GiGi’s Playhouse: An Answered Prayer

By Lisa Custer To say that GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis has made a difference in my daughter’s life is the quintessential understatement.  I would call GiGi’s Playhouse a literal “Godsend.” In September of 2016, our family dynamic drastically changed.  Suddenly I was a single parent.  My daughter, Valerie was in her sixth season of living her…

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GiGi’s Playhouse & Teen Volunteers = Friends in the Community

Every parent has probably observed a child losing touch with friends as different sports interests, clubs, activities or going to a different school take people in different directions.  As children grow up, most make new friends in those new activities.  Sometimes, however, it is not that easy.  A “lost” friend is one who may not…

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Advocacy and Activism Squelch “R” Word from Government Language

By: Doni Dondero If your child has Down Syndrome, you have heard of Rosa’s Law, but did you know Rosa is one of GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis participants?  Rosa was the inspirations for the law that carries her name and stamped out the term “mental retardation” and “retarded” in Maryland state and federal government documents. Mom…

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The Power of “THE”

Emily is a local teacher and served as a volunteer tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. She worked one-on-one with Tim during the Fall Literacy 10-week session. Tim has completed high school and currently works part time stocking shelves in a grocery store which he really enjoys. At the beginning of the tutoring session, Tim’s mom…

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Happy Hearts Celebrate GiGi’s First Anniversary

On February 2nd, the Playhouse was packed with the happy hearts in our brand new friends, returning participants, family members, volunteers and supporters; all celebrating the first anniversary of  GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis’ Grand Opening. We are thankful for the warm welcome from the greater-Annapolis community. In its first year, individuals with Down syndrome participated in…

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Singing Together… “They’re really saying, I love you!”

What a wonderful afternoon of children “Singing Together”. The All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis (ACCA), a non-profit organization, consisting of children in second to seventh grade from the greater-Annapolis area, reached out to GiGi’s Playhouse to share an afternoon activity of songs together, culminating in a “Winter Mini-Tour” performance for their families. Led by ACCA’s Managing…

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Found–Inclusive Catholic Education & Great Friends at GiGi’s Playhouse

By Doni Dondero Raymond Tetschner had always been fully included in public school in Arizona, so when the family started looking at middle school, full inclusion was their goal.  But this time, there was an additional challenge–they wanted that education in a Catholic school.  As the family approached Raymond’s 6th grade year, they talked with…

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Caring Canines-Literacy Companions Lend a Helping Paw!

To celebrate the conclusion of our first Literacy Tutoring Session, we invited Caring Canine Pet Therapy Dogs to GiGi’s Playhouse. Caring Canines is a pet therapy program created by Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat to provide certified pet therapy teams who offer unconditional love and a peaceful presence to those in need in the community. Caring…

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GiGi’s Playhouse Youth Board-Successful Dance Marathon 2018!

            By Melissa Wong I serve on the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Youth Board. The Youth Board hosted the first ever Dance Dance Marathon for the Annapolis location on November 17th. All high-school students from the Anne Arundel County area were invited to participate. We danced and engaged in a variety…

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