Did You Hear We’re Moving?!?!
Dear GiGi’s Families,
The GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Board of Directors, is excited to announce that GiGi’s Playhouse will move to a new location at 6507 University Avenue in Windsor Heights in the Winter of 2014. A huge amount of thought, discussion and planning have gone into this decision. We are grateful to the many volunteers in the construction industry who have helped us select the right space and believe in the possibilities. It is our goal to make GiGi’s Des Moines the best in the nation, and this move is a boost in several ways:
- Visibility: The new location is in a highly visible, family-friendly neighborhood. This will improve awareness of GiGi’s and hopefully bring increased support, as well as, additional acceptance and inclusion of our loved ones with Down syndrome.
- Accessibility: Transportation is often a barrier that prevents our adult participants from accessing GiGi’s. The new location is on the bus line, which will make it possible for many of them to independently travel to GiGi’s without needing to arrange a ride.
- Opportunity: The move will allow us to carry out current programming in a larger, more functional space, and to add more great programs and opportunities now and in the future.
The new location offers 8,500 sq. ft. of space versus 3,200 sq. ft. at our current location. We are working with a general contractor to build a GiGi’s that is customized to fit our growing needs:
- Located on DART Lines in a great neighborhood
- Five acoustically sound Learning Labs for 1-on-1 learning!
- GiGiFit for Therapeutic & Social Programming!
- GiGi University Program for Adults!
- Creative play area with larger stages for self-expression!
- Outdoor patio space with opportunities planting and garden programming!
- Murals promoting interactive purposeful play!
- Secure entry at all doors!
- Our OWN Restrooms!
- Retail Gift Shop Program for purchasing merchandise and gifts that GiGi U Interns will staff!
These are just a few examples of the amazing programs we will offer in our new, larger space. Our ideas are big and we are thrilled that our new space will accommodate them. As always, every program at GiGi’s will continue to be free of charge for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
We hope to celebrate our grand opening in the Winter of 2014 and begin programming immediately. We will post construction updates on our website (www.gigisplayhouse.org/desmoines) and our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds! If you have ideas, questions or concerns, please email Anne Webber & Heidi Luett at AwarenessDesMoines@GiGisPlayhouse.org.
See you at the GiGi’s!
GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Board of Directors and GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Community Awareness Committee
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WOW! Des Moines sets the stage for even bigger thinking. There is no boasting here. What is evident is a positive vision of Advocacy, presented in a transparent fashion. An example to be the best we can be. Imagine being a person with disability and knowing that people are making you a priority, building an extra special place for you and your friends. And for Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters,and the rest of the family. Board of Managers and All in the Des Moines community who are making this happen, what a terrific example you set for the rest of us. That we too, aspire to be the best that we can be. Absolutely amazing endeavor!!! Big Love, Richard-The Grandparent Connection.