Hidden Gems: Meet Sandra Baker of Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Baker, Director of Operations and Family Support, Interim Executive Director

Hi Sandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My second child was born, and as I brought him home, I sensed that something was amiss. I began to investigate the signs I noticed, and the term Down syndrome came up frequently in my searches. I made an appointment with the doctor for confirmation, and after a tense ten days, we received the diagnosis of Down syndrome. This news was devastating for both my husband and me. We shared the news with close family members, including our parents and siblings, but the toughest conversation was with my young daughter. At just four years old, she couldn’t fully grasp the significance of the diagnosis, but she sweetly promised to teach her brother how to play with her toys.

Following that, I decided to leave my accounting job to dedicate my time to therapies and numerous doctor visits. Thankfully, my son’s health was stable, which allowed me to think more clearly and develop a plan to help him gain as much independence as possible. Unfortunately, I was still grappling with feelings of isolation and depression, making it difficult to accomplish much. Fortunately, I connected with a mother of an older child with Down syndrome. She persistently encouraged me to join a support group. At that time, my only understanding of support groups was based on Alcoholics Anonymous, so I was somewhat wary of the idea.

I attended my first support group when my son was just three months old. There, I saw many families with older children who were thriving and happy, playing with friends and siblings. It was the first time I felt a glimmer of hope. That experience became my lifeline, and I clung to it. We made numerous friends, and for the first time, we no longer felt alone on this journey. Out of gratitude, I began volunteering as the group secretary, and eventually took on the role of group leader, serving in that capacity for about 13 years.

During this time, I attended various enlightening conferences and training programs focused on disabilities. My involvement deepened, and I gained valuable knowledge, which led me to work at the local Family Resource and Empowerment Center at California State University of Northridge. Later, I joined the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), where I have been employed for about 19 years, contributing to the industry for approximately 24 years.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a parent to a child with Down syndrome comes with its own unique challenges, and I found myself balancing numerous responsibilities simultaneously. I was a mother to both my daughter and my son with Down syndrome while managing a full-time job. I opted to work for a small nonprofit organization because of its flexibility, even though it meant accepting a lower salary compared to my previous roles in for-profit companies. Fortunately, my husband at that time began securing better-paying positions, which allowed me to keep caring for our children while working in a lower-paying job.

During this period, I enrolled in classes and joined a program at the University of Southern California/Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles to deepen my knowledge about disabilities and how to assist families, engage with boards, and more. Navigating life with a child who has disabilities was a completely new journey for me, and exploring the world of nonprofits was equally unfamiliar. However, I genuinely feel that I have discovered my true calling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), a non-profit organization, envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Every day, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide families with the tools and resources necessary to lead meaningful lives.

At DSALA, we support families at all stages of life and have assisted families for 50 years. We begin our work from the moment that expecting parents receive the news of a diagnosis, on through the milestones of childhood, the struggles of the teenage years, and the challenges and achievements of adulthood. DSALA brings families together to learn, share, and support each other throughout this lifelong journey.

DSALA is known for its proactive approach to education and advocacy. We provide workshops, seminars, and resources to empower families with knowledge and tools to advocate for their loved ones. This empowerment is at the heart of our mission, as it fosters independence and confidence in both individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Ultimately, what sets DSALA apart is our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Every success story, every smile, and every milestone achieved by our families fuels our passion to continue our work. We are not just an organization; we are a community that celebrates each step forward, no matter how small, and supports each other through every challenge.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe that perseverance is crucial, even when the path forward seems unclear. There was a time when a board considered shutting down the organization, but I took it upon myself to recruit a completely new board to ensure we could continue providing support, information, and guidance to our families in need. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the power of community. Through our collective efforts, we were able to not only keep the organization alive but also strengthen its foundation for future growth. It was a crucial moment that reinforced my belief in the mission of DSALA and highlighted the impact we can have when we refuse to give up in the face of adversity.

In our work, we often encounter challenges that require us to think creatively and act decisively. It is this commitment to finding solutions and pushing forward that has allowed DSALA to thrive and make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Our collective effort ensures that we remain a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complexities of life with Down syndrome.

One of the key qualities that has contributed to my success is also adaptability. In a small organization like ours, each team member must be ready to step into various roles and responsibilities as needed. This flexibility allows us to respond effectively to the ever-changing needs of our community and seize opportunities for growth and improvement.

Moreover, I am proud of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We strive to create an environment where all families feel welcomed and supported, regardless of their background. This not only enhances our community but also enriches the services we provide, as diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by families.

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dsala.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsa_losangeles21/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DownSyndromeAssociationLA
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-association-of-los-angeles-inc/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://x.com/DownSyndromeLA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@downsyndromeassociationofl8721
• Other: https://app.theauxilia.com/pay/71176078-26b7-4744-72d1-e75b2bc853c1