Harmony Homes helps nonprofit agency

The Southern Nevada-based builder is helping to support individuals and families impacted by Down syndrome through its pledge to donate $250 per home sold valley wide between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day to the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

"It seems like everybody has cut back a little in charitable giving lately, but our local charities still need community support. This is one way that Harmony Homes can give a little something back to the community, by donating $250 from each home sold at any of our new home neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas to the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada," said Robb Beville, president of Harmony Homes.

"We chose this organization because the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome and their families hit home. One of our employees has a child with Down syndrome and this organization has been an invaluable resource for not only their child, but also their family," Beville said.

The Las Vegas-based nonprofit organization provides support, information and programs to individuals and families impacted by Down syndrome, a chromosome variation with no known cause that is associated with a wide range of health conditions. In the United States, one in every 800-1,000 children is born with Down syndrome.

Among the thousands of Southern Nevada families who benefit from and volunteer with the local nonprofit organization are John and Shelley Rhodes.

"The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada has been instrumental to my 14-year-old son, Clayton, and our family in helping us to pave the way through all of the challenges of having a child with Down syndrome," John Rhodes said.

"It is a very family-oriented, community-focused organization. The outreach is to every person and family who is impacted by Down syndrome.

"The vision of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada is for individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted in the community and respected for their abilities and contributions. This organization helps people in the community recognize," Rhodes said, "that an individual with Down syndrome is more like you than different."

"The organization provides support, socialization and information as well as services that are not provided through the state or the school district such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, Spirit Horse therapy (therapeutic horseback riding), and multiple social opportunities and holiday events," Rhodes said.

"My wife, Shelley, is on a team that goes out and meets with new parents of children with Down syndrome to give them support, encouragement, and help celebrate the life of their new child. "It is through community support that these programs are available to families like ours."

"We hope that through our donation we will be able to help other families whose lives have been touched by Down syndrome through the supportive services of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada," Beville said.

All Harmony Homes neighborhoods are offering various incentives through the limited-time Live in Perfect Harmony campaign. Incentives may include design upgrades, appliance packages, and/or assistance toward closing costs. Details are available at neighborhood sales offices.

Harmony Homes offers 18 neighborhoods throughout the valley, with single- and two-story homes ranging from 1,306 to over 4,265 square feet and priced from the $90,000s.

Sales offices at all neighborhoods are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Monday, when they open at noon. For more information, visit HarmonyHomes.com.

For more information about the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, visit dsosn.org or call 648-1990.