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OUR STORY
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
When fraternal twins Kyle and Ryan were born in 2004, their mother, Rebecca Christiansen, quickly discovered how much they were different yet the same. More importantly, she discovered that children with Down syndrome are more the same than different than other children. Being a nurse, she was shocked to find that health care professionals do not always shape a positive first impression of a life with a baby with a disability. And so, in April of 2007, Rebecca, her family and friends founded Celebrate Differences to share the message with everyone that a baby with a disability is a celebration of life, not an end!
OUR MISSION
Celebrate Differences is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities—children, teens, and adults—by providing opportunities that foster independence, purpose, and full participation in community life. OUR VISION
Our vision is a world where individuals with intellectual disabilities are valued, included, and supported in leading lives of independence, dignity, and purpose.
CORE VALUES People First Celebrate Differences believes that all people with disabilities are defined by their abilities and not by their disability.
Empowerment Celebrate Differences believes through our programs and the resources we provide, we can help these individuals lead meaningful lives in the communities for which they live and work. Equality Celebrate Differences believes that people with disabilities are entitled to opportunities equal to other members of society. Community Celebrate Differences believes that individuals with disabilities have the right to be fully included and active in the communities in which they live.
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A not-for-profit organization, Celebrate Differences is incorporated in the State of Florida and files as a qualified 501(c)(3) organization with the Internal Revenue Service, ID 20-5007373.
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7137 Tucson Tr, The Villages, Fl, 34762 | 630.885.3006
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