Wake County First In Families

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and at FIFNC, that means celebrating the individuals and families we walk alongside every day across North Carolina.

Support looks different for every family: sometimes it is help planning for the future, sometimes it is connecting with other parents who understand the journey, and sometimes it is simply having someone in your corner who will not let you navigate the system alone.

This month, join us in recognizing the strength and joy that inclusion brings to our communities. Learn more about who we serve at fifnc.org/about-us.

Check out this event happening on Saturday Kids Together Playground, Marla Dorrel Park, Cary, NC. Registration required: https://www.kidstogethercary.org/walk-run-roll.html

We will be gathering with chapters and staff from across the state this week at our annual Summit, so our office team may be a little slower to respond than usual.

We are still here for you. If something comes up while we are away from our desks, your local chapter is a great first stop for support. Find yours at fifnc.org/find-help.

Join Inclusion Seekers (powered by Starfire) and First In Families of North Carolina tomorrow, September 15th at 1pm-2:30pm for the "Inclusion Seekers: Building Community" series. Registration is required! Please register here: https://starfirecouncil-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1KWGEXp4RAybgJfD-ae3ag #/registration

What does it look like when families, volunteers, and chapters from across North Carolina show up in the same room? That is what FIFNC's Summit is all about.

Over September 17-18, our statewide network gathers for shared meals, working sessions, and time to celebrate a year of progress. It is a reminder that the strength of our programs lies not just in funding or paperwork. It is the people who keep showing up for each other, county by county.

Curious what FIFNC does the other 363 days of the year? Take a look at fifnc.org.

Join Inclusion Seekers (powered by Starfire) and First In Families of North Carolina next Tuesday, September 15th at 1pm-2:30pm for the "Inclusion Seekers: Building Community" series. This four-part series will cover many topics centered on helping you build community. Register today at https://starfirecouncil-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1KWGEXp4RAybgJfD-ae3ag #/registration

Happy Labor Day from FIFNC!

In observance of Labor Day, FIFNC offices will be closed on Monday, September 7. We hope everyone gets a well-earned break to rest and spend time with family.

If you need to reach us, leave a message for your local chapter and our team will follow up when we reopen the next business day.

FIFNC 2026 Summit is next month🗓️! This year we will celebrate the power of community🤝. If you are a community partner, friend, or family member, you are invited to join us at our annual Summit happening on September 17th-September 18th at the Hilton Durham near Duke University in Durham, NC. Spots are limited ‼️. Please register today to reserve your spot (registration closes Monday, August 31st, 2026): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyAav0mFZQuZFXv120jH6LnMU2w6UifDXh1etggxJHDBlnsw/viewform

Questions about the registration form? Please reach out to Tiera Noel at [email protected].