Volunteer Spotlight: Freya Thomas — A Heart for Helping and a Passion for Purpose
When Freya Thomas first walked through the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta in March 2024, she was simply looking for a place to fulfill her volunteer hours as a member of the Milton High School Honor Society. What she found instead was something much more meaningful — a vibrant, welcoming...
Elisha McKenzie: A Zumba Star, Self-Advocate, and Community Leader
At just 22 years old, Elisha McKenzie is already living proof of what it means to follow your dreams and inspire others along the way. A vibrant and driven young woman with Down syndrome, Elisha has built a powerful resume of advocacy, leadership, and joy — all fueled by her...
Gratitude in Action: Global Payments Spends Their Service Day at GiGi’s Playhouse
We were thrilled to welcome a fantastic group of volunteers from Global Payments to GiGi’s Playhouse for their annual service day! Their team brought incredible energy, heart, and hands-on support that made a big impact on our adult programs. The day was filled with connection, fun, and lots of smiles....
Honoring Nora Michaelis: A Champion for Inclusion and Teen Mentorship
At GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, we have the honor of working alongside some truly remarkable young people—but few shine as brightly as Nora Michaelis, founder of our teen mentoring program, bEquals. Nora, a 17-year-old junior from Milton, Georgia, is not only changing lives—she’s changing the way the world views Down syndrome....
Exciting Upcoming Movie “Able” Champions Inclusion and Awareness
Sometimes visitors walk into the Playhouse with a handshake and leave with a hug. Last month we had the pleasure meeting of one of those visitors. We had the honor of welcoming writer, director, and producer Kelly Lintz for a special visit. Kelly toured our Playhouse, learned about our mission,...
From Socks to Smiles to Miles: March Madness at GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta
March was bursting with energy, inclusion, and community spirit at GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, and we’re so excited to share the highlights! World Down Syndrome Day – A Day of Love, Awareness, and Support On March 21st, we joined the global celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) with joy, gratitude,...
GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025: A MOVEment for Acceptance!
This past Saturday, our community came together in an incredible show of support for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge—a physical and social MOVEment for acceptance! With a goal of uniting 1 million global supporters for the Down syndrome community, we declared loud and clear: "We can and will accept you as...
GFAC Top 10 Team Spotlight Jonah’s Journey: A Story of Love, Strength, and Community
Honoring Jonah, Our Greatest Blessing Today we are shining the spotlight on the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge team, Jonah's Journey! Jonah’s Journey is more than just a team name; it is a celebration of the beautiful soul who has brought immeasurable joy into his family's lives. Their son Jonah is their...
GFAC Team Spotlight: Judah’s Little Crew: Spreading Love and Acceptance at GiGi’s Playhouse
At the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge, every team has a story, and Judah’s Little Crew is one that embodies love, inclusion, and joy. This amazing team is dedicated to making a difference, not only for Judah but for everyone who walks through the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse. Giving Our Best of...
A Passion for Play and Learning: Laara Doorley’s Volunteer Journey at GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi’s Playhouse, our volunteers bring passion, dedication, and a deep love for the community they serve. One such incredible volunteer is Laara Doorley, who has been making a difference since January 2023. Her journey to GiGi’s is one of patience and fate, spanning over a decade. Laara first learned...
GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Top 10 Team Spotlight: Team AJ – A Journey of Love, Acceptance, and Community
Honoring Anthony: A Story of Strength and Hope Team AJ is named after their 7-month-old son, Anthony. From the moment his mother received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, the experience was overshadowed by a doctor’s somber tone and suggestion of termination. However, Anthony’s family could never imagine a world...
Strengthening the Mission: GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta Board of Directors 2025 Strategic Retreat Recap
In January, the GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta Board of Directors gathered for their highly anticipated annual strategic retreat. A cornerstone event for the organization, the retreat was an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2024, strengthen the mission, and set a clear path forward for 2025. The board’s...