Volunteer Spotlight: Angie Hockey
Phenomenal Human Alert! Back in May of 2023, GiGi's Playhouse Detroit received a visit from a group of young students, parents, and other members of the Lone Pine Elementary PTO. They had just finished a "Crazy Sock Day" fundraiser for World Down Syndrome Day, and came to deliver a generous...
Eagle Scout Project – Complete!
GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is an achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, but our reach goes beyond the participant and encompasses their whole family. We pride ourselves in being a place where parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers can make connections and find support in community where they share unique experiences....
Volunteer Spotlight: Kathleen Offer
Guest Blogger: Elie Kim, sister of one of our participants and volunteer at the Playhouse - age 16 We are so grateful for our amazing volunteers and love any opportunity to sing their praises. Kathleen Offer has been 'offering' support, guidance, and friendship to participants at GiGi's for the past...
We are Hiring!
We have an important announcement to share with our Down syndrome community... Kimberly Lyon, M.A. CCC-SLP After two years of dedicated service, Kim Lyon, who supervised our Amina Grace Speech & Language Program has resigned. She had to make the difficult decision to leave for an opportunity that's a better fit...
Volunteer Spotlight: Tamara Fobare
"It’s like everyday is their “Best of All” moment. I feel connected to Winston even though he didn’t get to experience the impact of GiGi’s Playhouse." - Tamara Fobare It is our absolute pleasure to recognize an incredibly kind hearted and genuine woman who volunteers with GiGi's Playhouse Detroit, Tamara...
We Walked, We Ran, We Dashed for Acceptance
Our 2024 GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge was INCREDIBLE! On Sunday, June 23rd, we hosted our 5th annual GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, MI. The event included a 1-mile walk, the Kids' Dash for Down Syndrome, and tons of fun field day activities. This beautiful day was filled with...
Myths & Truths About Down Syndrome
There are lots of popular myths about individuals with Down syndrome that are problematic for many reasons, most of which are related to not seeing their full humanity. Don't worry, we're here to debunk those myths, and we hope you'll help us spread the word! The list below was put...
Little Hearts… Big Impact
“You want to be the pebble in the pond that creates the ripple for change” – Tim Cook. It’s no secret that the success of GiGi's Playhouse Detroit is primarily because of the hard work and dedication of our fabulous volunteers. For many, their efforts don’t stop when they leave...
Volunteer Spotlight: Joelle Stempnik
Guest Blogger: Elie Kim, volunteer and sister of participant - age 16 It is our great honor to interview Joelle Stempnik, who recently joined our team as a program volunteer and tutor with GiGi's Playhouse Detroit. Joelle is a junior at Wayne State University and plans to get her Masters...
What does GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit Mean to You?
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! We want to let you all know how truly wonderful you are. How loved you are. How cherished and appreciated you are. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for making such a huge impact on not only our Playhouse but our participants, families...
Common Myths About Being A Tutor
Myth: "I need teaching experience to be a good tutor". Fact: The greatest quality one needs to tutor effectively is a willingness to learn and try. Most of our tutors have other backgrounds like engineering, med school students, high school students, psychology etc. We provide lots of training, both at the...
Volunteer Appreciation Award
There are many elements that go into a successful program: research-based instruction, multi-sensory approaches, individualized adaptations, and one of the most important ingredients: love for our participants. It is plain to see the love our volunteers have for the participants in each program. So many of them come early, stay...