Dual Diagnosis – Down Syndrome & Autism
Since World Down Syndrome Day and Autism Acceptance Week both happened within the last month, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. While a child with Down syndrome is diagnosed prenatally or very shortly after birth, a diagnosis of autism usually...
Patience
When a couple finds out they’re having a baby, people have a tendency to imagine their child’s whole life. You imagine him taking his first steps, saying his first words, what sport he’ll play, what college he’ll go to. And so on and so on. Then when you find out...
Crescent City Classic 10K – GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans Down Syndrome Achievement Center
GiGi's Playhouse New Orleans Down Syndrome Achievement Center was selected for the 2024 Crescent City Classic (CCC) "Run for It" charity partner program. The CCC is New Orleans and the Gulf South's premier 10K road race, and one of the oldest 10K races in the nation. Each year over 20,000...
Tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA
As our Playhouse continues to grow, so does our tutoring program! We are expecting a high number of applications from our families for this Spring 2024 Literacy and Math Sessions. Spring tutoring runs from February 19th (week after Mardi Gras) to May 11th. Tutors and students will have standing sessions;...
Thank you God for the Miracles
Hi! My name is Lory, and I have been volunteering as the Board Treasurer since just before GiGi's Playhouse New Orleans became its own legal entity in March 2020 (yes, just before that, too). I am getting ready to pass the torch to a new treasurer, so I am reflecting on...
Volunteer Spotlight – Ginger Clasen
GiGi's Playhouse New Orleans is grateful for Ginger Clasen! Ginger serves as a Board Member and is our Gratitude Committee Program Co-Leader. Ginger is beaming with positivity and friendliness. She is always welcoming with a smile on her face. Ginger brings a wealth of knowledge, advocacy and experience to our...
Volunteer Spotlight – Robria Smith
GiGi's Playhouse is grateful for Robria Smith! Robria began as an intern for GiGi's Playhouse in 2022 as a greeter and program assistant. Robria is now the volunteer liaison and helps onboard all volunteers. Robria is kind, patient, and genuinely cares about the success of the Playhouse. Her support and...
Volunteer Spotlight – Shawn Fassbender
GiGi's Playhouse is grateful for Shawn Fassbender! Shawn is an exceptional literacy and math tutor. Through Shawn's mentorship, participants have shown remarkable progress. He empowers participants to challenge their skills, recognizes when to assist, and celebrates their accomplishments. Some of his favorite memories at GiGi’s Playhouse is tutoring graduation day...
GiGi’s Playhouse ayuda familias que hablan español
Bienvenido al sitio de GiGi's Playhouse Nueva Orleans! Nuestra organización es un centro de éxito del síndrome de Down y nuestra misión es cambiar como el mundo percibe el síndrome de Down. Los GiGi’s Playhouse son centros de concientización y de conocimiento que proveen recursos, tutorías especializadas y de apoyo...
New Board President, Robert “Bob” Kimbro
GiGi's Playhouse New Orleans is pleased to announce that Bob Kimbro is the new Board President. Bob brings a wealth of leadership and nonprofit experience to GiGi's having served in leadership positions for the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Children's Bureau of New Orleans, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and Plaquemines CARE...
NDSC comes to New Orleans this summer! Attend or Volunteer!
The 50th annual National Down Syndrome Congress Convention is coming to New Orleans June 23rd- 26th! The National Down Syndrome Congress is an annual conference that gathers individuals with Down syndrome and their families to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. It will be held in New Orleans June 23-26,...
Birthday Card Program
Today’s guest blogger is Jenn, mother of Henry, Walter, and Katie, who are the volunteers behind the GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans Birthday Card program. How did you hear about GiGi's Playhouse? We heard about GiGi’s playhouse when my friend Lory began volunteering there. She set up an info booth at our church to spread...