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GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta • 549-1 Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306
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i love you guys i listen to you guys everyday and even at night time and u guys are amazing most of the music you guys have played made me cry so keep doing what you are doing
Oddly I was watching season 9 episode 14 of Dallas (1978)regarding a school (Woodgrove) which specialized in Downs Syndrome – it appeared all ages but mostly kids (and some ADORABLE kids I might add!)attended and I tried to remember back that far – to remember the pervasive attitude back then – I was in college after just having spent 2 years abroad and you are right, they were largely dumped into “special education” classes and labeled “speds” – We – and with deep shame – myself included – were not kind or accepting to those children (in high school – college was different because there were none in college) – now going FURTHER back to grade school they were integrated with the student body and we didn’t SEE a difference, to us there was no color, no abnormality, no physical mental or emotional difference – we might ask “why is she darker than me” “why are her eyes different than mine” but it was curiosity not judgment and it CERTAINLY didn’t matter – it was only after we got older and those differences were pointed out to us, AFTER they were separated and labeled special education students, after our parents told us “you don’t need to hang out with “that kind” of student that we even put a value on the differences. Perhaps a BIG part of the problem is that very thing – growing up and being indoctrinated by our elders by the “grownups” in our lives.
Your story REALLY touched me – the part where you said “I cried” well, that’s where I cried too. I’ve known many DS kids since then – as an adult – and they are AMAZING just the sweetest people I am so glad to know places like Gigi’s now exist to help then reach their full potential – that’s something that should be granted to everyone because all our potentials differ. Thank you for sharing such a warm personal story.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts. We, as a community, have moved in the right direction, towards a higher level of inclusion and acceptance, yet there is still so much more work to be done. Our kids have a tremendous amount of potential and we are glad to be here to help them tap it!
Are there anymore new parent introductions coming up?
Can you tell what age group can join Gigi’s . My daughter is 22 her name is eve. Thank you
What does Eve like to do or need? GiGi’s serves All ages and all of our programming is free of charge. We look to relaunch Fantastic Friends, which is an adult group that meets once a month, in January. We also have a fitness class and drama group that is 8 + with no top end age cap. If you have a particular need we will also try to find appropriate volunteers to help fill the need. We have, by the nature of our founding board members children’s ages, been a young playhouse, although we are attempting to grow our our adult population. We would love to meet you and Eve and have you apart of our Playhouse.
Fred Webster Site Coordinator
We live close to Illinois ,it would be great if we could get a gigs in Michigan. Eve would need help with speaking and reading comprehension. Any help would be appreciated thanks
We do have numerous Playhouses in the Midwest, and the activities and programs vary from Playhouse to Playhouse depending on the volunteers that are available there. As far as establishing Playhouses in a particular community, they are established by a local Board of Directors who saw a need in the community. They are not opened by our Inc., they provide startup guidance and support, but not the actual build outs. The Inc web page can be found at http://www.gigisplayhouse.org
Also good to note that some of the BEST activities for handwriting have NO PEN AND PAPER in sight. Get your kids crawling, manipulating therapy putty, spooning beans, working with tongs and tweezers, etc.. I promise you will see a dramatic change. I used these and other activities with typically developing kids in my classroom and my son with Trisomy 21. If only I’d known it when my oldest was little. He was academically gifted But never crawled so his handwriting/fine motor skills is less than ideal at now 23 years old.
I am so glad I saw this story about Jeff. Although, I was told about Gigi’s place a couple years back, in my heart I did not think it was a fit for my brother, but for youth, only. Today, I came across this article, and realized my assumptions were wrong. My brother, Brian, is 41. Thanks to Jeff’s story, I know GiGi’s is not just a place for children/youth, but for individuals with Down Syndrome regardless of their age. I look forward to getting Brian in a literacy tutoring program. I know he will be a great student. Also, I although I would love to host a fundraiser for Gigi’s. I am a Independent Scentsy Consultant (selling electric warmers, scented waxes and other fragrant items), and would be glad to donate 100% of my commission (25 cent of every retail dollar sold (before taxes/shipping)) to anyone making a purchase on behalf of Gigi’s. Please let me know if you would like to set up a fundraising party. It is a great way to earn funds and possibly free gifts as well dependent upon total sales. You can preview my website at: https://sdh.scentsy.us/ Thank you, and I hope to meet the Gigi family soon.
We are looking for ways to expand programming for adults and are always open to ideas from the community as to what would be a benefit to them. So please let me know your thoughts.
Also as always looking for ways to further support our mission of positive acceptance. Please let me know how I can help facilitate your fundraising idea.
I would interested in having my 27 year daughter Donna Williams volunteer. And of course she has Down Syndrome. We live in Alpharetta. Donna and her business partner Jenna Quigley sold cards at the fund raiser that was held at the Midtown location. Just For You CardArt is their business name.
Hi Rita, WE are up and running in Roswell, if you are still interested in having Donna help out. We would also love to have her input into helping us launch adult programming and would be very interested in hearing what she would like to do.
