Congratulations to our GiGi Prep Graduates!

On February 18, 2015, GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities welcomed its first class of GiGi Prep participants.  For the next six weeks these five amazing adults with Down syndrome attended weekly classes on Wednesdays from 9am-1pm, focusing on communication, health, fitness, and healthy cooking.  The goal of GiGi Prep is to develop a “confident u. healthy u. whole u.” and prepare for future sessions of GiGi U.

Made possible through support from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, GiGi Prep is a comprehensive and progressive learning program for adults with Down syndrome. The program is offered free of charge and focuses on classroom-based skill development in the areas of communication, nutrition, and fitness. GiGi Prep is designed to guide adults with Down syndrome toward healthy lifestyle choices as they work to reach their highest potential and prepare for participation in GiGi University. Although free to participants, each student is required to complete an application and participate in an interview prior to acceptance into the program.

Every Wednesday, the main area of our Playhouse took on multiple forms:

from classroom…

to gym….

to kitchen!

Each student arrived early for class, enthusiastic and eager to learn.  The students kept weekly food and exercise logs, prepared and tasted new healthy foods, improved communication and eye contact, and wrote speeches for their graduation ceremony.  Among favorite quotes from GiGi Prep:

“You’re crazy!” (For thinking they would try and like certain foods.)

“It looks green and tastes green.”  (Describing their strawberry/banana/spinach smoothies.)

“Next week we should have lobster.” (That may need to be approved by the finance committee!)

Thank you Christy, John, Michael, Katie and Kayla for learning along with us and making our first session of GiGi Prep a huge success!  You exceeded all expectations and we look forward to welcoming you back as mentors and – eventually – GiGi U students.

Applications are now being taken for the next session of GiGi Prep which will begin Wednesday, April 22.  For additional information on GiGi Prep, please contact Kelly or Michelle at the Playhouse at 309-762-7529 or quadcities@gigisplayhouse.org.

Click here to donate toward the future of these students to help bring GiGi U to the Quad Cities or contact Michelle Hughes at mhughes@gigisplayhouse.org or 309-762-7529 to learn more about sponsorship and naming opportunities.

Congratulations to the first graduating class of GiGi Prep Quad Cities!