Celebrating Two Years of Impact in Detroit and Beyond

It’s hard to believe we are coming up on two years since our Grand Opening, January 27, 2019. On that freezing cold, yet sunny day, nearly 800 people came to support our brand new Playhouse. We celebrated this space, filled with possibility and dreams to make an impact in the Detroit Down syndrome community.

Little did we know what would happen 14 months later. COVID-19 forced the shut down our in-person programs and fundraising events. But as we’ve experienced over the past 10 months, there are silver linings to be found in this whole global pandemic.  

Our 2nd Anniversary is the perfect time to take a look back at the past two years. We want to celebrate all that has happened to benefit our Down syndrome community. And we will also look ahead to all the potential of this coming year! 

Connection

One of the first things that comes to mind in that first year we were open was the immediate opportunities for connection. The Playhouse provided a space for both participants to connect with peers with Down syndrome, but also for parents to connect with each other. 

One of the most moving scenes week in and week out was to see moms and dads meeting and connecting in the “Family Room”, sharing stories, providing tips and resources they’ve learned along their journeys. Whether it’s navigating specific health concerns like open-heart surgery, tips for starting Kindergarten, ideas for addressing behaviors, or preparing for transitioning out of school, parents are there for one other. It’s so powerful to meet someone who has “been there”, who understands your unique situation and can provide reassurance and encouragement.

Additionally, we’ve had children meet their therapists at the Playhouse to use our space for climbing and running. It’s wonderful to see it used like a local community center. Even though we haven’t been able to do that in person lately, we look forward to these conversations and connections resuming at some point in the near future! 

Program Growth

When we launched our first programs in February 2019 we started with four of GiGi’s Signature programs and Open Play. Gradually through 2019 we began adding more programs as we acquired funding, and others as we had wonderful volunteers step up to run programs like one-on-one Literacy Tutoring. 

Then in March 2020 when the world shut down, GiGi’s National office quickly pivoted and rolled out GiGi’s At Home virtual programs. These served as a lifeline to families as every kind of support suddenly stopped. But the closure of in-person programs hasn’t slowed us down. In addition to the national GiGi’s At Home programs, we have continued with our own local Detroit programs virtually. Because of the programs being offered online, we’ve had the opportunity to reach families from across the state. We also have launched a number of brand new programs at the start of 2021.  

Amazing Volunteers

One amazing partnership that developed and took off in 2020 was with Wayne State University students. We’ve been blessed with amazing tutors for our Literacy program last fall. And now we are launching the pilot of one-on-one Math Tutoring.

As a result of lots of work, we are now up to 12 programs. These are all put on and run by our volunteers – making a direct impact on our Detroit Down syndrome community! Head over to our calendar to learn more and sign up for a program. 

Events

Looking back at some of our fundraising events over the past two years, it’s wonderful to think of all the fun we’ve had. On the other hand, it’s also somewhat bitter sweet as we miss those opportunities to be together. 

Here’s a quick walk down memory lane: 

• In May 2019 we hosted Over the Edge where nearly 80 brave adults and teenagers rappelled down the First National Building in Detroit to raise awareness and funds for our free programs!It was such an amazing event that we are looking into hosting it again in the future! To get an idea of what it’s like, watch our friend Ann Marie Laflamme’s rappel down the 26 stories.

• In October 2019 we put on A Night to Inspire: Roaring 20’s in the D – a prohibition era evening with amazing live jazz music, delicious food and cocktails and a wonderful silent auction.
• In the winter of 2019 and 2020 wonderful friends of our Playhouse put on live rock concerts by local Beverly Hills bands Spider Monkeyand The Hood. The events were held at the Lafayette Grand in Pontiac and were great nights of music, drinks, food and fun! 
• Our World Down Syndrome Dance Party in March 2020 had to be cancelled due to COVID. But in spite of missing out on the actual event, our wonderful sponsors and participating teams made it a successful event.  
• In June 2020 GiGi’s National hosted a global virtual event called Step to Accept where thousands of people walked, ran or biked in their neighborhoods and local parks for a safe and healthy fundraiser for all of our Playhouses. We had families in the the wider metro Detroit Down syndrome community participate from Kensington Metro Park to Stony Creek Metro Park and numerous neighborhoods inbetween!

2021 Events

We are excited about what’s coming this year for events. Our Board and volunteers are in the midst of planning some fun opportunities for you to enjoy while supporting our Playhouse.

• Saturday, March 20th is our virtual Brew Ha Ha – celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st) with a fun evening of comedy and beer! Your $50 ticket includes a party box for two that will include beer and hard cider from Griffin Claw Brewing Company, etched beer steins, local Michigan goodies and access to entertainment by comedian Rob Snow. Learn more about Rob and the event. Mark your calendars – registration will open in the coming weeks!

• Saturday, June 5, 2021 – GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – a nationwide GiGi’s event for everyone – a physical and social MOVEment for acceptance. More details are coming soon! 

Grants

In 2019 we had one or two individuals who volunteered to research and apply for grants to help fund our Playhouse and programs. They applied for nine grants and we were awarded four: Michigan Humanities Foundation, Village Club of Bloomfield Hills, Eagles for Children and Women Who Care Rochester Hills. These grants helped us launch and run GiGiFIT Adult and Teen and our one-on-one Literacy Tutoring. 

Additionally, grant funds helped cover some operational costs in 2020. As a result of the pandemic, a majority of non-profits have been hit hard financially with the loss of in-person fundraising events.  But our expanded Grant Team stepped up to help find grant funding to fill in some of the gaps! In 2020 we were awarded grants from Eagles for Children, Wendell and Dorothy Rogers Foundation, Oakland County COVID Relief, Mathworks and Michigan Humanities Foundation. And so far in 2021 we’ve applied for one grant and received the award from the Moosejaw/Walmart Corp. These grants are playing a critical role in not only keeping our free programs going, but also in expanding our message beyond the friends and families in the Detroit Down syndrome community. The organizations are learning about our mission and of the value and capabilities of people with Down syndrome when given the right supports. 

If you know of a foundation or grant program that you think is a fit for us to apply to, please email detroit@gigisplayhouse.org and our Grant Team will follow up! 

Looking to the Future

As we look ahead to what this year holds, we are excited to have Amina Grace Speech and Language Therapy launching later in 2021! This incredible speech therapy program will have an incredible impact on our Down syndrome community. Amina Grace provides FREE one-on-one speech therapy for individuals with Down syndrome, supporting and strengthening critical communication skills! This is being made possible through our partnership with Wayne State University. 

In addition, we have a wonderful opportunity that will expand our reach beyond metro Detroit. A pilot of GiGiFIT is in the works to open in Saginaw through a partnership with A Place for Grace. More details will be coming soon about this wonderful opportunity for our friends with Down syndrome nearly 100 miles from our Playhouse. 

Thank You!

Above all, we want to express our deepest appreciation for all who have made these past two years possible! From the hundreds of volunteers, to all the participating families, to the corporate sponsors supporting our mission. Without you, we would not be here providing free, educational and therapeutic programs for the Down syndrome community. It is through you that we’ve been able to make an impact in the Detroit Down syndrome community and beyond! You all are a part of “changing the way the world views Down syndrome and sending a global message of acceptance for all!”