Leading Buds to Bloom

With a passion for serving special populations, executive director ALICIA DUBOIS-FOWLER has found her niche at Coastal BUDS, an area organization that provides growing opportunities for those with Down syndrome.   

“After graduating from ECU, I was fortunate to find my first job in a special education setting,” says DuBois-Fowler. “I immediately fell in love with the students and the unique light they brought to each person’s life, especially mine.” 

Following public outreach and foster care work at a local animal shelter in western North Carolina, DuBois-Fowler took the helm at Coastal Buds in March. 

Coastal BUDS, which stands for Bringing Up Down Syndrome, has become an indispensable resource for Wilmington-area families. Founded by a group of mothers seeking more opportunities for their special needs children, Coastal BUDS provides educational services, community events, and a growing list of social opportunities. 

“We were able to bring the first adaptive bike camp to Wilmington in July and recently welcomed over 700 attendees to our Cape Fear Buddy Walk event,” DuBois-Fowler says. 

Expanding health awareness is a crucial component of working with the Down syndrome community. “Individuals with Down syndrome have higher rates of obesity, so programs like Down to Cook and yoga classes target this on a holistic level,” DuBois-Fowler says. 

She recently added LAURA ROWLAND as the nonprofit’s program and outreach coordinator.   

In 2013, Rowland began fostering an infant with Down syndrome and his older sister. She adopted the pair in 2015. A few years later, while living in Oak Island, the Rowland family discovered Coastal BUDS. 

With a background in special education, Rowland brings nearly twenty-seven years of classroom experience to her role at Coastal Buds. “I’ve loved watching this organization grow!” says Rowland.

For DuBois-Fowler, the most memorable moments of the job come from interacting with those she serves. “My favorite days are when I have the opportunity to visit with individuals and families during programs or events,” she says. “Every Monday, we welcome an enthusiastic group of dancers for a dance fitness class led by our previous executive director, JESSICA WILSON.” 

An affiliate of the nationwide Next Chapter Book Club, Coastal BUDS also hosts two chapters in the Wilmington area. “I find great joy in spending time with our book clubs,” DuBois-Fowler says. “It’s a beautiful example of friendship and community as well as a wonderful reminder why I do this work.” 

Above all, Coastal BUDS strives to give a stronger voice to those with Down syndrome.

“Organizations like Coastal BUDS are important,” Rowland says, “not only for the community we serve, but to educate others about individuals with Down syndrome and their abilities, talents, and worth.”

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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