Our First Mom’s Night Out of 2017 was a Blast!
We had so much fun at our Mom's Night Out on Thursday, and we can't wait to host another one on March 23rd! We started off the night with some appetizers, wine, and conversation. We wanted to create a night where moms could have a moment for themselves, spark their creativity,...
A drive for volunteering #wishesdelivered
A Drive for Volunteering To her customers, Shelly Perez-Dickson is the face of UPS. But to the kids at GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center in Des Moines, Iowa, she is a beloved teacher and a close friend. For several years, Shelly has volunteered at GiGi’s mentoring children with...
Join us for a Friendsgiving Brunch and Open Play!
We want to thank all of our families for making GiGi's a special, loving, place where everyone belongs! We are so thankful that YOU are a part of our life- it's a gift to know YOU! We hope you'll join us as we celebrate our friendship with play and brunch on...
October is Down Syndrome Awareness & Acceptance Month!
Did you know October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month??? Help us celebrate by sending in a photo of your loved one with Down syndrome! We want to share at lease one photo each day of October! Feel free to include a favorite quote or story, to accompany the photo! Please...
Drama Troupe’s ‘Toad’ was captivating
We are beyond impressed with the actors, directors, and volunteers of the summer session of Drama Troupe! The actors put on a shining performance, and the directors' caring guidance empowered each actor to achieve their best of all! We can't thank all of the amazing parents that helped along the...
five instructional strategies for children with down syndrome
Children with Down syndrome are capable learners who are excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel. They may learn at a slower pace, but are more than capable of learning. They are strong visual learners. This means that they understand what they...
Make Lemonade!
We were so honored to be invited to Des Moines Mom’s Blog's Family Fun Night at the ’88 Estate in Polk City. It was a fun filled evening with a live band, superheroes, food trucks, fun yard games, and a lemonade stand hosted by GiGi’s Playhouse and the GiGi U interns. We...
The ‘Friends of GiGi’s’ Golf Outing was a Blast!
On Saturday, June 18th we had our annual ‘Friends of GiGi’s’ Golf Outing. It was a great event full of golf, laughter, and friendly competition. We want to say many thanks to the golf committee, to our sponsors and all of the golfers for making this event be a success!...
Friday Friends Planting Night
friday friends had more than 40 participants enjoying a little karaoke fun, playing basketball, boogying down, and planting flowers! ????? planting is the perfect spring activity to welcome the warmer weather, learn about nature, and it’s also fun to get a little dirty! flowers are beautiful and bring happiness wherever...
Kristina Conner, wife, mother, volunteer, self advocate with Down syndrome
Since we met Kristina a little over a year ago, she has made a huge impact on the lives of so many at GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines! Kristina currently volunteers three times a week as the GiGi Academy Fitness Instructor. Kristina's passion for dance lends itself perfectly to put the...
Have You Heard about Generation “G”????
generation g is a movement – Standing for people of all different abilities and their rights to dignity, opportunity, and global acceptance. generation g is a mindset – Finding the inner strength to harness the good and take action. generation g is an action plan – Engaging families, volunteers, donors,...
The Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree is this Saturday!!
GiGi’s Playhouse is honored to be the 2015 Beneficiary of the Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree! The Des Moines metro area Kiwanis Clubs work together to host the annual Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree, a fun event that brings together 16 of the Central Iowa Metro League basketball teams (boys & girls) in one...