{"id":142046,"date":"2025-04-30T12:51:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T16:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/?p=142046"},"modified":"2025-04-30T12:51:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T16:51:11","slug":"5-ways-local-businesses-can-champion-inclusion-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/2025\/04\/30\/5-ways-local-businesses-can-champion-inclusion-today\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways Local Businesses Can Champion Inclusion Today"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inclusion isn&#8217;t just good for people\u2014it\u2019s good for business.<\/strong><br>At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe every individual has value and potential. When local businesses lean into inclusion, they not only make our community stronger\u2014they show their customers, employees, and partners that <em>everyone belongs<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are five meaningful (and easy!) ways your business can take action today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Host a Playhouse Partner Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-20-134142-1024x648.jpg\" alt=\"TQL Employees volunteering at a GiGi's Playhouse fundraiser\" class=\"wp-image-141914 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-20-134142-1024x648.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-20-134142-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-20-134142-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-20-134142.jpg 1235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for a hands-on team-building activity with heart?<br>Invite your team to volunteer at GiGi\u2019s for a few hours! Projects like cleaning, organizing, prepping program materials, or even helping with facility upgrades (painting, decorating, etc.) give your team the chance to roll up their sleeves and make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even better? They get to <em>see<\/em> and <em>feel<\/em> the mission up close. It\u2019s a powerful way to learn more about Down syndrome and the importance of inclusive spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/volunteer\/\">Learn More About Group Opportunities<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Offer Job Shadowing or Internships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"890\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-123535.jpg\" alt=\"Elizabeth, GiGi's Playhouse Participant and Scoopable Employee!\" class=\"wp-image-142049 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-123535.jpg 890w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-123535-300x293.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-123535-768x750.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creating workplace opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome is a game-changer. These experiences build confidence, grow skills, and foster a sense of independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re excited to cheer on inclusive employers like <strong>ScoopAble Ice Cream<\/strong>, opening soon in Loveland. As they shared:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cOur employees with disAbilities exhibit remarkAble resilience, adaptAbility, and problem-solving skills&#8230; enriching our workplace environment and cultivating a culture of empathy and understanding.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses like ScoopAble are proving that inclusion isn\u2019t just kind\u2014it\u2019s smart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for guidance? We\u2019d love to help connect you with resources and opportunities to support inclusive hiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Sponsor an Event or Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-29.jpg\" alt=\"Bassett Services, GFAC 2024 Sponsor at the event!\" class=\"wp-image-142048 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-29.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-29-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-29-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-29-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your sponsorship fuels life-changing impact. When you support events like our <strong>GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge<\/strong>, you&#8217;re helping us offer FREE, therapeutic-based programs all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sponsorship also gives your business visibility and brand alignment with a mission that resonates deeply with families across Greater Cincinnati. It\u2019s a win-win.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.gigisplayhouse.org\/gigifit-acceptance-challenge-2025\/event\/cincinnati-sponsorships-2025\/register\">Learn More About Sponsoring our Upcoming Event!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Amplify Our Mission on Your Platforms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"GiGi's Playhouse board members and volunteers are a recent fundraiser held by long-time supporter Miami Valley Gaming.\" class=\"wp-image-142051 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Image-31-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re a bakery, bank, or boutique\u2014your voice matters.<br>When you share why inclusion matters to your business, you\u2019re showing customers that you&#8217;re invested in <em>them<\/em> and in making the world a better place.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Repost our events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spotlight your volunteer days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feature one of our participants or team members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share a personal story about what inclusion means to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People love to support businesses that support their community\u2014and this is a powerful way to stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Donate Goods, Services, or Experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-124029.jpg\" alt=\"GiGi's Playhouse Staff and Volunteers with delicious treats donated by the Peach Cobbler Factory for a VIP event at the Playhouse\" class=\"wp-image-142050 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-124029.jpg 724w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-30-124029-300x254.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a big one that many people don\u2019t realize! In-kind donations\u2014like gift cards, food, d\u00e9cor, or service packages\u2014help us reduce costs and raise critical funds through raffles, giveaways, and auctions. They can also power our programs! We offer such a range of programs and host events like volunteer appreciations and family speaker events, you never know how your business could help us level-up!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creative ideas we\u2019ve loved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Businesses donating desserts for our Gala&#8217;s <em>Dessert Dash<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A salon offering a \u201cspa night\u201d basket for our silent auction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A photographer gifting a family portrait session<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have an idea? We\u2019d love to hear it! Your donation could make a major impact\u2014and introduce new customers to your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thank You to Our Community Champions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To the amazing businesses who already walk the walk\u2014thank you.<br>You show up for us, and more importantly, you show up for the <em>entire<\/em> disability community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To our in-kind donors, event sponsors, inclusive employers, and advocates:<br>You champion the strength, potential, and capability of individuals with Down syndrome.<br>Our world is better because of <em>your<\/em> action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s keep building a community where everyone belongs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udce9 Interested in partnering with us? Email <a>cincinnati@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a> or visit <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\">gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inclusion isn&#8217;t just good for people\u2014it\u2019s good for business.At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe every individual has value and potential. When local businesses lean into inclusion, they not only make our community stronger\u2014they show their customers, employees, and partners that everyone belongs. Here are five meaningful (and easy!) ways your business can take action today:&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14614,"featured_media":142048,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14614"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142046"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142046\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}