Local Media

GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE CHARLOTTE SECURES $50,000 IN STATE FUNDING

CHARLOTTE, October 18, 2018

GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte, part of the GiGi’s Playhouse network of Down syndrome achievement centers, recently received $50,000 in state funding from the North Carolina General Assembly.

John Bradford, a House Representative serving the 98th district, lobbied on behalf of the Down syndrome community to secure $500,000 in funding and resources for the state of North Carolina, of which $50,000 will be provided to GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte as they plan for their grand opening in early 2019.

“We are very fortunate to have Representative Bradford advocating for the Down syndrome community at the state level and working to secure resources for an area that is traditionally underfunded,” said Jessica Allen, President of the start-up team and Co-Founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte. “These much needed funds will go towards our program offerings that we provide free to the community.”

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About GiGi’s Playhouse

GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down syndrome Achievement Centers; providing FREE, life-changing therapeutic, educational and career development programs for 40,000+ individuals of all ages. GiGi’s Playhouse oversees 39 brick & mortar locations across the United States and in Mexico, as well as start-up teams in over 200 communities nationwide. By offering free purposeful programs and through our Generation G Campaign for global acceptance: families are EMPOWERED to maximize opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. Each month approximately 250 new families join the national Playhouse network, representing a consistent monthly growth of 16%.

In the last two years, 200 new communities inquired for a GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Center to be established in their area. The significant growth and interest reflect a demand for programs that target the underserved population of more than 450,000 Americans living with Down syndrome.

To ensure lasting acceptance, GiGi’s Playhouse shows the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities. Down syndrome is not a disease and there is no cure. It is the largest chromosomal disability in the United States and yet, it is the least funded. At GiGi’s Playhouse families are never alone. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, GiGi’s Playhouse make a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed! By breaking down barriers and changing the way the world accepts individuals with Down syndrome, GiGi’s Playhouse foster a daily mindset of acceptance for everyone. GiGi’s Playhouse survives completely on donor funds and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

A start up team is in place in Charlotte with plans to open a playhouse in early 2019. For more information about how you can help, visit www.GiGisplayhouse.org/charlotte.