Posts by Jennifer Rackley
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. Volunteers jumped right into our…
Read MoreHonoring 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. What started as her Girl…
Read MoreExciting 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, and engaged in meaningful discussions…
Read MoreFrom 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, and a whole lot of…
Read MoreGiGiFIT 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 you are!” We are thrilled…
Read MoreGFAC 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 biggest blessing, and every day,…
Read MoreGFAC 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 All Each day, Judah’s Little…
Read MoreA 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 about GiGi’s Playhouse in 2012…
Read MoreGiGiFIT 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 without him. Instead, they embraced…
Read MoreStrengthening 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 commitment to the Playhouse’s mission…
Read More