Zeke’s Story: How DSACO Supports Self-Advocates and Families Through Every Season of Life
Zeke’s Story: How DSACO Supports Self-Advocates and Families Through Every Season of Life
At the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO), our mission is to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Every day, that mission comes to life through the people we serve—self-advocates like Zeke McCarley.
Zeke is a 20-year-old self-advocate who recently joined the DSACO community, and in a short time, he has become a familiar and beloved face at our programs and events. His journey is a powerful example of how connection, opportunity, and consistent support can help individuals with Down syndrome grow, build confidence, and pursue their dreams—even during challenging seasons.
Building Independence Through Self-Advocacy Programs
Zeke jumped right into the DSACO Self-Advacy Center, where he participates in weekly programming focused on independence, confidence, and life skills. Through this program, Zeke is learning practical tools such as budgeting, self-defense, and job-readiness skills—foundational experiences that support long-term independence for adults with Down syndrome.
He is also part of DSACO’s Self-Advocate Workshop Series, where participants explore leadership, entrepreneurship, and self-expression. For Zeke, this program has helped turn a dream into a real plan: The Real Zeke Food Truck. His concept features his favorite foods—hamburgers, fries, and his famous homemade cookies—and represents his desire to work, contribute, and share something he loves with his community.
Programs like these are designed to meet individuals where they are, helping self-advocates like Zeke build skills that support meaningful, fulfilling adult lives.
Navigating Challenges With Wraparound Family Support
While this year has been filled with growth, it has also brought significant challenges for Zeke and his family.
Zeke’s dad, CH (MAJ) Chris McCarley—an Oklahoma native and Blanchard resident—is currently deployed with the Brigade Headquarters of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In his role, Major McCarley provides spiritual and religious support to more than 950 Soldiers and Civilians as they carry out critical national defense missions. He describes his service as an honor, saying he “brings God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God.”
Adjusting to life without his dad at home has been difficult, especially during a nearly 10-month deployment. During this time, DSACO has walked alongside Zeke and his family—helping them apply for services, connect to resources, and stay engaged in a supportive community.
This is what wraparound support looks like in action: not just programs, but relationships. Not just services, but consistent presence.
Finding Belonging Through Community
Zeke has become an active participant in DSACO events, attending the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K, Fall Party, Food Critics, Holiday Party, and more. These gatherings provide opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to build friendships, celebrate milestones, and feel a sense of belonging.
Zeke’s siblings—older brother Cooper, younger sister Adah, and twin brothers Jacob and Ethan—are also part of the DSACO community. Experiencing these moments together helps strengthen family bonds and makes the days go by a little faster while they wait for their dad to return home.
To help Zeke feel connected to his dad during deployment, his mom, Kaci, created a meaningful daily ritual: a jar filled with Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses—one for each day of deployment. Each day, Zeke takes one as a reminder that his dad is sending him a hug and a kiss from afar.
Celebrating What Brings Joy
If you know Zeke, you also know one of his greatest joys: the OU Sooners. Zeke is a huge fan and especially loves watching his brother Cooper serve as a Ruf/Nek. Cheering on the Sooners brings excitement, comfort, and joy—reminders that passions and traditions are an important part of a full, meaningful life.
Why Stories Like Zeke’s Matter
Zeke’s story reflects why DSACO exists. Individuals with Down syndrome deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and dream—and families deserve support through both celebrations and challenges.
Because of donors, volunteers, and community partners, DSACO is able to provide:
- Self-advocacy and life skills programming
- Family support and resource navigation
- Inclusive social opportunities
- Lifelong connection and community
Your support makes stories like Zeke’s possible.
If you are inspired by Zeke’s journey and want to help more individuals with Down syndrome thrive, we invite you to support DSACO and be part of this impact. GIVE TODAY!
