Southeast Missouri

Southeast Missouri Programs & Services

The Gateway Down Syndrome Association proudly serves families across Southeast Missouri, including Ste. Genevieve, Perryville, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Jackson, and surrounding communities. With two dedicated staff members, a satellite office in Cape Girardeau, and in partnership with the Heartland Community Group, families, friends, and volunteers, the Gateway DSA – Southeast Missouri Chapter is able to offer more programs, services, and support in the region than ever before.

Small Steps Therapy Playgroup - Fall Session

Thursday, September 10th & 24th from 5:30-7pm at the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau MO

Thursday, October 8th from 5:30-7pm at 4-H Building at 321 Jaycee Drive in Cape Girardeau, MO

Thursday, October 22nd & November 11th from 5:30-7pm at the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau, MO

Join us for Small Steps, a therapeutic play group for children with Down syndrome ages 3-10 years old! This FREE program includes activities with Special Olympics Young Athletes that focus on gross motor skills, singing with a music therapist, and socializing with other children with Down syndrome and their caregivers. Parents are asked to stay with their children during the program. Please feel free to bring siblings along.

Volunteers are also needed for this program! Contact Katelyn@gatewaydsa.org to sign up or if you have any questions.

SEMO Down Syndrome Education Specialist Conference

Wednesday, September 16th from 9:00am-3:30pm at Cape Girardeau School District Office – 301 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

The Gateway Down Syndrome Association – SEMO Chapter is hosting a FREE, full-day Down Syndrome Education Specialist Conference this fall!

Educators, support professionals, parents, and caregivers are invited to learn more about creating the best possible educational experience for students with Down syndrome.

Participants will leave with tools, resources, and strategies that can immediately be implemented in the classroom. Topics covered: DS 101, Behavior Solutions, Visual Schedules, and AAC Device Training.

Fall Buddy Up Pickleball

Monday’s starting September 14th through November 2nd from 6-7pm at The Pickleball Factory in Cape Girardeau MO

Our weekly pickleball program is in partnership with Buddy Up for Life and The Pickleball factory, and it is a 60 minute program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships.

No pickleball experience required. Team t-shirt provided.

Scholarships are always available. Contact Maria@gatewaydsa.org with any questions.

Family Night at Perryville Pumpkin Farm

Friday, September 18th from 5-7:30pm at Perryville Pumpkin Farm – 1410 Allens Landing Rd., Perryville, MO 63755

Join us for fall fun at Perryville Pumpkin Farm! This free event includes pizza, a group hayride at 6pm, snacks to feed the goats, and a pumpkin for each attendee. Bring the whole family for an opportunity to explore the farm and meet other families in the GDSA-SEMO community!

SEMO Step Up for Down Syndrome

Saturday, October 10th from 10am-1pm at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau

Join Gateway DSA- SEMO for the largest celebration of Down syndrome in Southeast Missouri! Start a team in honor of your loved one with the option of fundraising for amazing prizes including field spots at next year’s Cape Catfish game, banners and signs, buttons, t-shirts, and more!

On the day of the event, attendees will enjoy food, games, vendor tables, activities, and music, and an awareness walk around the park. Learn more and start your team using the link below!

Heartland Community Group Monster Mash

Friday, October 16th from 5-8pm at Cape Career & Technology Center – 1080 S. Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO

We’re getting ready for a spooky good time at the annual Heartland Community Group Monster Mash! Ghost, goblins, ghouls will enjoy indoor trick-or-treating, games, activities, food, and dancing! Grab your favorite costume and bring the whole family for a FREE, not-so-scary evening of Halloween fun.

Family Bowling Night in Dexter!

Thursday, November 5th from 6-8pm at Total Pindemonium Bowling Alley – 501 N 2 Mile Rd., Dexter, MO 63841

Join us for a night of fun for the whole family! We will have 5 bowling lanes and the party room from 6-8pm. Have some fun, build community, and bowl your heart out!

