BUDS Huntsville is thrilled to announce our very first scholarship awards, made possible by the incredible support of IronMountain Solutions of Huntsville!
This year, they are awarding scholarships to several outstanding high school seniors who are part of the BUDS family.
These scholarships are about more than recognizing academic achievement; they're about celebrating our members' inspiring plans for the future and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Whether it's pursuing higher education, vocational training, or embarking on a new adventure, our recipients are ready to continue living their best lives and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
BUDS Huntsville sends a huge thank you to IronMountain Solutions for their generosity and belief in our mission.
Together, we're empowering these young adults to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams!
Congratulations Kendle Larson, Andra Wilson, Isabella Andrews, Giovanna Andrews, Gabriella Andrews and Catherine Trotter!
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What Does BUDS Do?
BUDS is a non-profit organization in North Alabama that has existed for over 16 years and boosts almost 400 members! With the tax-deductible donations that BUDS receives, we are able to provide New Parent Packets, valued at $150, to all families with a child newly diagnosed with Down syndrome. This is incredibly important because these packets contains valuable information and resources to educate new families as they try to understand the concept of Down syndrome and how to care for a child who is different from the child they were anticipating.
BUDS is there to offer support, encouragement, and personal experience to these families as well. BUDS wants to help each family see that their child is still a precious gift… just a different gift in a different package.
BUDS also provides yearly mini-grants up to $500 for families who apply to assist them with pertinent expenses such as: medical bills and co-pays; adaptive equipment such as eyeglasses, orthotics, and hearing aids; specialized private school programs; and supplemental therapies for their special needs child. This year, BUDS has added a new grant up to $250 for families who apply to help them pay for Down Syndrome conferences and workshop fees.
With the funds we raise, BUDS also purchases tools such as wagons, rocking chairs, child seats, adaptive tricycles, and educational packets which are then donated to local schools, libraries, hospitals, and doctors offices.
Additionally, BUDS hosts and pays for monthly family events so that our families can connect with one another without the financial burden. Some of our past events have included: Southern Adventures, Tate Farms, Altitude Trampoline Park, Matrix Gym, Birmingham Zoo, and sensory-friendly movies.
BUDS also organizes monthly Dads Night Out, Moms Night Out, and Ladies Luncheons so that we can be meaningful sources of support to one another. The best resource for information and encouragement is other BUDS parents.
Finally, BUDS arranges meals and care packages for families with a newly diagnosed newborn and also for those families who may be experiencing medical emergencies and extended hospital stays. We want families to know that they are never alone.
Would you like to get involved in this incredible organization?
Fill out this Interest Form and someone from BUDS will get in touch with you directly!
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