Where Learning Meets Lunch: Our Trip To Crispelli’s
Adult participants at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit have been busy learning valuable culinary skills through our GiGi Kitchen and GiGi Prep programs. So, when the opportunity came to take those skills on the road, we couldn’t wait to say yes! Christi, daughter of a Crispelli's restaurant owner and volunteer of our...
Best of All: A Conversation Among Friends
We are halfway through our eight-week GiGi Prep Pilot, and our five participants are learning and growing in many ways! Our group starts the day by focusing on their mental health-something we could all benefit from doing. This is followed by an energizing fitness class, an engaging communication class, and...
Volunteer At Our GiGi Prep Program
GiGi's Playhouse Detroit is launching our new adult education program: GiGi Prep. Participants with Down syndrome will learn important adult living skills in the areas of nutrition, fitness, communication, mental health and many more! How You Can Help We need volunteers to help our program leaders during the various classes!...
A Summer of Learning and Fun with Avery
This summer, Avery B.’s learning sessions with Doug B. took on a new twist—one that mixed math with fun, creativity, and hands-on experiences. When Avery, Avery’s family, and Doug planned for the summer semester, they agreed to keep things lighter while still reinforcing math skills in unique and engaging ways....
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...