Shoe rental for bowlers and drinks will be provided for everyone. When you sign up, please choose if you want to bowl or if you just want to attend and hangout in the party room. Our group rate will be determined by how many people are actually bowling, but chaperones and family members who just want to come and watch are welcome, as well!

SEMO Rock 21 Concert

Friday, November 13th from 6-7pm at Spectrum Record Lounge – 113 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Are you ready to ROCK!? Our Rock 21 participants will have been practicing for several weeks to get ready for their big performance, and this is a show you won’t want to miss!! Let’s sing, dance, and cheer on our rockers as they take the stage and show off their new skills. This event is free to all! Beverages will be available for purchase at the venue and there are several takeout places nearby that folks can order from and bring in if they choose.

Contact Maria@gatewaydsa.org if you have any questions.

Celebration Basket Donations Needed!

Currently accepting donations through our Amazon Wishlist

At the Gateway Down Syndrome Association, one of our top priorities is connecting with families as early as possible to provide accurate information, hope, love, support, and celebration! These connections happen throughout our service area, including through our Southeast Missouri Chapter. When a parent is ready, our family support team visits parents and new babies and provides books, resources, and gifts. We’ve put together a SEMO New Family Celebration Basket wishlist on Amazon of items we use to create these gift baskets, but our inventory is low and we need your help! All items will ship directly to our SEMO Chapter and be used to welcome families in the Southeast Missouri region to our community. Thank you for your support!

