Posts by Mary Makulinski
Celebrate Down syndrome ACCEPTANCE Month
October is Down Syndrome ACCEPTANCE Month – an entire month dedicated to shouting our friends’ and children’s worth from the rooftops! You might be wondering why we say ACCEPTANCE versus awareness. Saying “acceptance” versus “awareness” shifts the focus from simply knowing that individuals with Down syndrome exist, to actively embracing and including them. Awareness is…
Read MoreBest of All – Johnny!
Meet Johnny, a vibrant young man with a passion for life, an infectious sense of humor, and a voice that can command any room. Not only is Johnny a talented singer and great friend, but he’s also actively involved in a variety of programs both at GiGi’s Playhouse and in his community. From Project Pulse,…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Sydney!
Meet Sydney Wisnor, our inspiring Volunteer of the Month! Her passion for helping others shines through both in her academic pursuits and her time at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. Since February 2023, Sydney has been volunteering across several programs, from LMNOP to Destination Discovery and tutoring, all while building a foundation for her future career in…
Read MoreBack 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 MoreBest of All – Abby!
Abby is like a beautiful rainbow, with all her qualities shining in perfect harmony. Just as a rainbow colors the sky at just the right moment, Abby brings her kindness, energy, and thoughtfulness to every situation. She brightens the room with her vibrant spirit, energizes those around her, and knows exactly when to be a…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Paige!
Paige has been such a staple to our Games with Friends Teen crew. She allows each participant to authentically be themselves, while also challenging them to achieve their Best of All when it comes to following directions, strengthening social skills, and having fun. We love how Paige meets each individual where they are, and then…
Read MoreThe Dignity of Risk
The concept of “dignity of risk” is a powerful and transformative idea, especially when applied to individuals with Down syndrome. It emphasizes the importance of allowing people to take risks, make choices, and experience the natural consequences of their actions. This approach is essential in fostering independence, self-confidence, and personal growth. You might be asking…
Read MoreBest of All – Lucy!
We had the great joy of meeting Lucy when she was only a couple of months old. Lucy and her mom, Megan, entered the Playhouse and from that moment there was no turning back. Alongside her big brother, Tommy, you can find Lucy and her family attending so many programs. From LMNOP, Music and Movement,…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Beth!
This month, we celebrate our Volunteer of the Month, Beth! Beth saw the incredible impact GiGi’s Playhouse had on her son Phil and felt inspired to get involved. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, Beth brings valuable expertise to our programs. She leads the Games with Friends Adult program,…
Read MoreCelebrating Our Friends with Down Syndrome: GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland’s 2024 Dash for Down Syndrome
What an unforgettable morning we had at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland’s 2024 Dash for Down Syndrome! It was a day filled with celebration, advocacy, and community, all dedicated to our incredible friends with Down syndrome. With the sun shining and perfect blue skies overhead, around 1,200 wonderful individuals gathered to make this event the largest across…
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