"During my career as a police officer I witnessed the wreckage caused by not investing early in our most precious resource children. The fastest growing cost in most state budgets is corrections, and there is no positive return for this rapidly growing expense. Early Learning occurs from birth to age 5 when 85 percent plus of brain development happens, and this proven investment returns $7-$14 for every dollar spent. All facts show the overwhelming evidence that early intervention/early childhood education programs are guilty of providing unparalleled success!"
http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/548744/An-early-Christmas-gift-.html?nav=5006
Friday, December 27, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Published Letter - "Priceless Education"
The children of Pennsylvania received an early Christmas gift on Dec. 19 when our state was awarded $51.7 million by the U.S. Department of Education for the Race to the Top Early Learning grant. My daughter Chloe was born with Down syndrome in 2003, and my family faced uncertainty when we received her diagnosis. Early intervention/early childhood education services instilled the priceless gift of hope in our lives by focusing on Chloe’s abilities. Chloe turned 10 this year and thanks to her early foundation, she attends fifth grade in her neighborhood school with typical peers reading at grade level!
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2013/12/24/Priceless-education-1/stories/201312240015
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2013/12/24/Priceless-education-1/stories/201312240015
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Allegheny County Proclamation for Chloe's Advocacy Work
"Proclamation honoring Ms. Chloe Kondrich for serving as an advocate for persons with disabilities by breaking down barriers, increasing public awareness and changing attitudes by focusing on abilities."
https://alleghenycounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1452632&GUID=4280B03C-8BBC-4E64-8578-5AF657818E4A&Options=&Search=
https://alleghenycounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1452632&GUID=4280B03C-8BBC-4E64-8578-5AF657818E4A&Options=&Search=
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
ADVOCACY - Early Intervention and Early Childhood Education are Vital Investments
"I recently had the pleasure to meet with Kurt and Chloe
Kondrich to discuss the importance of early intervention and early childhood
education investments. Kurt is the co-chair of the Pennsylvania State
Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention and director of
Community and Family Outreach with Early Intervention Specialists. I learned
about how Chloe, who was born with Down Syndrome, is excelling in the fifth
grade at Upper St. Clair’s Boyce Middle School and is fully included with her
peers. She is reading on grade level thanks to early intervention, which saves
thousands of dollars that would have been spent on special education. As a
former law enforcement officer, Kurt attests to the return on investment that
early intervention and early childhood education investments pays in lower
incarceration rates, public assistance costs and lost taxes, just to name a few
areas. Thank you Kurt and Chloe, for meeting with me."
http://www.senatormattsmith.com/enews/2013_11_4_Veterans.htm
http://www.senatormattsmith.com/enews/2013_11_4_Veterans.htm
Saturday, October 19, 2013
ADVOCACY - Early Childhood Education Caucus Capitol Press Event
On 10/16/13 I was blessed with the opportunity
to speak at the PA Capitol during an amazing Early Childhood
Education Caucus press event. The gathering focused attention on Early
Investment and highlighted how critical Early Intervention and Early
Childhood Education programs are for children and families across Pennsylvania:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-xakAgWfo
Chloe reads at grade level thanks to Early Intervention
Chloe and our family have become strong advocates for children and families in PA, and they meet with policymakers frequently to show ABILITIES and how early investment always yields a positive return for every citizen. Chloe has become friends with Governor Corbett and several other legislators, and she shows many that “The smallest voice can make the largest impact.”
http://papromiseforchildren.com/chloe-k-reads-at-grade-level-thanks-to-early-intervention/
http://papromiseforchildren.com/chloe-k-reads-at-grade-level-thanks-to-early-intervention/
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The world doesn’t know what it’s missing!
"Chloe Kondrich is an energetic and delightful little girl. Together, Chloe and her father Kurt have become advocates for individuals with Down syndrome. Even as a child, she’s proving that nothing holds her back from fully enjoying life."
http://www.lifeissues.org/breakingnews/2013/bn10-11-13.htm
http://www.lifeissues.org/breakingnews/2013/bn10-11-13.htm
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Advocacy Feedback from Elected Official - PRICELESS!
I distributed an Advocacy
Message "A Picture is Worth Thousands of Dollars!" to all
members of the PA Early Childhood Education Caucus, and I received this message
from PA Representative Anthony DeLuca: http://youtu.be/TrvV5L9kmHU .
Connecting policymakers to the faces of the children we represent and serve
does make a priceless impact, and Advocacy is an ongoing commitment to make
sure these Voices are heard.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Parents as Education Advocates
This
month on "Focus on Education" find out how you as a parent can become
an advocate for your child in your school system. Experts will offer advice on
how to become engaged in your child’s education, by understanding your rights
and the resources available. Guests on this month’s show include Kurt
Kondrich, Chair of the Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council and
is also the Director of Family and Community Outreach for service provider
Early Intervention Specialists. http://pcntv.com/blog/2013/09/11/september-11-parents-as-education-advocates/
Monday, September 9, 2013
Chloe and Alex - International Advocates!
