Posts by Mary Makulinski
Best 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…
Read MoreNeighborly Partnership Brings Flavor and Inclusion to Life: GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and Voodoo Tuna Celebrate Ongoing Collaboration
It’s not every day a partnership grows naturally just by sharing a block, but that’s exactly what happened on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and Voodoo Tuna may seem like an unlikely duo at first glance. One is a nonprofit committed to changing the way the world views Down syndrome, the other…
Read MoreSensory Superstars: Strategies for Mastering Sensory Processing Challenges by Madi Pearl, S/OT
Imagine a world where the tags on your clothes feel like pinpricks, the hair dryer sounds like a front row seat at a concert, or the lighting in the room feels like a fluorescent spotlight shining directly into your eyes. For some, this is their normal everyday experience. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can make everyday…
Read MoreGeneration G Youth Board – Advocates in Action
The GiGi’s Generation G Youth Board is a passionate group of young leaders dedicated to spreading the Generation G mission: Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind. In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, each member was tasked with bringing this mission to life in their school communities—raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and making a lasting impact.…
Read MoreThe Power of Communication: Understanding and Supporting AAC Users
Imagine a world where your thoughts, feelings, and ideas are ready to be shared, but you express them in a way that’s uniquely your own. For many individuals, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices serve as a bridge to self-expression, creating opportunities for connection and independence. But what exactly are AAC devices, and why is…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Candace!
Candace’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse began with a feeling—an energy and sense of belonging she couldn’t ignore. After attending countless GiGi’s events with her boyfriend’s brother, Patrick, she knew she wanted to be a bigger part of this incredible community. Since then, she’s become a dedicated volunteer, bringing her quiet confidence, warm spirit, and easygoing…
Read MoreBest of All – Remembering our Amy Jo
Amy Jo was a force of pure joy, kindness, and independence, and her impact on GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland will never be forgotten. Whether she was lighting up the room with her dance moves, riding her bike through Lakewood, or celebrating her birthday all month long, Amy embraced life with her whole heart. In honor of…
Read MoreBest of All – David!
If you’ve been to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, you know that our Best of All this month is a well-known individual. Number 1: His name is David Harold Poseidon Gordon. Number 2: We would say he is a beacon of light in our community as he is ALWAYS at the Playhouse ready to help, make new…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Jen!
Meet Jen, our incredible Volunteer of the Month! From the classroom to the Playhouse, Jen brings her passion for learning, connection, and community to everything she does. A psychology professor with a deep curiosity about memory, she spends her free time walking her dog, indulging in ice cream, and, most importantly, making a difference at…
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