Embracing Abilities: A Closer Look at GiGi’s Playhouse -Layton
In the heart of Layton, Utah, lies a place where all abilities are celebrated, and dreams are nurtured. GiGi's Playhouse Layton, a beacon of hope and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, stands as a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and community. GiGi's Playhouse Layton...
WDSD 2024
World Down syndrome Day for 2024 was absolutely amazing! We partied with treats, crazy socks, music, and our special guests: The Utah Jazz Bear and 2 of their dancers! We all watched as the Jazz Bear rode into the playhouse on his mini motorcycle. He played games, danced, and goofed...
The Great Gatsby Gala
Another successful gala for our amazing playhouse! We loved seeing everyone dressed up for the 1920’s to show their acceptance for all. The support that we received from our community brought tears to us all, as we watched in amazement of the paddle raise, casino fun, and overwhelming sense of...
National Conference 2023
Every year GiGi’s hosts a national conference in Chicago for its employees and board members. It is 5 full days of learning, engaging with others, hyping us up for the next year, and providing us the opportunity to come back with a clear vision of what we want to happen...
Down syndrome Awareness Month
October is down syndrome awareness month! On October 5th, Layton Mayor, Joy Petro, signed a proclamation stating that Layton City recognizes October as Down syndrome awareness month!With this proclamation, Mayor Petro also called out Gigi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center in Layton. Carter Williams 14, a frequent playhouse visitor...
Change Matters
Frank is one of our newest members of GiGi’s Playhouse Layton. Although Frank does not have Down syndrome, he suffered a stroke in 2016. At GiGi’s we believe in Global Acceptance for All! Frank has participated in our GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program and is happy to have made friends and...
Rogue Souls for the Win!
The first annual fundraiser put on by this amazing group of guys was definitely one for the books and we are so incredibly grateful. I was first approached by Allen who is a dad to one of our sweetest participants, Emmee. He came to me and said that his motorcycle...
Participant Spotlight: Emrick
Written by Emrick’s mom, Afton H. Emrick is 36 years old and has been participating with GiGi's Playhouse in Layton since they opened their program. He has enjoyed various programs there, such as friend interaction with peers his age, holiday activities and especially their cooking class. Several years ago, he...
2021 Casino Royale Gala
We are EXCITED to announce that GiGi's Playhouse will host its annual “i have a voice” Gala. GiGi’s Casino Royale, October 23,2021 at Warehouse 22 in Syracuse, UT. Now more than ever our Playhouse and families need your support! As it did with most of America, Covid-19 has severely...
Zoom therapy sessions + Hip Huggers + yoga with dad + life stuck at home with an older brother + etc.
Submitted by the Bri Henke & Family: Andrew, Bri, Otto and Odin Thank you Henke Family for sharing with us!! Day 60. Sixty days of sharing 900 square feet with a very tall husband, a very energetic 6 year old, a very snugly dachshund and a very charming 6 month...
A Volunteers Perspective
As we come to the end of Volunteer Appreciation week, I thought I would share my Volunteer story. I came to GiGi’s Layton September 2017. We were still new to Utah and according to my husband, the time had come for me to find something to do outside of the...
We all do hard things every day!
As I come to an end of my internship at GiGi’s Playhouse, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting. As a Social Work Graduate student, I was required to complete a 500-hour internship. Social work is such a large field, I felt I wanted an experience that was different. Without...