Program Spotlight: GiGiFIT Toddler
Do you remember when you learned to walk? Maybe you can picture your child taking their first steps... There are a lot of muscles to strengthen and skills to master before taking steps without falling over. First, toddlers learn to pull themselves up, then balance without holding onto anything, then...
Board Member Spotlight: Jeff Harper
GiGi’s Playhouse is so much more than a global nonprofit or marketing brand. Each location began with a grassroots team of dreamers and believers, who cultivated a local Down Syndrome Achievement Center with incredible heart and personality. This would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of many people...
Board Member Spotlight: Latonya Morgan
We’re back with another Board Member Spotlight, this time featuring the one and only, Latonya Morgan! Latonya is a proud Detroiter, born and bred. She is also a Spartan alumna, with a degree in Employment & Labor Relations from MSU. She's one of the founders of GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit and...
“Does it Really Matter? We Love Him.”
Guest post by Angela Warsinke I thought I was miscarrying my second born at around 10-12 weeks. I ran to the doctor who told me the baby was okay, but it could be the beginning of a miscarriage and not much could be done to stop it. I was raised...
Who Loves the Theatre???
The three pillars of theatre ~ singing, dancing & acting ~ are wonderful skills to develop as they build self-confidence, empowerment, and effective communication. Through a variety of drama improvisation techniques, theatrical productions, and games, our Drama Troupe supports personal growth and cooperation while learning self-expression with vocal and physical...
Board Member Spotlight: Rose Busque
If you've been following our board spotlight posts so far, you might notice a theme: We thrive as a team, but each individual shines in their own special way, adding a crucial piece to the collective whole. There are myriad reasons why Rose Busque is an invaluable slice of our...
Board Member Spotlight: Kathleen Tynes
For most of our followers, this member of our board needs no introduction. If you've participated in any activity at our Playhouse within the last 3 years, you've probably interacted with her. If you didn't receive direct support from her, it's pretty much guaranteed she was heavily involved behind the...
Board Member Spotlight: Betsy Larson
It’s a New Year and each month will come with its own special theme. Our theme for January is GRATITUDE. With tremendous gratitude to those who work faithfully behind the scenes, and in honor of our 4th anniversary, we'd like to (re)introduce our fabulous Board of Managers, starting with Betsy Larson! Betsy...
Volunteer Spotlight: Shae Pettinga
Shae Pettinga (Shaelyn) is a junior at Troy High School, and unlike many of her sixteen-year-old peers, she is actively committed to supporting individuals with Down syndrome both inside and outside of school. Shae began volunteering as a Literacy Tutor last fall, working with TWO participants. When one of her...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Decker
This month we’re sending a heartfelt shout out to a wonderful man who works faithfully behind the scenes at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. Jim and his grandson, Noah Jim Decker is the grandfather of one of our young participants, Noah, and the last few months he has...
Volunteer Spotlight: Demetris Stewart!
Demetris is a phenomenal woman with many talents and interests! In the summer of 2021, she began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, and has been the inspiring and enthusiastic leader of our Art Explosion program ever since! She identifies as an Artist through & through, and is dedicated to sharing...
