Growing, Learning and Sharing-a National Conference for Down Syndrome Recap

As an organization, we look forward to our National Conference each year because it means we have the opportunity to network with the other incredible Playhouses and national staff, learn by attending important discussions and share our local Madison best practices.   Our local Playhouse collaborates with all the Wisconsin...

Grateful for Tutors that are Changing the World

Meet Math Tutor- Grace Branger Our one-on-one tutoring programs are volunteer led and truly life-changing. Today we want to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible math tutors, Grace Branger. Grace is a Junior at UW-Madison and is a full-time student. She is studying Genetics with a certificate in...

Down Syndrome Awareness Month- REAL Perspectives from REAL Local Families: Matthew

This year, to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we asked a few of our Playhouse families and friends to give their REAL perspective on what it’s like to love someone with Down syndrome. These blogs will be posted in a question and answer format. Earlier this month, we posted about...

Generation G Gala Silent Auction- Don’t Miss Out!

A Buddy Bike, an AirBnB getaway and Golf at House on the Rock, oh my! Generation G Gala Silent Auction; Ends October, 14 at 9p.m. To participate:  Text: Madisongala2022 to 243725, or visit https://one.bidpal.net/madisongala2022   Just two more days until the celebration of all GiGi’s Playhouse Madison’s celebrations… our Generation...

Down Syndrome Awareness Month- REAL Perspectives from REAL Local Families: Adi

This year, to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we asked a few of our Playhouse families and friends to give their REAL perspective on what it’s like to love someone with Down syndrome. These blogs will be posted in a question and answer format.   Earlier this month, we posted...

Down Syndrome Awareness Month- REAL Perspectives from REAL Local Families: Henry

This year, to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we asked a few of our Playhouse families and friends to give their REAL perspective on what it’s like to love someone with Down syndrome. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing their stories!   Meet Henry – Answers from Henry’s Mom, Cacy...

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month- A Local Family’s Perspective

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we wanted to introduce you to Matt and his family.   Matt is an energetic 8 year old that has been part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family for the entire time we’ve been in existence.  His smile and personality light up a room. He’s...

Advocacy and IEP’S

GiGi’s Madison Guest Blog by Playhouse Mom and Board Member Sarah Berndt Here we go… again! Back to school If you’re a parent of a child with Down syndrome, who is approaching school age, you’ve likely heard about the IEP process, and if you heard about it on the Internet…...

Programming with a Purpose: Down Syndrome and Autism

Our Playhouse has been lucky enough to have a dedicated group of volunteers that developed programming for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other sensory processing disorder. Dynamic Duals, a GiGi’s Playhouse-Madison piloted program, is a monthly program designed specifically for families and...

Cheers to a Successful Summer!

Summer Recap We have so much to be proud of this summer! GiGi's Madison welcomed 10 New Families and over 100 Returning Families during our last three months of programming. We're serving more families, running more programs, and celebrating more 'Best of All' moments than ever before.   During our Summer...

Welcoming our newest board member- Sarah Berndt

Sarah Berndt- Board Member   We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Berndt has joined our Board of Directors! Sarah is an active Playhouse mom who attends multiple programs with her daughter, Addi.  Sarah and her family business are also key sponsors of our annual Gala. With Sarah's business and...

Self-Advocate Blog Inspiration

Blog Post by Self- Advocate Committee Co-Leader, Maya Greengus   You are probably going to say these are jelly beans and ask what’s important about that. It’s more than two candies sitting on a desk. The colors signifies the point of what I’m writing about. Blue and yellow means to...