Posts Tagged ‘Down syndrome’
Meet Our Spring Interns!
This spring, GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is excited to welcome three interns whose shared passion for pediatric care, occupational therapy, and inclusive community support will enrich programs across the Playhouse. Though each is at a different stage in their professional journey, Maria, Tori, and Jaeden are united by a commitment to learning, collaboration, and empowering individuals…
Read MoreSpotlight on Sharon: A Heart for Service at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we are incredibly grateful for volunteers who bring heart, passion, and dedication to every moment. Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Sharon Blackstock, someone whose kindness and commitment light up our Playhouse each week. Sharon is a proud mother of four, grandmother of fourteen, and great-grandmother of one. She…
Read MoreSheena Stropki: Mom, Educator, Volunteer & More!
As this month’s volunteer spotlight, we’re thrilled to highlight Sheena Stropki, a dedicated mom, educator, and cherished member of our GiGi’s Playhouse Canton family! Sheena is the proud mom of Paxton, whose Down syndrome diagnosis first connected their family with GiGi’s when he was just one month old. Today, Sheena is not only an active…
Read MoreReflecting on the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference
Earlier in November, our team had the privilege of joining Playhouse leaders from across the country for the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference – a powerful gathering filled with inspiration, learning, and connection. Throughout the conference, we reflected on the incredible growth of our network, now more than 60 Playhouses strong, and explored new ways…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sherry☀️
Often times, we have engaged families who participate in Playhouse programs that want to give back in a meaningful way. Sherry first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse Canton through her sister, whose friend and daughter were involved with the Playhouse. When Sherry first came to GiGi’s, she was 5 months pregnant with her youngest child and…
Read MoreCelebrating the Worth of Every Individual: Down Syndrome Awareness Month & Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month – a special time to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we believe awareness is just the beginning. True inclusion happens when our community recognizes the value and…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Meet Hannah
Hannah has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since our doors first opened, and in that time, she has truly become a jack of all trades! From participating in our GiGi’s Kitchen classes to supporting her love of movement in our GiGiFIT and dance programs, Hannah has done it all – she’s even participated in…
Read MoreCelebrating Our Grand Prize Win at the Hall of Fame Parade!
We’re still beaming with pride from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade! What an incredible morning filled with smiles, cheers, and community spirit. GiGi’s Playhouse Canton was honored to participate once again, but this time we had a float in the parade for the first year ever. Not only was it our first…
Read MoreShowing Strength & Conquering Fear; Clayton’s Best of All
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we celebrate every step, every giggle, and every moment of courage. This month, we’re so excited to celebrate Clayton as our Best of All! His energy, kindness, and bravery light up our Playhouse, and he inspires everyone around him. Clayton has already faced some tough medical challenges at a young age,…
Read MoreAugust Volunteer Spotlight: Christina Ziga-Budd & Genny Blair
This month, we’re excited to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on two outstanding leaders who have been part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since day one, Christina Ziga-Budd and Genny Blair. These two incredible women are not only dedicated board members but are also active leaders behind one of our fun and impactful fundraisers this year; Putts…
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