Recent Blog Posts
Don’t Stop Achieving
When research came out that individuals with Down syndrome have a 95% chance of developing Alzheimer's disease by the age of 65, as opposed to the 12% chance of the general population, staff and families at GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne knew something needed to happen. With the help of local recreational therapist from F.L.O.W. Recreation, LLC,...
World Down Syndrome Day Rocks!
3/21 marks World Down Syndrome Day every year! The triplicate of the 21st chromosome (3/21) defines Down syndrome. This year, our Playhouse packed in so many moments of advocacy and celebration in one week. 2024 World Down Syndrome Day rocked! Monday kicked off with the filming of INsight on 21Alive...
Fundraising With Purpose
Erica, a senior at Purdue Fort Wayne University majoring in Human Services is one of our current GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne interns. For her capstone project, Erica organized a fundraiser with purpose. I have been fortunate to witness the immense effort that goes on behind the scenes to ensure all...
Challenge Accepted!
GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne is ecstatic to announce that we are a Think Tank Challenge partner with the incredible Amp Lab at Electric Works students! The challenge is to grow produce that can be used in GiGi's Genesis Health Bar and come up with recipes to add into GiGi's Genesis...
Ballet Is for Everyone
In 2019, GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne was growing, and our strategic plan included pushing more into our community, after all, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, and that was not going to happen if we continued to stay within our colorful Playhouse walls. After...
Grand Gesture at Grand Reopening
Walmart on Maysville Road in Fort Wayne, IN celebrated their grand reopening after a 19-week remodel. The team at Maysville Road did not stop at just celebrating their incredible efforts to create a space that is beautiful, easy to navigate, and shopper-friendly, they also made a grand gesture by giving...
Shouting Their Worth!
We are getting ready to kick off another session of Cheer Gems, an active, energetic, group focused on positivity, recognition and spirit. Our program leader and assistant cheer coach are amazing and ready to help shout the worth of our Cheer Gems! Meet Makayla! Hello, I am Makaylah, a senior...
Cooking Up Acceptance
At GiGi's Playhouse, we empower individuals with Down syndrome to be the best version of themselves. When Kristen came to the Playhouse and started talking about her wish to volunteer, teach younger children with Down syndrome, and her enjoyment of cooking, we knew she would be the perfect fit as...
From Health Bar to Barber Shop: A Life-Changing Journey
Meet Nick! Nick is a 2020 GiGi University graduate and has been honing his career skills in GiGi’s Genesis Health Bar ever since. Through his time at Genesis, Nick has shown that he shines brightest when he gets to help children. He will quickly greet our youngest customers and offer...
Catering With a Purpose
GiGi's Genesis Health Bar was busy catering with a purpose on World Down Syndrome Day! Playhouse Ambassadors kicked off the day with prepping cookie and pinwheel platters for our friends from Fort Financial and Indiana ABA Institute! Rolling the tortillas and then cutting the pinwheels is such a great fine...
Celebrate Differences Through Reading
Playhouse Ambassador, Cameron, and our Executive Director were honored to be asked to read at Covington Elementary' s Read Across America event on March 2nd. For us, it's an easy choice when it comes to reading a book. Our favorite go-to is Different - A Great Thing To Be by...
A Journey Back to Where We Started: Meet Our Executive Director
I started my journey with the Playhouse in the Fall of 2015, but for the real story of when my journey with GiGi's Playhouse started, you can go here. I led the Playhouse through opening in January of 2016 through the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020. With a...