Reboot in 2018 & Explosion in 2019

To Families, Friends and Supporters:

We can hardly believe that 2018 has come to an end! GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo is extremely thankful for an amazing year of life changing programming for individuals with Down syndrome in our community!

This year we received many generous contributions that allowed us to live out our mission in our community to provide FREE educational, therapeutic and social programs along with specialized literacy tutoring at North Dakota’s only Down syndrome Achievement Center. We are so beyond thankful! Here are a few of our highlights of 2018:

• Our Fargo Playhouse logged over 1,000 hours of programming for individuals with Down syndrome. These hours were through 10-therapeutic and educational programs for all ages. We impacted over 120 families and cannot wait to see our growth in 2019.
• We had over 3,200 volunteer hours in 2018. We truly have the best volunteers!
• We hosted our first annual ‘i have a Voice’ gala. With hundreds in attendance, it truly was a night of inspiration, advocacy and dancing! Save the date for March 1, 2019 for our second annual Gala.
• We have updated our technology in the Playhouse! The addition of a projection and sound system have provided many new opportunities for programming. Electronic check-in and new iPads are just a few more pieces we’ve added.
• The creation of a Learning Area complete with tables and learning wall have provided a great setting to enhance our programs.

The generous support from our donors, families, and friends in 2018 will see many of the behind the scenes projects come to fruition in 2019! We are excited to be offering two NEW programs in 2019.

• The GiGiFIT Program for our teens and adults focuses on improving fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. This program will promote wellness through nutrition and push through barriers to help build self-confidence. Participants in GiGiFIT are motivated by their peers both physically and emotionally as they strive for their own personal best. Coming March 2019!
• The 1-on-1 Math Tutoring Program is intended to supplement the education students receive at school, not replace or replicate the school curriculum. This program is a success-orientated guide to help students with Down syndrome gain skills and confidence they can carry-over into their math skills at school, home and community. We understand that individuals with Down syndrome learn differently and this program helps each student learn their “best way”. Coming Fall 2019!

The support our community has shown our families is much more than a financial gift, but instead demonstrates their desire to help individuals with Down syndrome achieve their greatest potential! Without each one of you, this would not be possible. Together we are stronger and together we will ensure our children and families achieve their Best of All! Your kindness, support and participation help us change perceptions, educate and support and provide a community and global impact. For that, we greatly thank YOU!

Happy Holiday’s and Happy New Year from your friends at GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo. Thank you for believing!

Kellie Hamre, President                                           Heather Lorenzen, Site Manager

khamre@gigisplayhouse.org                                   hlorenzen@gigisplayhouse.org

Please visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/Fargo  for more information on our programs and volunteering.

Interested in being part of the Fargo Board of Directors? Email khamre@gigisplayhousefargo.org