Volunteer Spotlight: Carol!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, our volunteers are the heart behind every program, every milestone, and every “Best of All” moment. This month, we are proud to spotlight Carol M.—a dedicated volunteer whose warmth, experience, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our Playhouse community. Carol joined GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati...
Celebrating Impact: Honoring Our 2026 Gala Award Winners
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, our annual gala is more than a night of celebration — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together in support of acceptance for all. This year, we had the privilege of recognizing individuals, families, and partners who are helping us change the...
Best of All: Preston!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, “Best of All” is more than a phrase—it’s the everyday moments where confidence grows, friendships form, and individuals feel truly seen and valued. For Preston, those moments have been adding up in a big way. Preston joined the Playhouse in September 2024 after moving to the...
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Candy
Candy H. showed up on day one ready to pour her whole heart into GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Her connection to Down syndrome runs deep—her brother, Todd, shaped her understanding of the joy, pride, and fullness that come with loving someone with Down syndrome. That lived experience became a lifeline for...
A Royal Adventure: Fantastic Friends Take Over the Loveland Castle
Our Fantastic Friends program took a truly royal turn this month with an epic adventure to the historic Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche. Participants, volunteers, and staff stepped back in time to explore a castle built stone by stone along the scenic banks of the Little Miami River—and...
Volunteer Spotlight: Sisters in Service – Part 2, Meet Julie
Last month we introduced you to Amy, our Destination Discovery co-lead, in Part 1 of our special sister spotlight. Today, we’re excited to share Part 2 and feature her other half—Julie! While their personalities may be different, Amy and Julie share the same heart for service, inclusion, and making the...
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...