Recent Blog Posts
Here We Grow Again
A new school year has begun and here we grow again with our friends and collaborators at Amp Lab! Last year, we had the honor of being chosen to be a Think Tank Challenge partner for the Grow Studio. We collaborated with over a dozen high school students from Fort...
Get Down for Down Syndrome
On August 4th, 2024 families and friends gathered at The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar to Get Down for Down Syndrome, our local Playhouse's GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is both an in-person and virtual event taking place across the country at GiGi’s Playhouse locations. Each location hosts various GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenges...
A Work of Heart
3Rivers is a banking institution with their headquarters in Fort Wayne, IN. The employees at 3Rivers have graciously donated their time to pour into our GiGi University program for several years. Employees come to sessions and educate our GiGi U students on money wellness. These sessions include going over wants...
More Than a Lemonade Stand
Fort Wayne FC (FWFC) was founded in 2019 and is an American soccer club based in Fort Wayne. The ownership group for Fort Wayne FC is comprised of successful business owners and former soccer players who live, or have lived, in Fort Wayne. FWFC’s mission is to enrich our entire...
Don’t Stop Achieving
When research came out that individuals with Down syndrome have a 95% chance of developing Alzheimer's disease by the age of 65, as opposed to the 12% chance of the general population, staff and families at GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne knew something needed to happen. With the help of local recreational therapist from F.L.O.W. Recreation, LLC,...
World Down Syndrome Day Rocks!
3/21 marks World Down Syndrome Day every year! The triplicate of the 21st chromosome (3/21) defines Down syndrome. This year, our Playhouse packed in so many moments of advocacy and celebration in one week. 2024 World Down Syndrome Day rocked! Monday kicked off with the filming of INsight on 21Alive...
Fundraising With Purpose
Erica, a senior at Purdue Fort Wayne University majoring in Human Services is one of our current GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne interns. For her capstone project, Erica organized a fundraiser with purpose. I have been fortunate to witness the immense effort that goes on behind the scenes to ensure all...
Challenge Accepted!
GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne is ecstatic to announce that we are a Think Tank Challenge partner with the incredible Amp Lab at Electric Works students! The challenge is to grow produce that can be used in GiGi's Genesis Health Bar and come up with recipes to add into GiGi's Genesis...
Ballet Is for Everyone
In 2019, GiGi's Playhouse Fort Wayne was growing, and our strategic plan included pushing more into our community, after all, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, and that was not going to happen if we continued to stay within our colorful Playhouse walls. After...
Grand Gesture at Grand Reopening
Walmart on Maysville Road in Fort Wayne, IN celebrated their grand reopening after a 19-week remodel. The team at Maysville Road did not stop at just celebrating their incredible efforts to create a space that is beautiful, easy to navigate, and shopper-friendly, they also made a grand gesture by giving...
Shouting Their Worth!
We are getting ready to kick off another session of Cheer Gems, an active, energetic, group focused on positivity, recognition and spirit. Our program leader and assistant cheer coach are amazing and ready to help shout the worth of our Cheer Gems! Meet Makayla! Hello, I am Makaylah, a senior...
Cooking Up Acceptance
At GiGi's Playhouse, we empower individuals with Down syndrome to be the best version of themselves. When Kristen came to the Playhouse and started talking about her wish to volunteer, teach younger children with Down syndrome, and her enjoyment of cooking, we knew she would be the perfect fit as...