work and help more families learn about Siskin.

Find us under People Group → Nonprofit.

Vote Here! https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery?group=542264

05/29/2026

Today I attended my son’s final elementary school IEP meeting. ❤️ and I am a wreck!

Seven years ago I walked him to TK at our neighborhood school wearing a backpack almost as big as he was. He was the only student with Down syndrome in his class. Often the first student with Down syndrome his teachers had ever taught.

And today, we sat around an IEP table filled with people who know him deeply. People who have helped him grow. People who have grown because of him too.

It hasn’t been perfect. There were hard seasons. Misunderstandings. Setbacks. A pandemic. Tears. Advocacy fatigue. Moments where things felt impossibly heavy.

But over time, something beautiful took root.

Trust.
Belonging.
Community.

At the end of the meeting my son said, “I just can’t believe how fast it’s gone!”

Cue my tears. 😭

Because I know how rare this experience can be for disabled students and their families. I know not every IEP table feels safe. Not every child is seen as fully human. Not every family leaves feeling like they truly belonged.

But my son was never treated like a burden to overcome at this school. He was treated like a valued member of the community. An asset. A gift.

And that changes everything.

As we say goodbye to elementary school, I keep thinking about roots and seeds. The roots my son planted there over these seven years. The seeds of belonging scattered throughout classrooms, staff meetings, friendships, and future IEP conversations.

My hope is that the next child with Down syndrome who walks through those school gates will be welcomed not with fear or hesitation, but with the full expectation that they belong there too.
Because they do. 🤍

05/25/2026

Just wanted to give a separate HUGE THANK YOU to our volunteers!!! 30 of my peeps who are extremely dear to my heart — a mixture of so many decades of my life & part of every aspect — family, friends, friends of family, mommas we serve at DSU who are amazing friends, ladies I coached soccer to who are now friends, Everett’s former & current teachers, CCS faculty, DSU preschool teachers, long time DSU supporters, White Oak United Methodist Church staff, and the awesome list of fabulous women continues 💕💕 so many of these super people have continuously shown up for me, for DSU, & for the families we love through this nonprofit 💕 it absolutely blows my mind that I am so blessed to have a tribe so big & so powerful!!! I am grateful —- thank you , , .jane, , , Kelli Schwind, , , .e.party , , , .nutt1989 , , .menard , .volpe.boys , , .fitchick , , Peggy Cash, , , , , .s.armstrong , , , , .northts

THANK YOU💜💜💜

05/20/2026

Join us for another fabulous giveback night 🧡🧡 will be donating a portion of profits to Downside Up on Thursday, May 28th!! Come listen to some amazing Americana acoustic by Spoonboy Slim & order up some tasty tacos !!!
We hope to see you & the family there from 6-8pm🧡🪿🪿🪿
THANK YOU White Duck Taco !!!

05/19/2026

Downside Up is one of the very lucky nonprofits to be a part of ambassador program & partnering with Becaffeinated’s give back program this year 💕🎉 MAY is our month, so please drop by & grab a SAMOA LATTE before the month is over. Fifty cents from every Samoa latte sold goes directly to downside up — thank you !!!! Post a pic & tag us when you get your yummy treat this week 💛💛💛