Ace started his third year of preschool, this year feels different in a way that’s hard to put into words. When we first began this journey, we were scared. We carried so many questions and fears about what school would look like for our son. Would he truly be included? Would our non-speaking son be understood? Would there be a place for him in a general education classroom where he could be fully himself?

Now, walking through those same doors brings an incredibly healing certainty: Ace belongs there.

We feel it in the way his peers, teachers, and parents warmly greet him each morning. We feel it in every connection, even on the days when he isn’t there and people notice that he’s missed. This is a place filled with joy and connection. A place where Ace is truly seen. Where his differences aren’t just noticed, but understood and met with curiosity, respect, and care.

And his teachers, we absolutely love his teachers. They have created this space and classroom where differences aren’t something to be overlooked or simply accommodated, but something to be accepted, celebrated, and learned from. They collaborated with us on Ace’s IEP and, most importantly, ensure he has every opportunity to participate, contribute, communicate, and be an active and valued member of his classroom environment. Ace’s classmates think it’s pretty cool that he communicates with his hands. They’ve embraced his way of communicating by learning sign language, and they especially love learning new animal signs together. Watching their friendships grow through communication that is not typical has been one of the most beautiful parts of this journey.

And somewhere along the way, this community changed us, too. We no longer feel like we are simply trying to find our place within a school. We feel like we are truly part of a beautiful community. We are friends far beyond the classroom through weekly park hangs, camping trips and parent outings. Most recently, Ace joined East Altadena T-Ball alongside four of his ANS friends. 

Dani is also serving as Board Secretary at ANS again, and we feel incredibly honored to help shape the future of this beautiful community that has become such an important part of our lives.

We are incredibly lucky to have found a community of people who see Ace, believe in him, include him, learn from him, and genuinely want him there. People who remind us that belonging isn’t about fitting into a space that was created for everyone else. It’s about creating a space where every child is recognized as an essential part of the whole. It is the kind of community every child deserves.

And it’s no exaggeration to say: We couldn’t have done this without Club 21.

When Ace was just four months old, we attended our first First Steps gathering in Nancy’s backyard and everything changed. As new, overwhelmed parents, we were embraced by a community that immediately felt like family. We developed our vision for Ace's future and club 21 has felt like our backbone along the way. 

For nearly five years, Club 21 has connected us with extraordinary families and transformative programs. It is here that we found some of our closest friendships, sharing playdates, late-night texts, and the kind of unwavering support that has helped us grow stronger, more confident, and deeply hopeful about Ace’s future. Club 21 has become an important part of our family’s journey, a place we turn to for support, reminding us that we are never alone.

We are now in our fourth year of the Stepping Up program, and it continues to be a vital part of Ace's growth. As we prepare for Ace to begin kindergarten next year, we’re gaining valuable insight from experts in the field while learning from the lived experiences of fellow parents. Through Stepping Up, along with opportunities like the Tools for the Journey conference, IEP workshops, the Self-Determination Program, and additional conferences and workshops first introduced to us through Club 21, we’ve deepened our understanding of educational standards, expanded our circle of support, and built a stronger foundation of knowledge and advocacy. Each of these experiences has given us new tools to navigate what lies ahead, advocate for Ace’s needs and inclusion, and, most importantly, dream even bigger for his future.

For over two years, Dani has taken an active role in planning First Steps gatherings with Pam Grassedonio. Creating a welcoming enviornment for new families, assisting and supporting in their journey. 

As we look ahead, our hearts are full with gratitude for the journey so far, and the excitement for all that lies ahead.

If you feel inspired by Ace’s journey and the incredible work Club 21 is doing for families like ours, we’d be honored to have your support. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create more stories like ours and brings us one step closer to Helping Club 21 continue to build the next chapter of programs and opportunities for all ages.

• Expand transition-to-adulthood programming

• Strengthen educational supports and literacy instruction

• Provide resources and training for families and educators

• Build inclusive communities where individuals with Down syndrome can truly belong

Most importantly, your support ensures that the next generation of Club 21 families will have the same pathway of support that continues to help our family.

Thank you for your generosity to our Team and Club 21! Together really is better.

With love & Gratitude, 

The Pedersens