GiGi’s Playhouse: A Love Letter to the Down Syndrome Community

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, everything we do is rooted in love—love for individuals with Down syndrome, love for their families, and love for a world where everyone is accepted for exactly who they are.

Our Playhouse isn’t just a place; it’s a promise. A promise to celebrate strengths, empower individuals, and provide lifelong support. We exist because we believe that every person with Down syndrome has limitless potential, and we are honored to stand beside them on their journey.

The love letter that is GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati is dedicated to the incredible Down syndrome community, to the families who inspire us every day, and to the dream that started it all.

How It All Began

GiGi’s Playhouse began with one mother’s dream to build a more accepting world for her daughter and others like her. In 2003, Nancy Gianni welcomed her daughter, GiGi, into the world. Like many parents receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis, Nancy was met with uncertainty, fear, and a lack of resources. She quickly realized that society’s perception of Down syndrome did not reflect the beautiful reality she was experiencing with her daughter. Instead of waiting for the world to change, she decided to change it herself.

That same year, Nancy founded the first GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, Illinois—a place where individuals with Down syndrome could receive free educational, therapeutic, and career-focused programming in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Word spread, families connected, and the demand for more Playhouses grew. What started as a single location soon became a national movement. Today, there are over 60 GiGi’s Playhouse locations across the U.S. and Mexico, each one dedicated to changing lives through acceptance, empowerment, and achievement.

Bringing the Mission to Cincinnati

A few parents and caregivers in the Cincinnati area recognized the need for a local GiGi’s Playhouse and, through the hard work of passionate families and advocates, began fundraising to make it a reality. After years of dedication, GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati officially opened its doors on September 24, 2022.

From the beginning, our goal was clear: to provide life-changing, FREE programming for individuals with Down syndrome from infancy through adulthood. More than just a resource, we wanted to create a home—a place where families could connect, where achievements would be celebrated, and where participants would always be encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Why We Exist

Receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis can come with a flood of emotions. Many families feel overwhelmed, unsure of what the future holds, and searching for support. That’s where we come in.

We exist because every person with Down syndrome deserves the opportunity to thrive. We exist because families deserve a community that uplifts them. We exist to empower, educate, and inspire—not just our participants, but the world around them.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, we offer a variety of free, purposeful programs designed to support individuals with Down syndrome at every stage of life:

• Early Childhood Development: Programs like LMNOP (Language, Music, N’ Our Peeps) and Leaps & Bounds help build communication and motor skills from a young age.
• Social and Life Skills: From Kids Club to Fantastic Friends, our programs foster confidence, independence, and friendships.
• Health and Wellness: GiGiFIT and GiGi’s Kitchen promote physical activity, nutrition, and overall well-being.
• Academic Support: With the launch of Literacy Tutoring in summer 2025, we’ll provide personalized, one-on-one literacy education.

Each program is designed with the unique learning styles of individuals with Down syndrome in mind. Our participants don’t just attend GiGi’s Playhouse—they grow here, belong here, and achieve here. We want our Playhouse to be one of many places that are friends feel welcomed with open arms.

A Community Built on Love

Beyond our programs, GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati is a space of unconditional acceptance. It’s a place where families find lifelong friendships, where first words and first steps are celebrated with joyful cheers, and where every achievement—big or small—is recognized.

We know that raising a child with Down syndrome comes with unique challenges. But we also know the immeasurable joy that comes with it. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are here to support, uplift, and walk alongside families every step of the way.

To every individual with Down syndrome: We see you. We believe in you. And we are honored to be part of your journey.

To every family: You are never alone. This community is here for you, today and always.

Since opening our doors, we have seen lives change, friendships form, and confidence soar. And we’re just getting started. We invite you to be part of this movement—whether by participating in our programs, volunteering, or simply spreading our message of acceptance for all. Because at GiGi’s Playhouse, love is at the heart of everything we do.💙💛