Born to be Mine- Adopting Matthew
by Leanne Pennetto (Matthew’s Mom) When people find out that I adopted a child with Down syndrome, they usually have the same reaction: “That was so nice of you!” ...or something along those lines. I understand where they are coming from, and I’m sure I would say the same thing...
Smiling Because of GiGi’s Playhouse
by Maureen Madden-Desatnik, Vice-President Board of Managers With Kim at the 2016 "i have a Voice" Gala My first introduction to GiGi’s Playhouse was through a good friend and fellow board member Kim Kirwan. I would see her wear her sweatshirt around town and eventually asked her...
Meet Our Program Leaders
Our Volunteers: that is what makes GiGi’s Playhouse special from other organizations. The dedication they bring as program leaders, with their very hands on approach working with our families and participants creates such a warm and welcoming environment that we are consistently welcoming more and more families all the time...
Seeing the best side of people
Seeing the best side of people By Carole Kuzian The Mets. The Devils. Stub Hub gift cards. Special Olympics soccer and basketball. And, of course, the rock band Kiss. Riding onto the ice on a zamboni at at NJ Devils game. These are just a few...
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: A Visit to the Hillsborough Playhouse
Richard & Marilee with the custom built bird house, "Building Blocks." What a surprise: March came in like a lamb, at a balmy 55 degrees. Marilee and I were off for a two-hour drive to the “new” Hillsborough GiGi’s Playhouse in New Jersey. We were also...
Jessica’s Love
by Pete Strahan (Jessica's Dad) My family is in a very elite group. Not just because we have a child with Down syndrome, but because of the manner in which we found out that she has Down syndrome. We are a part of a very small percentage to receive a...
Finding GiGi’s Playhouse
by Carol Tyukody (Jason’s Mom) The atmosphere was festive. Decorations in place. Food just right. And the D.J.’s tunes had everyone on their feet. All our friends and family were gathered at the Hillsborough Firehouse for a rockin’ party to mark a very special occasion: our Jason’s 40th birthday! There...
8 Hours of Community Service
8 Hours of Community Service by Christy Bouziotis 8 hours of community service. That’s what my twin 13-year-old boys needed to fulfill a Boy Scout requirement. We had been searching for just the right thing to do. Brody & Luke the program leader during Karate Kickers,...
It happened at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough in 2017…
Jason with Board President Erin Morris A life changed Jason is one of our active adult participants. He never misses a Friday Friends, is always ready to represent GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough in the community and has had great success in our literacy tutoring. Just before his...
Looking Back on 2017
Board President Erin Morris reflects on an amazing year, and all that we have accomplished together. As we wrap up another year at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough I am overwhelmed by the generosity of so many that have helped us achieve so many miracles in 2017. We have seen tremendous growth...
Our last day at the first playhouse
Yesterday was the last day of programming in the first playhouse we called home. As we prepare to move this weekend to our new home, I can’t help but look back on all that we have accomplished as GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough since our doors opened in January 2015. In 2...
What kind of world do you want?
Reposted from the GiGi's Playhouse INC website. GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers empowers families with free therapeutic and educational programs they need for their child to succeed. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, we make a life time commitment to support more than 30,000 families across the United States,...