This is from the Parliamentary Network
for Critical Issues, and Chloe and Alex's Voices are being heard around the
globe as International LIFE Advocates!
http://www.pncius.org/update.aspx?id=89
http://www.pncius.org/update.aspx?id=89
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Chloe and Alex Down syndrome Advocacy Video
Alex and Chloe share their dream of being advocates for people with Down syndrome, and they talk about the positive seeds they have already planted!
http://youtu.be/abpjPD6sWCE
http://youtu.be/abpjPD6sWCE
Friday, August 16, 2013
National Article - Chloe and her friend Alex!
"These two congressmen have an
unwavering commitment to the sanctity and protection of our most precious,
sacred national resource – human life, and Chloe and Alex are members of a group
of individuals who are prenatally being identified, targeted and eliminated at a
90%+ rate while most of the country and world stands by in disturbing silence.
Congressmen Smith and Franks fearlessly embrace and protect our most vulnerable
children, and their legislative records clearly show their unwavering commitment
to all life."
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Advocacy at the US Capitol
Chloe and her friend Alex went to the US Capitol and met with several members of Congress showing the ABILITIES of individuals with Down syndrome.
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/08/14/Advocacy_US_Capitol%20August%202013.pdf
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/08/14/Advocacy_US_Capitol%20August%202013.pdf
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Chloe in the PA Arc Newsletter
Check out Chloe and her dad on page 6 and page 10 of the PA Arc Newsletter:
http://issuu.com/thearcpa/docs/summer_2013/1?e=5717699/4063517
http://issuu.com/thearcpa/docs/summer_2013/1?e=5717699/4063517
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Pittsburgh Post Gazette OP ED Column - "The trial we ignored"
"My beautiful daughter Chloe was
born in 2003 with the incredible gift of having Down syndrome, and she has done
nothing but shine light, love and eternal hope into this lost world. Over 10
years the evidence I have gathered and observed leads me to the verdict that
Chloe never will intentionally hurt anyone and is not capable of criminal intent
or malice. Why then are some 90 percent of children diagnosed prenatally with
Down syndrome given a death sentence without ever receiving a
trial?"
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
One Week in the Life of an Advocate!
Click on this link to see all the positive seeds Chloe the Advocate planted in just one week:
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/06/28/One%20Week%20in%20the%20Life%20of%20an%20Advocate.pdf
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/06/28/One%20Week%20in%20the%20Life%20of%20an%20Advocate.pdf
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Regional Emmy Award Nomination for TV Episode Chloe appeared in!
"The nominated episodes include Field of Miracles, an inspiring program about the Miracle League, an international group that builds customized baseball fields for kids with special needs. Sean Casey, a former Major League Baseball player, helped to fund the field in Pittsburgh. The show introduces viewers to enthusiastic players: Chloe Kondrich who has Down syndrome and Shawna Palmer who has a rare chromosomal condition called Tetrasomy 18p. It is touching to watch them come together with their teammates and play with a passion and true joy for the game."
http://www.lifeissues.org/press/2013/pr06-12-13.htm
http://www.lifeissues.org/press/2013/pr06-12-13.htm
Chloe joins Governor Corbett for the signing of the PA Special Education Reform Bill
"Kurt Kondrich, a special education advocate from Pittsburgh, was there with his family. His 10-year-old daughter Chloe has Down syndrome and receives special education services.
“I have a lot of hopes because it’s bipartisan. This is a bipartisan issue and when you invest in children and you invest early, it always yields a positive return,” Kondrich said.
Kondrich said he and other parents will work hard to make sure legislators do the right thing for their kids. “That’s why we’re here as parents and advocates. We have to make sure our voices are heard,” Kondrich said. “I want legislators to dream about our kids.”
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/governor-corbett-visits/article_1d16bef3-dbe5-58a7-b7d3-2f4fc6b74338.html
“I have a lot of hopes because it’s bipartisan. This is a bipartisan issue and when you invest in children and you invest early, it always yields a positive return,” Kondrich said.
Kondrich said he and other parents will work hard to make sure legislators do the right thing for their kids. “That’s why we’re here as parents and advocates. We have to make sure our voices are heard,” Kondrich said. “I want legislators to dream about our kids.”
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/governor-corbett-visits/article_1d16bef3-dbe5-58a7-b7d3-2f4fc6b74338.html
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Presentation at DDNA International Conference
I spoke at the DDNA International Conference in Philadelphia https://www.ddna.org/ , and here is a link to my speech: http://vimeo.com/67556082
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Chloe's Impact on our Family!
