Spotlight on Sean: Spreading Kindness and Inclusion
At GiGi’s Playhouse Houston, we are proud to celebrate individuals who make a difference in their communities. One of those incredible individuals is Sean, an adult participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Houston who is proving that employment means independence, purpose, and the opportunity to help others. Sean thrives in his roles...
Participant Spotlight: Bode’s Journey of Learning and Growth
At GiGi’s Playhouse Houston, we are honored to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our community so special. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Bode, a determined and inspiring young adult who is embracing every opportunity for learning, growth, and independence. A Passion for Learning Bode joined GiGi’s Playhouse Houston...
The Sams Family’s Journey to Houston: Finding the Perfect Community for Declan and Liam
For the Sams family, home has always been about more than just a place—it’s about connection, opportunity, and support. Before settling in Galveston, they lived in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where most of their extended family still resides. However, after their son Declan was born in May 2022 with Down syndrome, they...
A Journey to Independence: Gwen’s Story
A Journey to Independence: Gwen’s Story Gwen Friedman has been a familiar face in our community for many years. Our dedicated volunteer, Bert, has known Gwen for a long time, as have many of our adult participants. I, too, have had the pleasure of knowing Gwen personally—I lived nearby and...
Alyssa and Teddy
Working with Teddy over the past semester has been an incredible experience. Teddy is so sweet and genuine, and his silly antics make me laugh every class. When I first signed up to tutor, I thought it would just be a fun experience to help a GiGi’s Playhouse participant with...
Participant Spotlight: Veronica and Kamila
Finding your community can be a journey. You want to find the people who have shared your experiences or who can offer guidance and support. Veronica was on that journey with Kamila when I met her. People say things happen for a reason, and I believe they do. I was...
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — PROVIDING THE RUNWAY FOR ACCEPTANCE! We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is...
The Parachute
As a child, you are learning and experiencing everything for the first time. Every surface, every shape, every color, every texture, everything is new and exciting. It can also be a bit scary. I will share a story about a young participant coming to our Houston Playhouse. He is seven...
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Meet Ariel Siros
Ariel Siros serves as the Assistant Banking Center Manager at B1 Bank. On Tuesdays, she dedicates her time to supporting two signature programs, Fantastic Friends and Gratitude Committee. Her commitment continues on Wednesdays when she volunteers at GiGi's Kitchen. Ariel's journey of volunteerism began at GiGi's Playhouse Houston during the...
Community Partners: Garvin Exteriors
The Honer family with the Garvin family, owners of our community partner-Garvin Exterior Garvin Exteriors, a leading roofing company serving Cypress, Texas, and the Houston area, is proud to announce its partnership with GiGi's Playhouse Houston, an organization dedicated to changing the way the world views Down syndrome and promoting acceptance...
Best of All Bobby Verdiguel
Bobby Verdiguel has been an incredible presence at GiGi's Playhouse Houston for over a year, actively engaging in an array of exciting programs like Fantastic Friends, GiGiFit, GiGiKitchen Adult, and the invigorating world of yoga and dance. Witnessing his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, as he has blossomed...