Moving with Purpose: The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge

On June 5th, 2021 participants across Metro Detroit moved for acceptance in support of individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge was designed to advocate for belonging and acceptance for all. It was a really special day. Either from one’s backyard, the local park, or the Seaholm High School Track; family, friends, and teachers…

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Our Program Leaders Are The Best Volunteers!

Every April we celebrate all of our outstanding volunteers. GiGi’s Playhouse has always strived to keep operation costs low so that we put it all back into our programs and support we offer to our families. Volunteers lead our programs, support the participants, and keep our playhouse stocked with the supplies we need. We try…

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Going Virtual, Creatively!

Tutoring virtually certainly presents its challenges. “Can you hear me now?” There are many things tutors have to do differently to reach and engage our participants. Individuals with Down syndrome learn better in a multi-sensory approach but that can be challenging to present the learners with things to hold and manipulate when meeting virtually. The…

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Small but Mighty!

When GiGi’s Playhouse makes plans for the programs we offer, we take a lot of things into consideration; needs of the participants, number of participants who could benefit from the program, the materials and funds needed to run the program, to name just a few. We were presented with the idea of having a Zumba…

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Celebrating Two Years of Impact in Detroit and Beyond

It’s hard to believe we are coming up on two years since our Grand Opening, January 27, 2019. On that freezing cold, yet sunny day, nearly 800 people came to support our brand new Playhouse. We celebrated this space, filled with possibility and dreams to make an impact in the Detroit Down syndrome community. Little did we know what would…

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To the Moon!

“Well I’d like to visit the moon  On a rocket ship high in the air  Yes, I’d like to visit the moon  But I don’t think I’d like to live there.   Though I’d like to look down at the Earth from above  I would miss all the places and people I love  So, although I…

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Pivoting Programs Continue at GiGi’s Detroit

kids club program

We all have a word (or several) that come to mind to describe the year 2020.  We’ve repeatedly heard “unprecedented” and “challenging”. Our lives, jobs, schools and society were completely disrupted. Another word that many of us have lived out is “pivot”. This year has caused us all to pivot or change direction. Whether it’s the loss of…

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Our Dazzling Dance Program

Did you know we’re launching a new Dance program at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit? We love to move and groove to our favorite tunes and know you will too! Over the past few months we were so lucky to have two young women step forward and offer to lead our new program. Sarah and Samantha each have different…

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