You Belong Here
Gratitude in our Next Chapter
Our community has beautifully lifted us up through tragedy and said to us, "You Belong Here." Now its our time to pay it forward as we re-open our doors, give back to our community, and accelerate acceptance.
Eighteen months ago, I watched everything our families worked so hard for burn. The emotions of May 11, 2021, are still raw, as I am still in shock. Looking back on that day, I knew there was one thing GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo was going to fulfill…the lifetime commitment to our families by bringing back the playhouse.
Your support has truly made an impact on the 200+ families we have had the opportunity to serve in the last seven years. Thank you to the Engelstad Foundation for believing in our mission, families, and providing a transformational dollar-for-dollar match towards our rebuild efforts. To our community – thank you for raising the bar and believing in acceptance for all. Together we are truly changing the way the world views Down syndrome, one diagnosis, one family, and one community at a time.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a second home for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It is a place where they get to come celebrate and do not have to explain their loved one's diagnosis or be labeled. It is a place where everyone is wanted, can learn, grown, network, and thrive. It is a place where they BELONG!
I am excited to turn the page to the next chapter of GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo as we reopen our doors to our families and community.
Join Us In Our Next Chapter: You Belong Here
You Belong Here as a participant:
At GiGi’s Playhouse we see potential, we see ability and possibility! We educate, inspire, and believe. We set expectations high and dream big! Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse are designed for how you learn best! Programs focus on the four universal challenges of Down syndrome: hypertonia, cognitive delay, limited opportunities, and promoting acceptance for all.
You Belong Here as a family:
GiGi’s Playhouse families are never alone. From a prenatal or birth diagnosis to adult life-skills, we make a lifetime commitment to your whole family! Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed.
You Belong Here as a volunteer:
GiGi’s Playhouse is 97% volunteer ran! Volunteers are the heartbeat of our programs as we rely on them to keep our programs educational, vibrant, fun, and free for our families. You do not need specific training to be a volunteer at GiGi’s as we provide you with all the training to be successful. You just need the time to serve, a smile, and the willingness to be amazed!
You Belong Here as a supporter:
GiGi’s Playhouse does not receive any state or federal funding and our programs are FREE to participants and their families (as we never want cost to be a barrier to success). We need your support to help fund our programs. Ways to impact the Fargo Playhouse include Giving Hearts Day, “i have a Voice” Gala, Golf FORE GiGi’s, and the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Walk & Fest. You can also support GiGi’s by purchasing items off our Wishlist!
You Belong Here as an advocate:
Raise your voice as we all have abilities and need support to be successful! As an advocate you help promote our global mission of acceptance for all!
You Belong Here as an educator:
Tutoring programs at GiGi’s Playhouse use methodologies with documented success based on research professionals in the field. The ability to read and count opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools, and in our community. GiGi’s Playhouse wants to ensure our educators have the tools they need to have our students be successful and remain in the classroom among their peers.
You Belong Here as our community:
Together we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome and creating a global message of acceptance for all. One diagnosis, one family, and one community at a time.
You Belong Here as an Acceptance Accelerator:
Accelerate Acceptance with GiGi’s Playhouse as we continue to break down barriers on how we are more alike than different! Today you can take the pledge to be accepting, generous, and kind at iacceptyou.org.
I look forward in celebrating alongside each one of you as You Belong Here at GiGi’s Playhouse in Fargo. Together we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome!
With Gratitude,
Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director
P.S. I cannot wait to meet you as we educate, inspire, and believe!