Celebrating abilities. Building community. Creating opportunity.
Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky provides lifelong support, meaningful programs, trusted resources and a welcoming community for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Find what you need
- I'm a new familyStart here for a warm welcome, first steps and someone to talk to.
- Explore programsAge-based programming from birth through adulthood.
- Upcoming eventsWalks, galas, golf and celebrations across the year.
- VolunteerLend a few hours to classes, fundraisers and office needs.
- DonateFund programs that stay free for the families who need them.
- Visit the Buddy House522 State Street, Bowling Green — come see us.
Who we are
An organization of parents, friends and families — built by people who’ve walked it
In 1996, five families gathered to form a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome. Today DSSKY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of parents, family members, friends, community members and professionals.
We serve individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, and on March 21, 2013 we opened the doors to The Buddy House — Southern Kentucky’s headquarters for Down syndrome.
Most of our services come at no cost to families, and scholarships are available for anything that carries a fee.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing support, information, education, resources, networking and activities.
The Buddy House
522 State Street, Bowling Green — open to members, families and anyone who wants to learn more.
Programs
Programs for every stage of life
From first steps to first jobs, there’s a place at the Buddy House at every age — and most of it comes at no cost to families.
Ages 0–5My Buddies & Me
Play, early connection and a first community for little ones and the grown-ups who love them.
Program page coming soon
Ages 6–11Little Rascals
Friendships, creativity and after-school fun built around what kids actually love doing.
Program page coming soon
Ages 12–17Club Tween
Hangouts, outings and growing independence with friends who get it.
Program page coming soon
Ages 18+Club 21
Adult skills and speech classes, job training, fitness, and a monthly meetup that's all their own.
Program page coming soon
All agesRockerz Dance Team
Weekly rehearsals, real performances, and the kind of confidence that carries everywhere.
Program page coming soonPlus seasonal and inclusive programming
Summer camps, inclusive sports, adult speech and skills classes, dance fitness, and the Buddy House Ambassador Program with our community partners.
Events
What’s coming up
Our events are how this community celebrates together — and how we fund the programs that run all year long.
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk
- Date
- Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time
- Gates open 10:00 am
- Location
- Bowling Green Ballpark
Our 28th annual walk brings hundreds of families, friends and teams together for the biggest day on the DSSKY calendar.
Registration open
Duffing for Down Syndrome
- Date
- Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Time
- Time to be announced
- Location
- Bowling Green area
A friendly golf scramble where every team, sponsor and mulligan helps fund year-round programming.
Contact us to register
Hardwood Heroes Classic
- Date
- Date to be confirmed
- Time
- Time to be confirmed
- Location
- Location to be confirmed
Our World Down Syndrome Day basketball celebration, where Buddy House members take the court as the stars of the show.
Details coming soonDetails to confirm
Capital campaign
Raise the Roof: room to grow
We’ve outgrown our space. Raise the Roof is our campaign to move into a larger building — more classrooms for skills and speech, more room for the Rockerz to rehearse, and space for families to gather without waiting for a turn.
Each year we host a Raise the Roof event with a celebrity guest to grow the fund.
Placeholder: campaign goal and amount raised aren’t published on the current site. Send us the real figures and a progress bar will appear here.
For donors & supporters
Ways to give and get involved
DSSKY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every gift keeps programs free for the families who need them.
Make a Donation
A one-time gift funds classes, supplies and family support today.
Become a Monthly Donor
Steady monthly giving lets us plan programs a full year ahead.
Sponsor an Event
Put your business behind a signature event and reach the whole community.
Volunteer
Help with skills classes, fundraisers and day-to-day life at the Buddy House.
Donate Wish List Items
Send everyday supplies straight to the Buddy House shelves.
Support the Capital Campaign
Invest in Raise the Roof and help us grow into a larger home.