Lauren Gibeault
Meet our Residents: Courtney Lane and Kenzie ...

We’re thrilled to announce the newest additions to the PALS staff team—our very first Residents! This new residency is a one year  opportunity for emerging professionals to work closely with our team and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit management, diversity & inclusion, and career development.

Meet our Residents: Courtney Lane and Kenzie Wilson!
Shelby Jones
The Art of Juggling - A Program Lead Story

I’ve never been good at juggling… Or so I thought? After being a Program Lead, I learned that juggling several commitments is manageable with a little bit of planning and all of your heart. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, take that chance! It may turn into magic!

The Art of Juggling - A Program Lead Story
Jenni Ross
Growing Through the Ages at PALS

One of the most important components of the PALS model is our 1 to 1, peer to peer model. We believe strongly in the power of shared experiences, and we pair people together who can connect at camp but also find common ground in their life stages as well.

Growing Through the Ages at PALS
Jenni Ross
2024 Off-Season Events

The off-season programming at PALS has been part of our work since 2014. Over the past 10 years, we have run Adventures all across the country.

2024 Off-Season Events
Shelby Jones
A Growing Leadership Team at PALS

In June of 2016, I stepped onto Cabrini University’s campus, flooded with nervous excitement, for my first week of camp at PALS Philadelphia. Little did I know that I was about to experience the greatest dance parties, participate in an unforgettable karaoke night, build life-long friendships, and change the course of my life.

A Growing Leadership Team at PALS

Why PALS? People with Down syndrome deserve to be included and are good friends.

BY CHRIS LOPES

PALS Participant

We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. PALS participant Chris Lopes responded with the following:

“I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.”

Dear PALS Family,

I’ve been going to PALS since 2017, when I did PALS New Jersey. Since then, I’ve done PALS New York and PALS Holiday two times! My friend, Joey, told me about PALS – it was life changing!  I’ve met so many friends, with and without Down syndrome, by going to PALS. At PALS, I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.

One of my favorite PALS activities is PALS Olympics… that magic moment when we are all connected as friends. I also love being myself, dressing up in the fashion show, and of course, karaoke. I really love everything about PALS! My favorite memory was getting to know Carson when we bonded over our favorite TV shows and our favorite songs. We both love DC shows!

I think everyone should be involved with PALS, because when you are there, you are included and have so much fun meeting new friends and making memories. The friendships I’ve made through PALS continue after the program. I love to text, Facetime, or Zoom with my buddies from PALS. 

 PALS helps show the world that people with Down syndrome deserve to be included and are good friends. I’m so thankful and happy to be able to be a part of PALS.

PALS love,

Chris Lopes ❤️