Here is the link for a video training I did about the positive impact Chloe has been to our family and all the awesome seeds she has planted:
http://web.aiu3.net/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=3acd00d75ab9426fbeb32038836125b21d
http://web.aiu3.net/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=3acd00d75ab9426fbeb32038836125b21d
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Excerpt from "BRILLIANT SOULS"
Here is an excerpt from the new book "BRILLIANT SOULS" which features a chapter about the positive seeds Chloe has planted:
http://www.stephaniewincikblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/brilliant-souls.html
http://www.stephaniewincikblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/brilliant-souls.html
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Chloe's Visit to the Governor's Residence
Here is a picture presentation of Chloe's visit to the Govenor's Residence, and Governor Corbett and First Lady Susan embrace Chloe as a priceless gift and see her many ABILITIES:
http://www.childcorepublishing.com/index.php/Chloe-governor1/
http://www.childcorepublishing.com/index.php/Chloe-governor1/
Monday, March 25, 2013
WORD FM Radio Interview
During the week of 03/21/13
(World Down Syndrome Day) I was interviewed by WORD FM Radio in Pittsburgh, PA
about what a priceless Blessing and precious Gift individuals with Down syndrome
are, and I spoke about the silent prenatal eugenic movement to eliminate these
beautiful children http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0c0j6Fc9r0 . Please take a few minutes to
listen and help spread the good news about these "Brilliant Souls"!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Chloe mentioned by her US Congressman on World Down Syndrome Day
"Thursday was World Down Syndrome Day to celebrate the value and advocate for the rights of people with down syndrome. Our region is fortunate to have two inspirational advocates for life: Kurt Kondrich and his daughter, Chloe. Chloe is a precious and active young girl from Upper St. Clair. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her many times, both in Washington, DC and all throughout SWPA, to send the message, “The smallest voice can make the largest impact!”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=526381650737359&set=a.114605525248309.6050.105769762798552&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=526381650737359&set=a.114605525248309.6050.105769762798552&type=1&theater
Monday, February 11, 2013
Chloe in the PA SICC Report
Read about Chloe in the PA SICC Annual Report (Early Intervention Advisory Council to the Governor), and there is a picture of Chloe with Governor Corbett:
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/02/08/SICC_AnnRpt2012_GOV.pdf
http://pattan.net-website.s3.amazonaws.com/images/partner/2013/02/08/SICC_AnnRpt2012_GOV.pdf
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
PA Governor speaks about Chloe's ABILITIES during his budget address at the Capitol!
Click on link and go to the 33:00 mark to hear Governor Corbett speak about Chloe:
http://pcntv.com/blog/2013/02/05/gov-corbetts-2013-2014-budget-address/
http://pcntv.com/blog/2013/02/05/gov-corbetts-2013-2014-budget-address/
Sunday, February 3, 2013
News Coverage of Governor Corbett visiting Chloe at Community Event
Click on link to see WTAE Pittsburgh News Story of Governor Corbett's visit with Chloe at a community event:
http://ctv4.criticalmention.com/playerpage/player?params=Y2xpcElkPTUxOTMxOTkmc2xpbT0xJnBvd2VyZWQ9MSZyZXBvcnQ9dHJ1ZSZoaWRlQ2xpcENvbnRyb2xzPTEmbm9oZWFkZXI9MSZub21lbnU9dHJ1ZSZhdXRvUGxheT0xJnBhcnRuZXJUb2tlbj04YTMzNjVmYzNjMmE5NzIzMDEzYzhjMDBhZjQ2MzQ2Nw
http://ctv4.criticalmention.com/playerpage/player?params=Y2xpcElkPTUxOTMxOTkmc2xpbT0xJnBvd2VyZWQ9MSZyZXBvcnQ9dHJ1ZSZoaWRlQ2xpcENvbnRyb2xzPTEmbm9oZWFkZXI9MSZub21lbnU9dHJ1ZSZhdXRvUGxheT0xJnBhcnRuZXJUb2tlbj04YTMzNjVmYzNjMmE5NzIzMDEzYzhjMDBhZjQ2MzQ2Nw
Friday, January 25, 2013
Family Journey Presentation
Here is a link to the power point presentation I give when I speak to groups about what a priceless Gift children like Chloe are to this world:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWDaMsLrqqY&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWDaMsLrqqY&feature=youtu.be
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Planting Positive Seeds that Spread
Read page 3 of the link below to see how Chloe's birth and ABILITIES have planted many positive seeds that continue to spread:
“Kurt Kondrich –a father and former
police officer in Pittsburgh that has a child with Down Syndrome. He had the
courage to tell nurses, “my child is not the Down Syndrome baby but Chloe and
she’s perfect. Kurt went back to school and earned a degree in Early Childhood
Special Education and works in Early Intervention. He is a relentless advocate
for special needs children. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all had
some of his attitude!”
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