Presume Competence: The Simple Belief That Changes Everything
Presume competence. It's a phrase you might have heard, but what does it actually mean? This phrase is believing that a person is capable, intelligent, understanding, and worthy of respect, even if they communicate, learn, move, or process information differently than others. It means choosing to believe in someone’s potential...
Best of All – Michael
Each month, we celebrate a participant who embodies the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse, and this month our Best of All is Michael. To highlight his incredible growth, we invited his speech-language pathologist, Mrs. Amanda Simon, to share a glimpse into his journey. Through her eyes, we see just how far...
Volunteer of the Month – 10 YEARS OF AMANDA!
There are some people who walk into a room and immediately change the way it feels. For so many families at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, that person is Amanda Simon. This month, as we celebrate ten incredible years of Amanda leading our LMNOP program, we find ourselves reflecting not just one...
Volunteers of the Month – Mary & Alyssa
Somewhere between laughter echoing across the Playhouse and the quiet, proud moments of witnessing a participant accomplish something new, you’ll often find Mary and Alyssa - side by side, moving in rhythm like they’ve been doing this forever. There’s something special about the way they show up: steady, joyful, and...
Best Of All – Lucy!
Lucy is pure joy in motion. A burst of music, laughter, and light wherever she goes. Whether she's stepping foot in the gym for GiGiFIT, giving 110% in Speech Therapy with Ms. Amanda, or gearing up to make all the music during Music Makers, it's clear Lucy gives her Best...
True Inclusion
True inclusion is . . . telling your friend you "can't wait to meet her baby!" when she finds out her child will have Down syndrome at a routine pregnancy screening. reaching to hold your cousin's newborn baby and telling them "congratulations", as you look at their baby's beautiful almond-shaped...
Ten Years In: A Love Letter to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland
Written by Lizz Maxwell Ten years ago, I said yes to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. I didn’t know then how deeply that yes would shape my life — my faith, my leadership, my understanding of community, and my sense of purpose. What I did know was that this place mattered. And...
Volunteer of the Month – Debbie!
Debbie first came to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland in 2016 as a parent, walking alongside her son Griffin and then his younger brothers, learning, growing, and soaking in the magic of a space built just for them. What began as participation soon became purpose, as her background in theater and her...
Best of All – Rocco!
What better to start our introduction to Rocco than with a quote from Erin, our GiGiFIT Coordinator, who sees him in action every Wednesday. Erin shares, "When I think 'Best Of All', Rocco is one of the first names that pops into my mind! He has been giving his very...
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
Each year, World Down Syndrome Day occurs on March 21st. This is purposefully done as the THIRD month on the TWENTY-FIRST day signifies the extra copy of the 21st chromosome that represents the genetic makeup of the Down syndrome diagnosis. Though we shout the worth of our "homies with an...
Best of All – Olivia!
When we think of Olivia, the first thing that comes to mind is her infectious giggle. The kind that fills the entire Playhouse and instantly lifts every heart around her. The next thought is how she is an incredible individual that is: strong, smart, caring, silly, athletic, and so deeply...
Volunteer of the Month – Mary!
This volunteer’s journey began behind the scenes, lending her time and heart to our Brews & Beats fundraisers gathering items, showing up for countless evening meetings, and helping bring each event to life. Over the past few years, her passion for GiGi’s has only grown, leading her into the world...