Grant’s Best of All
Best of All: Grant 🎣✨ Grant’s Best of All moment shines through in the way he learns best—by moving, interacting, and having fun! One of our favorite activities together has been Fishing for Sight-Words. With a smile on his face and lots of enthusiasm, Grant “casts his line,” fishes out...
Meet Lexi: Our New GiGi University Instructor!
Welcome Lexi We are so excited to welcome Alexis “Lexi” to the GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit family as our new GiGi University Instructor! Lexi brings a wealth of experience, passion, and energy to our Playhouse, and we cannot wait for our participants and families to get to know her. A Lifelong...
Best of All: Kate’s Growing Confidence in Literacy Tutoring
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we celebrate every milestone, big or small, with our Best of All moments. These moments highlight the perseverance, growth, and joy our participants show as they continue to challenge themselves and achieve new goals. This month, we’re celebrating Kate! Kate walks into every literacy tutoring session...
Fantastic Friends Embrace Fun and Independence at Funway Amusements
Guest Blogger: Becca Mansfield, Program Leader In July, our Fantastic Friends group enjoyed a memorable evening at Funway Amusements in Farmington Hills. The outing offered something for everyone, with mini golf and go-karts providing the perfect mix of laid-back fun and high-energy excitement. For many participants, taking the wheel on...
Eli’s Best of All Moment in Music Makers Program
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we’re always looking for new and meaningful ways to help our participants thrive—and one powerful tool we love to use is music. Whether it’s clapping along to a beat, singing favorite songs, or exploring rhythm with instruments, music plays a unique and important role in supporting...
Welcoming Sujay Kolli to the GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit Team: Building an Inclusive Future Through Internships
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in celebrating abilities, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Sujay Kolli as our new Social Media Intern! Sujay is not only a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s Ready for Life program, but also an accomplished content creator, brand...
Beat the Heat: Fun & Cool Activities for Families During Extreme Heat
When the temperatures soar and heat advisories roll in, staying safe becomes the top priority — but that doesn’t mean fun has to take a back seat! Extreme heat days offer the perfect excuse to slow down, get creative, and make lasting memories together as a family. Whether you're staying...
The Power of Play: Fueling Growth, Learning, and Confidence in the Down Syndrome Community
At GiGi’s Playhouse, play isn’t just a pastime — it’s a powerful tool for learning, connection, and lifelong development. Backed by decades of research in early childhood development and inclusive education, the power of purposeful play is especially transformative for individuals with Down syndrome (Ds). Through intentional, inclusive, and evidence-based...
Lucy’s Best of All Moment: The Power of Communication
Lucy completed her first session of Speech this past spring. Her Wayne State graduate clinician, Clara, was so excited to share Lucy’s Best of All Moment during one of their sessions, and we love sharing it with all of you! Clara and Lucy had been working hard on the goal...
Make an Impact That Lasts: Why Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Matters
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in the power of human connection—and volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Each time a volunteer walks through our doors, they are not just giving their time. They are changing lives, building a more inclusive community, and helping individuals with Down syndrome...
Your Story Matters: Writing Campaign to Support Adults with IDD
A letter from Mary Sparkes-Merriman (aka, Pete's Little Sister): Hello Parents, In early 2024, a group of patients, family members, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals began meeting to discuss the need for a multidisciplinary clinic to address the unique health care needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)...
Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Leotti
For those who missed our Lucky Have a Few gala last week, we had the absolute honor of presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to someone truly exceptional—Lauren Leotti! Since the summer of 2021, Lauren has been an invaluable part of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, dedicating time, thoughtfulness, and heart...