Posts by Mary Makulinski
Back to School – How to Have the Best School Year!
As the new school year approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air. For parents of children with Down syndrome, the back-to-school season may come with a unique set of emotions and considerations. While it’s a time of fresh starts and new opportunities, it can also bring new situations that require careful planning and support. To…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Erin!
We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone truly special this month – our dedicated, joyful, and inspiring Volunteer of the Month, Erin! With nearly two and a half years of service under her belt, Erin has become an essential part of our GiGi’s Playhouse family, and her heart for our community shines through in…
Read MoreBest of All – ANDY!
This little guy may be small, but his personality is anything but! Andy brings joy, determination, and just the right amount of sass every time he walks through the doors of the Playhouse. Whether he’s giving side-eye before a hug or showing pure love to his amazing parents, Andy knows exactly how to make his…
Read MoreEvery Path is Worth Celebrating: Embracing Adults with Down Syndrome at Every Stage of Independence
When we talk about adults with Down syndrome, too often the focus is on achievements that fit traditional milestones like maintaining a full-time job, getting married, living independently, or obtaining a driver’s license. While these are significant and exciting accomplishments, if we only celebrate these visible markers, we risk overlooking the equally meaningful and deeply…
Read MoreBest of All – Patrick
At first glance, Patrick may seem like a quiet observer in the room, but it doesn’t take long to notice the quiet light behind his eyes. His gentle smile and calm presence have a way of speaking volumes, even when words are few. Those who spend time with him quickly learn: Patrick is a young…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Fiona!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, we’re lucky to be surrounded by incredible people who give their time, energy, and heart to support our community—and this month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on our Volunteer of the Month: Fiona! From the moment she walked into the Playhouse, Fiona brought a warmth and enthusiasm that’s hard to…
Read More2025 Dash for Down Syndrome
On Saturday, June 14th, the 5th Annual Dash for Down Syndrome was set to be our biggest and brightest event yet. With every detail ready – shirts folded, balloons blown, signs printed, DJ secured, and hearts full. We were ready to celebrate our incredible community, and celebrate we did… just in the pouring rain. What…
Read MoreA Beary Special Day at GiGi’s: Our First Teddy Bear Clinic
Early May, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland transformed into something truly magical: a pop-up pediatric hospital where teddy bears and stuffies were the patients and our participants became the caregivers. Our first-ever Teddy Bear Clinic was a roaring (and snuggly) success, and we couldn’t be more proud of what this day meant for so many of our…
Read MoreBest of All – Griffin!
This month, we’re celebrating Griffin, or as he’s affectionately known in GiGiFIT, “Griffin Bob,” for giving his Best of All in everything he does. Whether he’s holding the longest plank during GiGiFIT or exploring the beat in Project Pulse, Griffin stays focused and determined to meet every goal set before him. But it’s not just…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Tim!
Meet Tim, our Volunteer of the Month! Tim brings a gentle and calm energy into the Playhouse every time he joins us for Games with Friends Adult. Whether he’s diving into a competitive round of Headbandz or shooting hoops with the crew, Tim is always fully present and ready to engage. What stands out most…
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