Posts by Sara Van Deurzen
Program Highlight – LMNOP supports our littlest learners and their families
LMNOP (Language, Music ‘N Our Peeps) LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. Our Program Leader Melissa has a passion for helping others and is a sign language interpreter at UW-Milwaukee. GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Jane
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH Jane Program Leader Jane is pictured here with her brother Matthew. My name is Jane and I love being a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee! My brother Matthew (who has been a participant for a few years) invited me to join Fantastic Friends last year. He invited me during the height of…
Read MoreVolunteer spotlight – Audrey
I absolutely love being involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee! Being new to the area, GiGi’s has already been so welcoming, and everyone I have met in tutoring and other programs have been so kind! I love getting to see Davis (her student, 5 years old) every week for tutoring and working on literacy skills such…
Read MoreBest of All – Najebah!
Najebah enjoys attending many of our programs and we love that she is able to join in so often on our virtual programs. Najebah is a kind and caring friend who is ready to share and connect with other participants. This week she demonstrated her Best Of All while gathering all the supplies needed, following along with the…
Read MoreGIGIFIT ACCEPTANCE CHALLENGE
GIGIFIT ACCEPTANCE CHALLENGE May and June have been designated for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge where all the Playhouses across the country will unite to MOVE for ACCEPTANCE. There will be multiple opportunities around the Milwaukee area where community members can dedicate to move for acceptance and raise funds for GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee. Mark June 5th on your…
Read MoreGiGiFIT Spotlight
Our FREE GiGiFIT programs combine physical therapy with a strong fitness-focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint…
Read MoreHollywood comes to the Milwaukee Playhouse!
Paying it forward! Years ago, in the 80’s, as a young man Gino Salomone, of Gino Goes to the Movies, a local movie and Hollywood Insider, chose to attend a tribute event in honor of Spencer Tracy hosted by Katherine Hepburn. It was at this event that young Gino saw Sidney Poitier speak. It was…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – MUSIC!
Virtual Music will be led by Music Therapy students from Carroll University under the supervision of a licensed professor. Music will support teens and adults as they learn about different music styles, build self-confidence, strengthen social skills, communication, and creative expression through the therapeutic use of music and movement. In addition to the communication and…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – Destination Discovery is more than making crafts
Cody gave his Best Of All at Virtual Destination Discovery. He followed all the directions and showed off his fine motor skills during the Polar Bear craft. Then he used problem-solving skills building an igloo out of marshmallows and popsicle sticks and later worked on his core muscles to balance during Winter Yoga. He was…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight – Meet Ciara and Luke
Ciara, Luke and Jen (Lead Destination Discovery) Two of our volunteers for Destination Discovery attend the Marquette University School of Dentistry and we are so thankful to have them leading this fun activity-filled group! Learn more about them below. Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee is “an awesome break from school. I like to promote peer play…
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