Friday, December 27, 2013

"An early Christmas gift!" - The Lock Haven Express

"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

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

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=

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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

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!”