Summer Recap!
Programs that Shine
A few of our monthly programs stood out as unforgettable moments this summer. In June, our Fantastic Friends group headed off-site for a baseball-themed outdoor program. It was the perfect mix of teamwork, movement, and summertime fun, giving participants the chance to connect with friends while celebrating America’s favorite pastime.
Another highlight came when our Leaps & Bounds and Kids Club programs joined together for a very special visit from Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding & Hoursemanship’s therapeutic mini-horses. The excitement was off the charts as participants experienced hands-on interaction with the horses, building confidence, practicing social-emotional skills, and—of course—sharing lots of smiles.
Celebrating Acceptance at the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge
In June, our community laced up their sneakers and came together for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at Otto Armleder Park. The morning was filled with energy and smiles as runners, walkers, and dashers of all ages showed up to support inclusion. Thanks to everyone’s support, the event was not only fun but also impactful—helping fund free educational and therapeutic programming right here at our Playhouse. We raised $32,100 for our Playhouse!
A New Partnership with Mount St. Joseph University
July marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration with Mount St. Joseph’s Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences. Graduate students led weekly programs designed to support communication, social skills, and independence across three age groups:
- A preschool playgroup filled with play-based learning and early language support
- Teen Tastic sessions focused on building social skills and confidence
- GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, where participants practiced functional cooking and communication skills alongside new friends
This partnership was a huge success, and we are thrilled to continue with Mount St. Joseph this fall as they lead our Amina Grace Speech & Language program.
Learning Together: Literacy Tutoring
Summer tutoring was another highlight, with participants building skills and confidence through one-on-one lessons. One standout story was the bond between Gabe and Allye, a tutor-participant duo whose teamwork and persistence led to exciting growth. Our 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program is where learning meets imagination—and Gabe and his tutor Allye are the perfect example. Allye recently shared this sweet moment with us:
“Just wanted to share a fun game that Gabe and I played last night! We were working on Phonogram Aa and all Gabe wanted to do was play with the Playhouse’s toy cash register, so I pivoted our activity to incorporate it! We grabbed the basket of play food and I told him I only wanted to buy groceries that had an A in the name. I wrote out each word as we went, and he had to tell me if I wanted it in my bag or back on the shelf, then he had to tell me which A sound was represented before he could scan it. Super fun and he was loving using his imagination! He would announce into the little microphone, ‘No A! Back on the shelf!!!’ So fun!”
Moments like this show the heart of our tutoring program—meeting learners where they are, sparking creativity, and celebrating progress together.
Strength + Fun in Motion: GiGiFIT Preschooler
GiGiFIT Preschoolers ended the summer strong! 💪 Each week was filled with movement, laughter, and growth as our youngest participants built confidence and strength in a fun, social setting. These little athletes worked on walking, running, jumping, and balance activities that supported joint stability, posture, and overall coordination—all while combining movement learning with language learning.
The progress we saw was incredible, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. A huge thank you to Myah, Isabella, Laura, and Abbie for bringing energy and heart to every session, and to our families for showing up with consistency and commitment. Together, we created an environment where kids could thrive, and the results speak for themselves—stronger bodies, growing independence, and lots of smiles along the way.
Looking Ahead
As we say goodbye to summer, we’re gearing up for an exciting fall. Thank you to our participants, families, volunteers, and community partners who made this summer one to remember. Together, we’re proving every day that a world of acceptance for all is possible.
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