Hi, can my daughter participate in this class? She is 5 & 1/2 yrs. Old. We would like for her to have group social setting such as this.
If not is there anything else such as this for her to participate in?
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hi Sherry, we typically have kiddos between 9 to 14 or so for that group of programs. Typically that age would participate in leaps and bounds or friends fun fitness. if you feel that she might benefit from Playhouse Pals you are welcome to try it.. It follows a STEM and Cooking program and many of the kids are here for multiple programs, sot he times sort of meld into one another. if you would like to have a more appropriate aged program, what type of activities do you envision for your daughter, what types of things does she like to do? Maybe we could launch a younger version of playhouse pals.
Thank you for any insights that you could provide.
Hi,
My son is 12yrs of age and was diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome, would it be ok if he attended your program? Also, are there any schools in the ATL area for children that are dx with Down syndrome to learn, grow and receive daily living skills and therapy (without the hassle of public school districts that are more concern with budget rather than providing the resources & services needed to accommodate said child)??? Thank you kindly.
This is Lotus mom.We want to attend Friday event.Thank you so much.Minli
Hi my name is Chandra Spencer and I am interested in getting more information for my 18 yr old daughter, Alana.
We just moved into town and I’m looking for some fun activities for her.
Please let me know if she is able join you.
Sincerely,
Chandra
Hi Chandra,
Sorry for the delayed response, but we would love to have Alana get involved with GiGi’s. The Teen-Tastic program is based out of Roswell and and most of the activities are planned through the GiGi’s Playhouse Roswell Facebook page and their teen group page. We do have a couple of 18 yr old their and the meet roughly once a month. Thinks like capoeira and parties are appropriate of all ages. We have a fantastic friends program that also meets once a month in the Midtown area and is an 18+ group. We are planning out winter programs and are put on the calendar and communicated through our e-newsletter. We also have several non age specific programs like parties, Capoeira, launching Zumba in January. If there is anything specific that you would like to see, please let us know your ideas and we will attempt to create additional activities.
I just sent a request to join the Facebook page. Our son, Caleb, is 15 years old and has Down Syndrome. Teen-Tastic events may be something he would enjoy. It looks like Gigi’s Playhouse has a lot to offer.
Do you have activities in Athens for 18 plus?
Hi Terri,
WE currently operate 2 playhouses the metro area, one in Midtown and one in Roswell. We did offer programming in Athens as a “GiGi’s on the Road” but that is not a regular program and it moves around the metro area. We do offer Adult programming at our Midtown location though. We offer GiGi Prep which is designed to adults that have transitioned out of the school system. Participants are admitted to this program on an application basis. As we are half way through this session, if this is a program that you are interested in , I would recommend applying for our fall session.
We also have an adult Fantastic Friends group that meets monthly and is a more social group although we do work on communication and social skills as well as independent living skills. Our next meeting is at the Souper Jenny Westside for a tour of the Urban Garden and lunch on April 6thfrom 1 to 12:30. Our kiddos of all ages are welcome at our social events, there are other programs that have a wide variety of ages (although most are under 15).
Our Roswell Playhouse also have an active teen program and there are several 18 yr olds that attend there activites.
I hope that this helps and if I can answer anymore questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Fred Webster
Site Coordinator
GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta
404-872-7529
fwebster@gigisplayhouse.org
When can I sign up for summer camp 6 and older.?
Summer camp style program at GiGi’s : the email is going out today for sign ups.
Dates are the Week of June 3 and July 8 and we are requesting that you select either or to allow as many kids to participate as possible.
Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you at the playhouse!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4cadad2baaf58-summer4
So proud of you, Emilee! You have a gift with these children and you are definitely in your element.
Having Angie Champsaur is definitely an asset to Gigi’s playhouse. She is one of the most genuine kind-hearted person I have ever meant. She is very passionate about the organization. I look forward to following her on this new journey and excited to see all that she will bring to the table. Congrats to a wonderful inspiring young woman. Sending lots of love & blessings from the Sunshine State (FL).
GREAT JOB to you ALL!!
Having Angela, as one of my nieces, makes me proud! She has worked hard to get where she is at in life! So proud!
We are thankful to have her as well!
So proud of Hannah for all her accomplishments-way to go! Thank you to McAlister’s Deli for recognizing the value of all individuals and making a donation to Gigi’s Playhouse Atlanta.
I loved reading this. It is important for all of us to be grateful. Thank you for sending out.
I am thankful for Gi Gi programs and the wonderful, kind and generous staff ! The world needs more people like GiGi who cares for our Down Syndrome community with all their heart!
I am thankful for my weekly rides with Cristian! He brings me such joy as he sings the entire time! I wouldn’t trade it for the world! -Jen
Beautiful letter and story!
Hannah Grace is so blessed to have a wonderful mama.
Blessings,
Noel
Speak your words girl!! Inspiring ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, my sweet friend, AD!