Founded in 2022 by Abi Tannis Porter, A Little Bit Extra is a local charity with a mission to empower individuals with Down Syndrome and the families that support them with resources in health, therapy, education and career opportunities. Late last year, the organisation launched a new series of symposiums exploring the developmental stages for youths with Down Syndrome, with the first focusing on the very early years of childhood. The second symposium, which took place back in March, looked at their early adolescence and school years. Representing r é n, our founder Jo Soo Tang was invited to one of the symposium's numerous panels, sharing her insights and experiences working with young people with Down Syndrome in a discussion that revolved around community and how social enterprises such as ours can support these youths.

“To be able to share my experiences working with and supporting youths with Down Syndrome was deeply rewarding for me,” says Jo. “Over the past year and a half, r é n has provided vocational training and career opportunities to upwards of 80 individuals with Down Syndrome, and through relationships with organisations like A Little Bit Extra and their community, we hope to continue extending our reach to more families in need.”