More Than Capable: A Conversation with Olivia
Meet Olivia—a 23-year-old participant who is passionate about her independence. We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Olivia for an interview about her life as a young adult with Down syndrome. From her job at the local Community Center to her favorite activities with friends and family, Olivia...
Volunteer Spotlight: Sisters in Service – Part 1, Meet Amy
This month, we’re doing something a little different for our Volunteer Spotlight—it’s a sister spotlight! Meet Amy and Julie, two incredible volunteers whose shared passion for inclusion brought them both to GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. While they may be opposites in personality, they share the same heart for making the world...
Summer Recap!
What an incredible summer at GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati! Our Playhouse was buzzing with energy, milestones, and moments of pure joy as participants, families, and volunteers came together to learn, grow, and celebrate acceptance for all. Programs that ShineA few of our monthly programs stood out as unforgettable moments this summer....
When the Plan Changes
No one starts their parenting journey expecting a diagnosis. Whether it’s Down syndrome or another disability, those first few days, weeks, or even years can feel like an emotional whirlwind—grief, love, worry, pride, and everything in between. There’s no roadmap for this. But if you’re here, reading this, you’ve probably...
Best of All — April!
If you’ve spent any time around our Fantastic Friends group, chances are you’ve met April—she and her brothers have been attending since it started! April has a gift for making people feel special, whether she’s welcoming a new participant to the group or offering encouragement to a friend. She truly...
Play with Purpose: Why Play-Based Learning Matters
When we picture kids learning, we often think of flashcards, worksheets, or quiet time at a desk. But what if one of the most powerful tools for growth was already built into the way kids naturally explore the world? Play isn’t just fun—it’s foundational. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe in...
A Parent’s Perspective on Inclusion
Written by Ann Poirier My seven-year-old daughter Alice has Down syndrome. When she was born, I remember looking at her and wondering why she looked “different.” Her face was flat and her eyes looked a little different than my other daughter’s eyes. She was really squishy when I held her....
From Advocacy to Impact: The Power of the Generation G Youth Board
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe that creating a culture of acceptance begins with empowering the next generation of leaders. The Generation G Youth Board is a dedicated group of high school students who strive to spread the message of Generation G: to be accepting, be generous, and be kind....
Our Volunteers Help Us Bloom!
We recently had the joy of hosting our Volunteer Appreciation Brunch—a heartfelt morning dedicated to the people who make GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati so special: our volunteers. From our youngest helpers to longtime leaders, each volunteer plays a vital role in making our Playhouse a place of growth, achievement, and belonging....
Best of All: Kai’s Big Steps
If you’ve been around the Playhouse lately, chances are you’ve seen Kai flashing one of his signature expressive smiles—or maybe even witnessed one of his big milestone moments! Kai is one of our younger participants at just two years old. He joins us each month for LMNOP and Destination Discovery,...
5 Ways Local Businesses Can Champion Inclusion Today
Inclusion isn't just good for people—it’s good for business.At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe every individual has value and potential. When local businesses lean into inclusion, they not only make our community stronger—they show their customers, employees, and partners that everyone belongs. Here are five meaningful (and easy!) ways your...
GIGIFIT Acceptance Challenge – What It Means for Us!
This week marks a momentous week as we have officially raised over $4,000 for this year’s GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge...and we're just getting started! As we climb towards our goal, we thought we would take some time to reflect on last year’s amazing event, remembering not only the fun but what...