Gateway DSA - Southeast Missouri Chapter Calendar

	September 2026
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7	8	9	10 SEMO Rock 21! Practice SEMO Rock 21! Practice September 10, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 21 S Plaza Way Cape Girardeau, MO, United States Have you ever dreamed of being in a ROCK BAND?? The SEMO ROCK21 programs gives teens and adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform their favorite songs, just like a real band would! No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge is required! Just bring your enthusiasm and love of music! -Must be 16 years or older -Participants will have the opportunity to try every instrument and sing their favorite song -Registration is just $30 per participant and includes all 8 weeks of practice -Spots are limited so sign up today! We are working on details for a potential concert! Stay tuned for more info! Sign up at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri Questions? Contact Maria@gatewaydsa.org. Small Steps Therapeutic Play Program Small Steps Therapeutic Play Program September 10, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 1625 N Kingshighway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA This program is in Southeast MO for children with Down syndrome ages 3-10. Participants will enjoy music time together led by a certified music therapist followed by gross motor activities! Parents are asked to stay with their child during the program. Sign up at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri/ Contact Katelyn@gatewaydsa.org with questions	11	12 Heartland Community Group Meeting Heartland Community Group Meeting September 12, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cape Girardeau Public Library, 711 Clark St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA Join other families on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10-12 to talk about challenges, successes, and plan programs and events for the community! Email heartland_cg@dsagsl.org with any questions	13
14 Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO September 14, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm The Pickleball Factory, 1507 Independence St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, USA Join us for our fall 8-week session of Buddy Up pickleball! Buddy Up Pickleball is a 60 minute program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No pickleball experience required. Team t-shirt provided. Click HERE to sign-up and join in on the fun! Scholarships are always available (no income questions asked and you never get denied!). Contact Maria at Maria@gatewaydsa.org with inquiry.	15	16 SEMO Down Syndrome Education Specialist SEMO Down Syndrome Education Specialist September 16, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Cape Girardeau Public Schools Central Administrative Office, 301 Clark St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA Join GDSA SEMO Chapter for our Down Syndrome Education Specialist Program! Educators, support professionals, parents, and caregivers are invited to learn more about creating the best possible educational experience for students with Down syndrome. Participants will leave with tools, resources, and strategies that can immediately be implemented in the classroom. Topics covered: DS 101, Behavior Solutions, Visual Schedules, and AAC Device Training. Visit gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri	17 SEMO Rock 21! Practice SEMO Rock 21! Practice September 17, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 21 S Plaza Way Cape Girardeau, MO, United States Have you ever dreamed of being in a ROCK BAND?? The SEMO ROCK21 programs gives teens and adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform their favorite songs, just like a real band would! No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge is required! Just bring your enthusiasm and love of music! -Must be 16 years or older -Participants will have the opportunity to try every instrument and sing their favorite song -Registration is just $30 per participant and includes all 8 weeks of practice -Spots are limited so sign up today! We are working on details for a potential concert! Stay tuned for more info! Sign up at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri Questions? Contact Maria@gatewaydsa.org.	18 Family Night at Perryville Pumpkin Farm Family Night at Perryville Pumpkin Farm September 18, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Perryville Pumpkin Farm, 1410 Allen Landings Rd, Perryville, MO 63775, USA Join us for fall fun at Perryville Pumpkin Farm! This free event includes a group hayride at 6pm, a pumpkin for each attendee, snacks to feed the goats, and pizza. Bring the whole family for an opportunity to explore the farm and meet other families in the GDSA-SEMO community! RSVP at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri	19 Southeast MO Transition Expo Southeast MO Transition Expo September 19, 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 2935 Lynwood Hills Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA	20
21 Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO September 21, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm The Pickleball Factory, 1507 Independence St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, USA Join us for our fall 8-week session of Buddy Up pickleball! Buddy Up Pickleball is a 60 minute program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No pickleball experience required. Team t-shirt provided. Click HERE to sign-up and join in on the fun! Scholarships are always available (no income questions asked and you never get denied!). Contact Maria at Maria@gatewaydsa.org with inquiry. Community Share: Best Buddies Speed Friending Community Share: Best Buddies Speed Friending September 21, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Dempster Hall, Room 124; 1121 Greek Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA SEMO Best Buddies fosters one-to-one friendships between college students without IDD and their peers on campus or in the community with IDD. Join them for their first event of the fall - speed friending! For more information & to register, contact ddeptulahailey@gmail.com	22	23	24 SEMO Rock 21! Practice SEMO Rock 21! Practice September 24, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 21 S Plaza Way Cape Girardeau, MO, United States Have you ever dreamed of being in a ROCK BAND?? The SEMO ROCK21 programs gives teens and adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform their favorite songs, just like a real band would! No previous musical experience or instrument knowledge is required! Just bring your enthusiasm and love of music! -Must be 16 years or older -Participants will have the opportunity to try every instrument and sing their favorite song -Registration is just $30 per participant and includes all 8 weeks of practice -Spots are limited so sign up today! We are working on details for a potential concert! Stay tuned for more info! Sign up at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri Questions? Contact Maria@gatewaydsa.org. Small Steps Therapeutic Play Program Small Steps Therapeutic Play Program September 24, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 1625 N Kingshighway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA This program is in Southeast MO for children with Down syndrome ages 3-10. Participants will enjoy music time together led by a certified music therapist followed by gross motor activities! Parents are asked to stay with their child during the program. Sign up at gatewaydsa.org/southeast-missouri/ Contact Katelyn@gatewaydsa.org with questions	25	26	27
28 Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO Buddy Up Pickleball SEMO September 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm The Pickleball Factory, 1507 Independence St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, USA Join us for our fall 8-week session of Buddy Up pickleball! Buddy Up Pickleball is a 60 minute program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No pickleball experience required. Team t-shirt provided. Click HERE to sign-up and join in on the fun! Scholarships are always available (no income questions asked and you never get denied!). Contact Maria at Maria@gatewaydsa.org with inquiry.	29	30

Contact Us!

Gateway DSA – Southeast Missouri Chapter Office Location: 1427 Thomas Dr. | Suite 11 | Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Programs & Services Coordinator, Maria Marzuco: Maria@gatewaydsa.org | 314.863.3703

Programs & Services Assistant, Katelyn Ludwig: Katelyn@gatewaydsa.org | 573.837.6571