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A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
Can you believe it’s already July?! As the summer months fly by, I wanted to take a moment to pause and do something we rarely get to do during this busy time of year: reflect.
Thanks to your unwavering support, GiGi’s Playhouse has created an INCREDIBLE impact through the first half of 2025. From opening our 62nd Playhouse in Charleston, to launching the MLB X GiGi’s Playhouse tour with Jake Burger and the Burger Family Foundation to expanding our free, life-changing programming, the momentum is real. And it’s growing!
But as proud as I am of what we’ve accomplished together, there’s still more work to do.
Too many people still see Down syndrome through a lens of limitation. Families are still receiving outdated, hurtful messages. And the demand for our services continues to grow as more families turn to us for support, connection, and hope.
Yes, it can feel overwhelming, but I know this community, and I know we are more than capable of meeting the moment!
Because of you, lives are being transformed, and overlooked voices are finally being heard. Thank you for believing in our mission, standing with our families, and continuing to be part of the impact we’ll make in the second half of 2025 and beyond!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
Mid-Year momentum: Growing strong in 2025
Here’s a look at what GiGi’s Playhouse has accomplished so far in 2025 by the numbers:
- Opened our 62nd Playhouse, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston
- 7,536 hours of FREE programming a week
- 300 new families on average join GiGi’s each month
- 30,510 hours of 1:1 programming so far this year
- $3,000,000+ — that’s the estimated value of what we’ve saved families this year alone through free, one-on-one Literacy, Math, and Speech lessons
None of this would be possible without YOU. Thank you for walking alongside us and helping us change the world!
Inspired by what we’ve accomplished so far? Donate below and join us in changing lives in 2025 and beyond.
GiGi’s goes to Dallas: Laying the groundwork for a Playhouse in North Texas!
This July, we’re heading to Dallas, July 25-28, for the 2025 NDSC Annual Convention. While we’re excited to connect with families and advocates at this incredible event, we’re even more excited about what’s on the horizon:
We’re working to bring a GiGi’s Playhouse to Dallas!
With support from Major League Baseball, the Texas Rangers, first baseman Jake Burger, and his family, we’ve officially begun efforts to launch a Playhouse in North Texas. Conversations are underway, momentum is building, and we can’t wait to see what happens next!
And while we’re in Dallas, we’re not just attending; we’re leading. Nancy, along with Christina Reaves (VP of Programs) and Daniell Bargstadt (National Director of Programs), will present a session on expanding Down syndrome resources in rural communities.
If you’re attending NDSC, stop by the GiGi’s Playhouse booth and say hi! And if you’re in the Dallas area, stay tuned. Big things are coming to Texas!
The tour rolls on!
The GiGi’s X MLB tour is in full swing, as GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County recently welcomed Texas Rangers player Jake Burger and some of his Rangers teammates for a visit.
As the only active MLB player with a child who has Down syndrome, Jake, his wife Ashlyn, their adorable daughter Penelope, and the Burger Family Foundation are partnering with GiGi’s Playhouse to spread awareness and acceptance from Playhouse to Playhouse and ballpark to ballpark. Next stops: our Sacramento and Phoenix Playhouses!
Learn more about the tour here.
Become a tutor. Help someone exceed expectations this fall.
When Savannah first joined our one-on-one Literacy Tutoring Program, she struggled to identify words. In fact, her mom had never heard Savannah read aloud.
Then Savannah met Kim, her volunteer tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse, and something changed — week by week and letter by letter, Savannah made progress. Eventually, she did something her mom had only dreamed of: Savannah read an entire book.
“As a mom who wondered if my kid was ever going to be able to sit and read a book, Kim showed me that not only was it possible, but she was exceeding expectations,” Savannah’s mom said.
This fall, you can be someone’s Kim. Tutor applications for our fall one-on-one literacy and math tutoring sessions are now open. For as little as one hour a week, you can help a participant build skills, confidence, and a love for learning.
Last year, roughly 50% of our participants were not matched with a tutor. You can change that. Apply here to help a participant exceed expectations.
Milestone moments: Lucy signs ‘more’
Parents always remember the firsts: the first smile, the first step, the first word.
For Lucy, a participant from our Detroit Playhouse, one of those firsts came this spring when Lucy signed ‘more’ during speech therapy.
This milestone didn’t happen overnight; Lucy and her clinician, Clara, had spent weeks building toward that moment — zooming toy cars across the floor, pausing to give Lucy time to respond, repeating the routine again and again. Then, it happened. During a session, Clara blew a few bubbles at Lucy. She stopped and watched as Lucy, focused and engaged, finally did it: she signed ‘more!’
Milestones like this don’t come easily for individuals with Down syndrome, but at GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re here to make sure they come. Always free. Always with patience. And always with love.
Learn more about our Amina Grace Speech and Language program here.
It’s not just yoga...
...It’s connection.
For more than eight years, Danielle has been sharing her love of yoga with the community at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. Her calming presence has made yoga class a favorite for teens and adults.
But Danielle’s classes are about more than bringing poses to the mat; she brings kindness and compassion to every class. Her ability to build relationships turns each yoga session into something truly special.
It’s volunteers like Danielle, who show up week after week, month after month, and year after year, who make GiGi’s Playhouse what it is. We’re so grateful for Danielle and her impact!
Eight years may sound like a big commitment, but every journey starts small. With as little as one hour a week, you can make an impact. Explore volunteer opportunities here.
Summer’s heating up, and so is our new #GenerationG merch!
Our new #GenerationG summer merch is here! From t-shirts to accessories, it’s all about spreading acceptance in style. Every purchase helps fund free programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. You’re not just wearing it; you’re living it.
A Little Something Extra
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