Upside Downs

09/03/2026

Our event shirt deadline is next Friday, September 11, 2026! If you haven’t signed up for the Not So Scary Magical Dance Party, register today to secure your exclusive event tee! It’s sure to be a night filled with treats and spooky good fun! 🎃👻

Register today! https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/10/03/2027-magical-dance-party-9/572322

We're counting down the days until our Not So Scary Magical Dance Party! Don't miss out on your chance to get one of our exclusive event tees! All of our friends with Down syndrome who are registered by September 11, 2026 will receive a free event shirt. Additional shirts can be purchased when registering for the dance party. 🎃👻

Sign up today to secure your tee! 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/10/03/2027-magical-dance-party-9/572322

09/01/2026

Our Upside Downs community enjoyed cheering on the Colonels and being recognized at the opening game of the football season. Thank you Nicholls State University for having us and Geaux Colonels!! ❤️

08/28/2026

We are so thankful for the continuous support from our friends at Edison Chouest Offshore! We can’t wait to see what they cook up at our next Dash! 💙💛

ECO’s Maintenance department does a fantastic job keeping our company operating, but they also excel at something else: cooking.

Over the last several years, ECO Maintenance Director Carlos Gaspard and his team have participated in local cook-offs, specializing in jambalaya and gumbo to raise money for local charities. One of their first cook-offs supported the Bridge to Independence program, a Nicholls State University initiative that supports students with disabilities. Their jambalaya recipe was perfect from the start, taking home first place.

Since then, the team has consistently participated in – and won – jambalaya cooking competitions for UpsideDowns, a nonprofit that supports individuals with Down syndrome.
Beyond cooking, the crew also organized raffles for these causes. This past year alone, they raised over $10,000 for UpsideDowns.

“It’s good to support the community, and we’re very fortunate that the Chouest family supports us and keeps us going,” said Carlos.

Recently, the crew collaborated with our Mississippi shipyard affiliate, Gulf Ship, to participate in Gulfport’s annual Gumbo Fest. As expected, they secured another first place win.

When asked about their recipes, they chose to keep the details under wraps, but they ensured passion is the secret ingredient in every pot.

“As a maintenance department, these guys work every day to keep us operating,” said Carlos. “This gives us an opportunity to unwind.”

Keep up the great work, Carlos and crew!

08/27/2026

Special Olympics Softball is happening in Thibodaux! See the information attached. Email Special Olympics Louisiana-Bayouland at [email protected] with any questions.

08/24/2026

We can’t wait to cheer on the Colonels with all of our friends on Thursday!

A reminder to reserve and purchase any additional tickets by today 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/08/27/upside-downs-night-at-nicholls-football/572977

Join us for a fun night of Nicholls football as Upside Downs and the individuals with Down syndrome in our community are recognized on the field at halftime on August 27, 2026! 🏈

Everyone is welcome! We invite our Upside Downs families, friends and supporters to join us in the stands, cheer on the Colonels and celebrate together.

Tickets are FREE for individuals with Down syndrome, $10 for friends, family and supporters ages 5+, and FREE for children under 5.

We’ll have a reserved section for our group, and registered attendees will receive additional game-day and halftime details before the event.

Register today! 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/08/27/upside-downs-night-at-nicholls-football/572977https://upsidedowns.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/08/27/upside-downs-night-at-nicholls-football/572977

08/20/2026

We're counting down the days until our Not So Scary Magical Dance Party! Don't miss out on your chance to get one of our exclusive event tees! All of our friends with Down syndrome who are registered by September 11, 2026 will receive a free event shirt. Additional shirts can be purchased when registering for the dance party. 🎃👻

Sign up today to secure your tee! 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/10/03/2027-magical-dance-party-9/572322

08/18/2026

Don’t forget, our next Level Up session is today! Join us this afternoon to learn helpful tips to manage stress. 💙💛

The beginning of the school year is right around the corner, and we are kicking it off with an exciting Level Up session for our teens and young adults!

Join us on August 18, 2026 to learn helpful strategies that will help you stress less and live more! 💙💛

Space is limited, click here to reserve your spot today! 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/08/18/level-up-stress-less-live-more/571177

08/13/2026

Join us for a night of spooky fun at our Not So Scary Magical Dance Party! This event is FREE for our friends with Down syndrome and their immediate family! 👻🎃

🗓 October 3, 2026
🕔 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
📍Harang Municipal Auditorium, 310 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux, LA 70301
🍬Trick or Treating
🎶 DJ and Dance Floor
🎟 $5000 Disney Vacation and other fun prizes!

Registration is open NOW! Sign up today 👉 https://upside-downs.org/connect/calendar.html/event/2026/10/03/2027-magical-dance-party-9/572322

08/12/2026

Here is some valuable information to know as your child hits teen years and you start preparing for that 18 year old milestone!

🎓 Is your child turning 18 soon?
This is a big milestone for youth with disabilities and their families. Our guide shares important information about decision-making, education rights, transition planning, and supports to consider before age 18.

📞 Need help? Call Families Helping Families Region 7 at 318-226-4541.