Who We Are

TBODS is a nonprofit 501(C) 3 corporation established in the State of California in 2008 dedicated to making the future brighter for individuals with Down syndrome. Our organization is managed by a Board consisting of parents and/or friends of those with Down syndrome. The fiscal year of TBODS is from January 1 through December 31. The treasurer manages our bookkeeping, and our annual income tax returns are prepared by a licensed and reputable Certified Public Accountant. TBODS is financed through private donations, memorials, and an annual Buddy Walk. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and can be mailed to the address below.

                                    TBODS
                                    P.O.Box 32252
                                    Stockton, CA 95213-2252

TBODS usually meets at least once a month to encourage and strengthen each other, by striving to increase our knowledge, understanding, and hope about Down syndrome. We share new information, ideas, and advice to become better advocates for our children. We often have speakers on specific subject matter, or enjoy planned social events.

Our History

TBODS was founded in 2006 by two proud moms to children with Down syndrome. These two moms had first hand experience with the joys and the hardships of raising a child with individual special needs. They understood the importance of connecting with other families and how much families could rely on these relationships when they encounter inevitable challenges. These moms also knew the joy of celebrating each other’s victories, making the journey with their child so much richer.

TBODS was formed to provide support and connection for families in all of San Joaquin County, and at that time no other group in the area was dedicated to advocate specifically for persons with Down syndrome. Within months, TBODS applied for and received its non-profit number from the state. A constitution and bylaws were developed, and in 2009 TBODS was finally incorporated. Elected officers serve at least a 2-year term.

About Us

Board Members

Jean Wiltz, Founder and President
Mom to Aaron

In 2006, another parent and I co-founded TBODS. My son, Aaron, was born in 1976 and was diagnosed with Down syndrome. So, I have years of first-hand knowledge and experiences to share with other parents. In 2009, I retired after 33 years of teaching. Almost 30 of those years were enjoyed as an Infant Development Specialist working with families who has an infant birth to three years of age with a special needs diagnosis. Currently, I have a private practice and am a vendored IDS for our local Regional Center. My vision is for TBODS to provide a comfortable and relaxed environment for parents to share, brag, learn, encourage, develop friendships and gain information from each other.

I truly believe my family has been blessed by having Aaron. He definitely changed who I was becoming, and has made huge impacts on his father, two brothers and all other close friends and relatives. Aaron is God's gift to our family!

Mike Manetti, Vice President
Dad to Max

My name is Mike Manetti and I have been married to the love of my life, Holly, for 4 years. We have been blessed with two children: Our little princess, 3 year old Sofia and our little big guy, Max, who is almost 2. Holly and I became aware that Max would be special about 16 weeks into her pregnancy. Although it was difficult to comprehend at that time I still recall one of my first thoughts was, "He was meant for us and he is going to bring us together with people we probably never would have met otherwise." Here we are 2 years later and that is exactly what we found with TBODS. Wonderful people, loving families, years of experiences, can all be found here with TBODS. We have made lifelong connections with other families and found love and joy that we would never would have known had it not been for Max. I invite anyone to come hang around with our kiddos and experience the world we have come to know because of what we have affectionately come to call the "Smile Chromosome." Take one look at our kiddos and you will know what I mean.

Darlene Nyswonger, Historian
Mom to Aubrey

Hi everyone! My name is Darlene Nyswonger. I have a very precious daughter, Aubrey, who is 2 years old and has Mosaic Down Syndrome. When we first met some of the families in TBODS, we just "clicked" and I feel like I have known them for years. I never would have thought my daughter would be responsible for us being a part of such a wonderful group of families. I am so proud to be serving with this group of officers and for the great families that make up TBODS to preserve the memories of our families together as we raise beautiful children into adulthood.

Barbara Patton, Member at Large
Mom to Angelina

Hi my name is Barbara and this is Angelina. She is 5 years old and the joy of my life. A little about us; I adopted Angelina when she was two years old but she has lived with me all her life. I am a foster parent, a mom. and a trainer for new adoptive and foster parents. I joined TBODS before I adopted Angelina and it was a good place to find information and to share feelings about our special children. I enjoy all of our activities and get-togethers.

Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.
- Orison Swett Marden