Community Member Spotlight: Zach Neff

This year the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. In honor of how far the Guild has come, we spoke with one of the first families the organization ever served: Zach Neff and his mother Kathleen. 

It’s almost impossible to imagine what the Guild would look like without Zach coming into our offices, whether to participate in programming or just to volunteer. He’s made a big difference in the Down Syndrome Guild and both he and his mother can attest to the difference the Guild has made in their lives.

“I’m really proud of the adult he has become and grateful for the support from the Down Syndrome Guild and First Downs For Down Syndrome to get him to this point in his life,” Kathleen said. “I don’t know what we would do without either of them.”

Because of the love and support the Guild has shown Zach over the years, he continues to volunteer each week at our offices. He said, “I love working with them because they are a second family to me. They love me there.”

Zach is also a member of the Mission Project 2, a branch of the Mission Project, which “enables capable adults with developmental or cognitive disabilities to live independently and safely in community with minimal support.” The Mission Project 2 also provides lots of different programming to keep Zach and his friends busy, which is just perfect for Zach.

“He comes from a family of introverts, but he is a flaming extrovert. Zach is outgoing and friendly, and he enjoys his friendships very much,” Kathleen said. Activities at the Mission Project 2 include things like a movie club, a travel club where the participants plan trips, fitness classes and many more.

But Zach’s participation in these clubs is only skimming the surface. Not only is he an active member of his community, but he is also a college graduate and employed with Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Two years ago Zach graduated from the University of Central Missouri’s THRIVE program, which helps young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities learn how to transition from home to living independently. 

For others considering the transition to college, Zach reminds them to not shy away from their dreams.

“[The program at UCM] was really good and fun,” he said. “I would say to [new students entering the program] just be yourself and go out there and do your own thing. Express your feelings and just keep going and work hard.”

Zach’s mom also has some advice for those parents who might be as scared as their children when it comes to change.

“Stating out on this journey, a child’s future can look like a black hole,” Kathleen said. “But the resources and support are there. We always told Zach that he could do anything. We told him he could go to college and he went to college. We told him he could have a job and he got a job. All of this came true with the help from the Down Syndrome Guild and First Downs for Down Syndrome.”