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PALS Programs

Home
About
What We Do
Who We Are
The PALS Impact
Blog
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Programs
Summer
Join Us
Jobs
Participants
Volunteers
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FAQ
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May 6, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have ...

Like many organizations, PALS Programs faced its share of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding momentum after a global pause required resilience, creativity, and a strong community to lean on.

Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have Powered PALS’ Growth
April 11, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit ...

In late March, all of our incredible Program Leads came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for our annual Leadership Summit - a weekend full of connection, inspiration, and bold ideas.

Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit Recap
March 14, 2025
Sarah Rogers
We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a ...

Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.

We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a Career with Down Syndrome
March 7, 2025
Sarah Rogers
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
February 3, 2025
Sarah Rogers
PALS Magic

PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.

PALS Magic
Jenni Ross
March 7, 2022

"Where Are They Now?" with Cody Carlson

Jenni Ross
March 7, 2022
"Where Are They Now?" with Cody Carlson

Cody began PALS in 2012 in California. He has been involved in PALS ever since! Cody currently teaches dance as an instructor. He has been dancing for almost 15 years, and has even been on So You Think You Can Dance!

Jenni Ross
March 4, 2022

"Where Are They Now?" with Sara Glass Hawes

Jenni Ross
March 4, 2022
"Where Are They Now?" with Sara Glass Hawes

This World Down Syndrome Day, PALS is celebrating by sharing “where are they now” stories about individuals in the PALS Family! Learn more about Sara, a longtime PALS participant and past program director.

Jenni Ross
March 2, 2022

"Where Are They Now?" with Marissa Erickson

Jenni Ross
March 2, 2022
"Where Are They Now?" with Marissa Erickson

Marissa started PALS in 2012 at Camp PALS West. She lives in California where she does acting workshops and works in films. She has a few call backs for films she has previously worked on for this summer!

Jenni Ross
March 1, 2022

"Where Are They Now?" with Eli Lewis

Jenni Ross
March 1, 2022
"Where Are They Now?" with Eli Lewis

This World Down Syndrome Day, PALS is celebrating by sharing “where are they now” stories about individuals in the PALS Family! Learn more about Eli, a longtime PALS participant.

Jenni Ross
February 25, 2022

Meet Three PALS Board Members!

Jenni Ross
February 25, 2022
Meet Three PALS Board Members!

With excitement, we welcome Mara, Sam, and Sarah, who recently joined the PALS Board of Directors. We are eager to see the impact they will make on PALS.

Jenni Ross
February 18, 2022

Why PALS? PALS is an awesome opportunity for all!

Jenni Ross
February 18, 2022
Why PALS? PALS is an awesome opportunity for all!

We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. This month, we hear the Brightcliffe family's story. Their family has been involved in PALS since 2015 and they look forward to being back at PALS this summer. Here is just one family's story of how scholarship funds make a huge impact.

Jenni Ross
February 13, 2022

Spread PALS love this month by inviting a Peer!

Jenni Ross
February 13, 2022
Spread PALS love this month by inviting a Peer!

Have you heard the news?! PALS is hosting an exciting campaign for a LIMITED time where YOU could earn your favorite Starbucks drink.

Jenni Ross
February 8, 2022

Leadership Spotlight: Team Leads

Jenni Ross
February 8, 2022
Leadership Spotlight: Team Leads

We are so excited to onboard this year’s Leadership Team. And, we are excited to announce that we officially have our 2022 Program Leads! These 32 individuals will be the creatives behind our most fun, inclusive and memorable programs yet!

Jenni Ross
February 1, 2022

Black History Month & PALS

Jenni Ross
February 1, 2022
Black History Month & PALS

Celebrating Black History Month is about honoring diversity. At PALS we work to build a world of belonging for all people. This means that we observe and celebrate differences, not that we ignore them and pretend like all people are the same.

Jenni Ross
January 28, 2022

Workplace Support for PALS!

Jenni Ross
January 28, 2022
Workplace Support for PALS!

We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. This month, we hear Rosemary's story. Rosemary has been a paired participant and volunteer leader and is currently a member of the PALS Staff Team!

Jenni Ross
January 6, 2022

In Loving Memory of Grant McDermott

Jenni Ross
January 6, 2022
In Loving Memory of Grant McDermott

On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Grant McDermott passed away unexpectedly. He was 19. Grant, and his siblings, have volunteered at PALS for many years. This is a huge loss to the PALS family and to the world. Our deepest condolences go out to the McDermott family and friends.

Jenni Ross
January 4, 2022

Where 2021 has brought PALS!

Jenni Ross
January 4, 2022
Where 2021 has brought PALS!

What a year 2021 has been! From starting the year off with the one-of-a-kind Escape from Polar Palace event at PALS to finishing the year with our virtual New Year’s Eve party, we have found new and creative ways to gather as a community in an ever-changing year.

Jenni Ross
December 29, 2021

The Generosity of the PALS Family

Jenni Ross
December 29, 2021
The Generosity of the PALS Family

As 2021 comes to a close, we at PALS are so grateful for the generosity of our community this entire year. While adapting our programs due to COVID-19, we continued to see the support of our community in supporting our mission to inspire a world of belonging.

Jenni Ross
December 27, 2021

How To Use CampDoc to Apply for Summer 2022

Jenni Ross
December 27, 2021
How To Use CampDoc to Apply for Summer 2022

We are so excited to be returning to in-person camps this year, and with that comes another exciting new change: this year we are switching over to a new application system! As we continue to grow, CampDoc will be able to grow with us.

Jenni Ross
December 13, 2021

Leadership Spotlight: Program Leads

Jenni Ross
December 13, 2021
Leadership Spotlight: Program Leads

As an organization that highlights volunteer-led programs, our volunteer leaders are the backbone of our organization. They are the creatives, the supporters, the advocates, and the builders that help actualize our mission in the most tangible and meaningful ways.

Jenni Ross
December 13, 2021

Why PALS? A Board Member's Perspective

Jenni Ross
December 13, 2021
Why PALS? A Board Member's Perspective

We often ask members of the PALS Family “Why PALS?” to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. This month, we hear Sarah’s story. Sarah is a parent, donor, and the newest member of the PALS Board!

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© 2024 PALS PROGRAMS

PALS Programs is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID 35-2334489

Mailing Address:
PALS Programs
30 S 15th St
Ste 1550 PMB 98586
Philadelphia, PA 19102-4806

Phone:
267-477-PALS (7257)

Fax:
+1 908-315-5201 

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