Posts by mvance
Best of All: Gabe’s Growth in Tutoring, Speech, and Feeding Therapy
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we believe in celebrating every success, big and small, as part of our “Best of All” mindset. This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Gabe, whose incredible progress across multiple programs is inspiring everyone around him! Gabe has been participating in our one-on-one math tutoring program this summer and recently reunited…
Read MoreA Day of Joy, Unity, and Inclusion: Dash for Down Syndrome 2025 Recap
While the skies were gray and the air a little chilly, nothing could dampen the spirit of our incredible community at this year’s Dash for Down Syndrome! Families, friends, volunteers, and supporters bundled up, showed up, and proved once again that we are stronger together. From the moment check-in opened, the GiGi’s energy was in…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sofia
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we’re grateful to shine a light on one of our incredible volunteers, Sofia, whose compassion and dedication have made a lasting impact on our Playhouse community! Sofia is a Canton native and a proud graduate of McKinley High School’s Class of 2020. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she continued…
Read MoreBest of All: Ryan’s Passion for Helping Others
If you’ve spent any time at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since we opened, chances are you’ve met Ryan T. He is a friendly face who brings joy, dedication, and a whole lot of Generation G’s heart to everything he does! Ryan is not only a participant in our adult programs who happens to have Down syndrome,…
Read MoreMeet Traci: Spring Intern 2025
We are thrilled to introduce you to Traci, our amazing spring intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton! Traci is a college senior majoring in Exercise Science and plans to attend occupational therapy school at Walsh University in the fall of 2025. She has a background in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including teaching…
Read MorePlanting Seeds of Change: 6 Years of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton
Today, we celebrate 6 years of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. Last week, we had the privilege of having FirstEnergy Corp. Green Team volunteers join us in generously planting 6 trees through their Community Tree Program as an homage to the work being done in our community. As part of FirstEnergy’s commitment to building a more sustainable…
Read MoreCelebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
Every year on March 21st, we come together to raise awareness, celebrate inclusion, and recognize the incredible contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. This special day—3/21—symbolizes the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome that defines Down syndrome. At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we honor this day by amplifying voices, sharing inspiring stories, and spreading…
Read MoreThe Evolution of an Event: A Night for GiGi’s
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we strive to create events that bring people together, celebrate inclusion, and support our mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome. Over the years, one of our signature events has evolved, not just in size and impact but also in name. Each change has been intentional, reflecting our…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Heather Shaffer
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond to support our mission. This month, we are excited to spotlight Heather Shaffer, a passionate educator, loving mother, and invaluable member of the planning committee for our annual A Night for GiGi’s fundraiser. Meet Heather! Heather and her…
Read MoreCelebrating Paxton’s Best of All at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we believe that every achievement, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Today, we are shining the spotlight on an incredible young superstar who fills our Playhouse with joy and inspiration – Paxton! Paxton is a vibrant and lovable two-year-old who never fails to brighten the day of everyone he meets.…
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