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 quickly realized that while his medical care was excellent, something essential was missing: a strong, local Down syndrome community with frequent opportunities for meaningful social interactions.

Determined to give both Declan and his brother, Liam, the best of both worlds—top-tier medical care and a supportive, inclusive community—Brett and Phelicia Sams began researching new places to call home. Their search led them to Houston, a city known not only for its renowned medical facilities but also for its thriving Down syndrome community. Organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse Houston and various local Down syndrome societies stood out as the perfect fit.

Their first introduction to GiGi’s Playhouse Houston came at the annual Christmas Party, and from the moment they walked through the doors, they knew they had found something special. Declan and Liam played, laughed, and made new friends, truly experiencing the joy of belonging.

Since that first visit, the Sams family has become a staple at GiGi’s Playhouse, attending Open Play every Friday and various events on Saturdays. The sense of connection and support they had long been searching for was finally a reality.

But their journey with GiGi’s didn’t stop there—Phelicia Sams, Declan and Liam’s mother, quickly became an integral part of the Playhouse community. She now serves as a board member, a dedicated volunteer, and a Math and Literacy tutor, helping other families experience the same warmth and support that first drew her to GiGi’s. Brett, their father, is also finding his way into our sports and music programming and hopes to lead a purposeful program soon.

In addition to her advocacy work, Phelicia is also an author and content creator. She wrote two books inspired by Declan’s journey, including “Down Right Declan”, which shares how Declan is just like you, and another book about meeting a family in Ireland with a son who also has Down syndrome. She also shares their story on TikTok (@DownRightDeclan), where she connects with other families and spreads awareness about Down syndrome with heartwarming and educational content.

“GiGi’s has truly filled in that missing piece we needed within the Down syndrome community,” Phelicia shares.

Now, as they build their life in Galveston, the Sams family is grateful for the community they’ve found in GiGi’s Playhouse Houston—a place where friendships grow, opportunities thrive, and every child is celebrated.