BIG DREAMS for Adults with Down Syndrome
One of the most popular programs we provide at GiGi’s Playhouse is called “GiGi’s Games with Friends” an adult program. This block of time is typically a full day. During this program, we deliver cooking classes, exercise classes, art, music, dance, science, one on one tutoring in speech, literacy, and math, with a strong focus on socialization and developing relationships with others. This program has had such a powerful impact. We have tons of adults that show up on a weekly basis.
Our goal at GiGi’s Playhouse is to provide more for these individuals. We would like to create a university program called GiGiU. Participants would attend GiGi’s Playhouse 2-3 days a week to develop career skills. For those who have applied to the program, but were unable to secure a position, we would like to create a preparatory program that would provide all the skills that would be necessary to be successful in the University program. This would be called GiGi Prep. We would also continue our very popular GiGi’s Games with Friends programming.
Coffee Shop Coming Soon?
We would also like to build an on-site coffee shop where graduates from the University could intern. Then from the internship, we would find job placement within the community. Graduates of the program would walk away with a resume, interview skills, an understanding of financial interactions that take place within a business, customer skills, facility upkeep/organization, implementing and creating recipes and product, and other skills necessary to be successful in a work environment.
What do adults with Down syndrome need? OPPORTUNITIES
Adults with Down syndrome lack opportunity. There aren’t many college or university programs available, particularly ones that would provide work and career readiness skills. There are also few employers within the community that want to take on an individual with a disability. They see this as a burden on their time and productivity, even though individuals with Down syndrome often have job coaches and have been proven to improve customer satisfaction and experience. GiGi’s Playhouse would like to break down these barriers by creating a university that would address all the necessary skills to be successful in the workforce. We would like to provide the opportunity for students to put these skills to practice through our onsite coffee shop We would also like to invite the community in, to learn more about Down syndrome and the amazing work capacity these individuals possess. Finally, we would like to be a bridge to the community, reaching out to businesses and making connections so that our graduates can become contributing members of society.
What do we need to create opportunities? Your support
How will we put this plan into action? We have already begun. We have been working with various foundations who have helped us to deliver Games with Friends and to start putting the pieces in place to launch GiGi Prep. However, we need more. This November 1st, we are launching our first annual “GiGi’s Christmas: The First Holiday Party of the Year”. We will be ushering the holiday season in with style and pizazz at the Show at Sheas Seneca. It will be all things Christmas, and the joy will be flowing freely. But with this holiday spree will be the underlying need of those with disabilities. We need the community, foundations, local celebrities, politicians, family, friends, businesses to see our community and understand that we are not there yet. The Down syndrome community is lacking so many opportunities and facing so many barriers. They are still segregated, highly terminated, unemployed, and discriminated against. Yet every day they put their best foot forward and do what they can to be successful and find meaning in life. GiGi’s Playhouse is working tirelessly to address the challenges individuals with Down syndrome and their families face.
How Can You Help? Donate!
This holiday season, please take the time to remember the disability population. Come on out to “GiGi’s Christmas, the First Holiday Party of the Year”. Invite friends and family. Consider donating a gift basket or gift card. If you or someone you know owns a business, be a sponsor of our event. Not only will it be an amazing time, but in the process, you will be brightening the future of a very deserving individual. In the spirit of giving help us deliver our University and Coffee shop and continue to deliver the 20+ free programs we already have in place for individuals with Down syndrome, of all ages.
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