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...
1, 2, 3, 4… We Declare a Penny War!
Addams Elementary School in Royal Oak has been a long-time supporter of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. Between 'rocking their socks' on World Down Syndrome Day, making keychains for Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and spreading our #GenerationG message to "Be Accepting, Be Generous, Be Kind," this school never hesitates to support folks...
Tanner’s “Best of All”
best of all (noun) \best of all\: is continual, measurable, celebrated and it never ends. It is a daily challenge to do a little better than you did the day before and it’s always celebrated. Possible manifestations: standing just one second longer, reading just one more word, learning just one...
How Down Syndrome Has Impacted My Life
Guest post by Elie Kim, age 17 My younger sister, Elena, has Down syndrome, and as World Down Syndrome Day approaches, I would like to take this time to reflect on my experiences in the Down syndrome community. From left to right:Philip, Elena, Elie, and Ema Kim From an early...
PJ’s “Best of All”
With over 230 program hours logged, PJ is no stranger to GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. He has participated in LMNOP, Kids Club, Playhouse Pals, Open Play, Literacy tutoring, Math tutoring, Special Olympics: Young Athletes, all of our events, and now that he's a teenager, Teen Tastic! PJ comes to the Playhouse...
Program Spotlight: Destination Discovery
Play = Fun + Learning! This spring we launched a new program for all ages called Destination Discovery. We're going to take a moment to tell you how phenomenal it is! Like all our programs at GiGi's Playhouse Detroit, Destination Discovery supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor...
“Best of All”: GiGi’s Playhouse Dancers
This month's #BestOfAll goes out to Landon, Lucy, Kearahston, Sara, and Zachary, for their incredible dance performance with the Wayne State University Dance Team! This crew met at the Playhouse only three times to learn a brand new routine before performing it in front of a big crowd at the...
Honoring My Baby Sister
Guest Post by Margaret Kunz I am not sure how to describe my happiness to be involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. My explanation is extremely personal and brings me unspeakable sorrow, as well as great joy and peace. Sixty-five years ago, my little sister, Diane Ruth Sherwood, was born. I was...