Posts by Jennifer Rackley

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 community that stole her heart.…

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 passion for Zumba and a…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…