Let's Build Together
Let's create a better world.
Who We Are
We are parents, we are a community, and we are family.
Victoria’s Place is here to help serve children with Down Syndrome everywhere. Our goal is to help make this world a better place for children with Down Syndrome through the programs we offer.
We believe in giving children with Down Syndrome a chance to express themselves by giving them a positive outlet through activities such as Art, Music, Sports, Help with Motor Skills, and Reading.
Our Approach
Executive Summary
Victoria’s Place is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Melanie Ray whose daughter,
Victoria, was born with Down Syndrome. Facing the challenges of raising a daughter with Down
Syndrome, Melanie started to prepare herself beforehand. When Victoria was born, Melanie reached out
to Family Connections where they placed her with a family support group. Melanie met other mothers
who had children with Down Syndrome which provided her with tremendous comfort and support along
her journey.
Melanie was prepared to be the best mom and teacher for Victoria. She knew from the very beginning that her loving and sweet daughter would be just fine. With the help of service providers such as the Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and the Speech Early Interventionist, Victoria made significant improvments in her developmental skills.
Melanie always had the passion, heart, and patience working with people with special needs as a mental health counselor, and a behavior therapist working with children with autism. She also worked as a program director developing programs for people with disabilities. Melanie is also an avid supporter of the Buddy Walk to support her daughter and other children with Down Syndrome. Her involvement in this annual event has allowed her to develop lasting friendships and to serve a support parent for other moms.
Melanie was prepared to be the best mom and teacher for Victoria. She knew from the very beginning that her loving and sweet daughter would be just fine. With the help of service providers such as the Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and the Speech Early Interventionist, Victoria made significant improvments in her developmental skills.
Melanie always had the passion, heart, and patience working with people with special needs as a mental health counselor, and a behavior therapist working with children with autism. She also worked as a program director developing programs for people with disabilities. Melanie is also an avid supporter of the Buddy Walk to support her daughter and other children with Down Syndrome. Her involvement in this annual event has allowed her to develop lasting friendships and to serve a support parent for other moms.
Working tirelessly with Victoria, Melanie saw firsthand how quickly she developed crucial
developmental skills. It was her sincere desire to do more not only for Victoria, but for other children as
well. She wanted to have a place where children with Down Syndrome could connect with one another
by expressing themselves in art, music, and physical activities. She was convinced that Victoria’s
accelerated developmental progress was a combination of several factors—Unshakable Faith in God,
Strong Parental involvement, Community Resources, Strong Church Family, Family Support.
Victoria’s Place is an interactive recreational place for children ages 3 to 12 years old with Down Syndrome. At Victoria’s Place, children with Down Syndrome will have the space to express themselves through a variety of recreational and artistic activities such as art, music, sports, fine motor skill activities, and reading. There will also be discussions on topics such as bullying, self-esteem, and making healthy choices. Victoria’s Place is a place for kids to grow, meet new friends, do exciting activities, get help with fine motor skills, be creative, improve social development skills, build muscle tone, and enhance memory skills. where children with Down Syndrome can have fun, learn, grow, and interact with their peers.
As a mother, I knew I had to do more for Victoria. Her smile lights up a room and brings so much joy to people. I wanted to make sure that her smile and joy could be shared with other kids who also bring that same level of joy and happiness to their parents. At Victoria’s Place, kids can interact with one another in a safe and loving environment with people who care. Our motto is: “You can do anything and be anything you want to be. There is no hurry, no worry at Victoria’s Place.”
Victoria’s Place is an interactive recreational place for children ages 3 to 12 years old with Down Syndrome. At Victoria’s Place, children with Down Syndrome will have the space to express themselves through a variety of recreational and artistic activities such as art, music, sports, fine motor skill activities, and reading. There will also be discussions on topics such as bullying, self-esteem, and making healthy choices. Victoria’s Place is a place for kids to grow, meet new friends, do exciting activities, get help with fine motor skills, be creative, improve social development skills, build muscle tone, and enhance memory skills. where children with Down Syndrome can have fun, learn, grow, and interact with their peers.
As a mother, I knew I had to do more for Victoria. Her smile lights up a room and brings so much joy to people. I wanted to make sure that her smile and joy could be shared with other kids who also bring that same level of joy and happiness to their parents. At Victoria’s Place, kids can interact with one another in a safe and loving environment with people who care. Our motto is: “You can do anything and be anything you want to be. There is no hurry, no worry at Victoria’s Place.”
01.
— Mission Statement
To provide a loving, compassionate, and safe environment for children with Down Syndrome that will
foster their social interactions, enhance their self-esteem, and build character.
02.
— Vision Statement
Building the best world possible for children with Down Syndrome.
03.
— Statement of Needs
Victoria’s Place will operate as a program designed exclusively for children with Down Syndrome
between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. As a mother, one of my greatest concerns was witnessing my
daughter grow up isolated from other children with Down Syndrome. Therefore, it was critically
important for me to explore a wide range of resources that would connect her with her peers so that
she would be able to make meaningful and lasting friendships. I also wanted other parents with children with Down Syndrome to feel comfortable knowing that they could send their children to a place where
they could interact with their peers in a loving and compassionate environment.