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...
Art Explosion Starts in November!
We are so excited to announce that starting in November GiGi's will offer Art Explosion on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 3:45 to 5:00pm! Art Explosion provides a hands on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build...
Calling all Actors & Actresses
Drama Troupe was such a success over the summer that Annie & Joe have agreed to do a 2015-16 school year. Drama Troupe program here at GiGi's for individuals with Down syndrome 11 years old and up! The Goals of Drama Troupe using Role-play Theatre Analysis (RTA) is to establish healthy, meaningful relationships and achieve...
