Why Being a Donor at GiGi’s Playhouse Matters
Individuals with Down syndrome and their families do not receive equal access to opportunity. Although life expectancy, inclusion, and awareness have improved over time, families still struggle to access consistent, affordable, and specialized support. GiGi’s Playhouse bridges this gap, and donors make that work possible. Every gift powers programs that...
2025 Impact Recap: A Year of Growth, Community, and Belief in Ability
As we reflect on 2025, one thing is clear: this year was powered by community and by the belief that individuals with Down syndrome can achieve extraordinary things when given opportunity and support. Because of donors' generosity, volunteers' dedication, and families' trust, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit continued to expand access to...
Teddy Speaks Up: A Best of All Moment in Speech & Language
At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in meeting every participant where they are and creating meaningful opportunities for growth. Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Teddy, an older individual with Down syndrome who has been making incredible strides in our Speech & Language Program. Teddy worked this semester...
Thank You, Sujay: Celebrating an Incredible Internship Journey
As Sujay’s internship with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate his growth, contributions, and the lasting impact he has made within our Playhouse community. During his time with us, Sujay embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. His internship was...
Learning for Life: Angie’s Best of All Moment
Celebrating Angie's Literacy Journey For the past two years, Angie has been working diligently with her tutor, Maureen, in our literacy tutoring program—and the progress she’s made is truly inspiring! Angie, an adult with Down syndrome, has shown that learning never stops, and her Best of All is a powerful...
The Night That Keeps Growing: A Decade of Rock for Charity and the Heart Behind It
It started small in 2014—just a group of Beverly Hills neighbors who wanted to throw a great party and uplift a cause that hit close to home. Sandra Hamady and Kari Silcox staged the first event in beloved Beverly Park, complete with picnic tables and plastic tablecloths. They convinced Sandra’s...
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...