

Raising awareness, supporting, educating, and connecting people with Down syndrome and their families in the greater Utica and central New York area.
Events


Wednesday, May 20th
Cook WIth ALLIE and Karen BiSHOP
Via ZOOM @ 6:30pm
Join the fun Wednesdays via ZOOM to learn new recipes that our friends with Down syndrome can prepare safely and enjoy.
Karen and Allie Bishop will be leading each cooking class. All classes are FREE. The ingredients are provided by 21 Club. We will be preparing kits for each person and delivering them to you on Mondays ahead of time. Registration in advance will be required for each class so preparations can be made.
Please RSVP by the Friday before each class so we can gather supplies and deliver what you will need. If this is your first time joining us, please include the participant's age and any food allergies or sensitivities we should be aware of.






Our Speaker: Arin Reeves
April 22, 2026
6:15pm
“Reclaiming Your Energy When You’re Always On Call: Energy Management Strategies for Caregivers”
(60-minute virtual presentation; Audience: 21 Club of CNY’s Women’s Night attendees)
Description:
This virtual session introduces caregivers to the principles of energy management as a practical alternative to traditional self-care and time management advice that often feels unrealistic. Designed for women supporting individuals with Down syndrome across all life stages, the presentation focuses on recognizing energy levels in real time, identifying common drains, and using simple, evidence-based strategies—many taking five minutes or less—to reset and restore energy during stressful moments. Participants will explore how to manage energy amid every day stressors, including medical uncertainty, advocacy demands, emotional transitions, and the ongoing responsibility of being “on call” for someone else’s well-being. Through interactive exercises, guided reflection, and practical strategies, participants will leave with a better understanding of what energy management is and the practical tools they can use immediately to reclaim their energy.
Logistics:
Time: 6:15pm ET - 7:15pm ET // 5:15pm CT - 6:15pm CT
When
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026 ⋅ 6:15pm – 7:15pm (Eastern Time - New York)
Guests
Arin N. Reeves - organizer
Alyssa J. Stilley - creator
Dr. Arin N. Reeves is a renowned researcher, best-selling author, and trusted advisor to global leaders navigating the evolving landscape of leadership and workplace culture. Her work spans critical themes, including emotional intelligence, energy management, diversity and inclusion, transformational leadership, generational dynamics, and organizational change. Known for her intellectual depth and practical insights, Dr. Reeves helps executives lead with clarity, equity, and resilience in increasingly complex environments. Her research and advisory work are grounded in a commitment to challenging norms and inviting contrarian perspectives that drive transformational growth. Arin is the author of several influential books, including The Next IQ, One Size Never Fits All, and Smarter Than A Lie. Her latest title, In Charge: The Energy Management Guide for Badass Women Who Are Tired of Being Tired, reflects her advocacy for sustainable leadership and holistic wellbeing. She has led groundbreaking research initiatives on gender equity, LGBTQIA+ visibility, racial and ethnic diversity, cultural integration, implicit bias, energy management, and generational collaboration. As founder and managing director of Nextions, a firm specializing in workplace culture change, and creator of The JEDI Collective, Arin has redefined how leaders and organizations approach progress. Beginning her career in law, Dr. Reeves earned her doctorate in sociology from Northwestern University, where she has also served as an Adjunct Professor teaching on law and society. Intellectually curious and unapologetically bold, she continues to push boundaries — helping leaders not just lead, but evolve.

Literacy Tutoring
Check out our Literacy Program!
Open doors for your loved one by opening a book. Reading leads to better speech, success at school, and opportunities in life. Take advantage of our literacy program and get your child started reading or improve current reading skills. Our 6 week program will start in April.
The focus of this program is to provide literacy support and reading instruction to individuals with Down syndrome. Participants and tutors will be matched based on mutual availability, and will meet once a week for an hour of one-on-one instruction for six weeks. Tutors will be responsible for creating lesson plans and assessing participants. The Utica Public Library has resources for tutors to utilize, including an array of leveled readers and the ability to duplicate or laminate materials and make personalized books for participants. Participants can meet with their tutor at a location and time that works best for their schedule.
Any questions? Contact our literacy program coordinator, Heidi McManus by e-mailing her HERE or calling her at 315-735-2279 ext. 220.

July 15, 2026
Family Picnic
Chadwicks Donovan Memorial Park
9400 Elm Street, Chadwicks, NY
6:00pm
This event is FREE for all 21 Club families. The food will be from Piggy Pat's BBQ. A photographer, will be taking family photos for our annual 21 Club Calendar. (When you arrive, you can sign up for a time for your family photo.) A calendar pre-order form will be available at the merchandise table at the picnic. We ask that all calendars be pre-paid so we don't order too many. Calendars are $20 each. Down syndrome merchandise will be available for purchase.
We look forward to welcoming our families and friends for this fun event!
The 21 Club Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Delta Hotels by MaRriott grande Ballroom
200 genesee Street, UtIca
Starting At 3:30pm
Santa is coming to town for our 21 Club Holiday celebration. Invitations have been emailed! Not on our e-mail list? Need an invite? Click HERE.



September 2026
Buddy Walk
11AM-1pm
Our friends at Upstate Cerebral Palsy will be sponsoring the Buddy Walk this year at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. There will be a walk around the campus, and activities for the kids.