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Dash Team Highlight: Fighting Peanut!
Who inspired this team and what makes them EXTRA awesome? Madeline, or Maddie, is the EXTRA amazing inspiration for this team. She is lovingly referred to as Peanut by her family. In the short 8 months that she has been on this planet, she has already had 3 surgeries, including open heart surgery, multiple hospital…
Read MoreA Deeper Understanding of Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, a genetic condition, is often misunderstood. Each individual with Down syndrome is unique, with their own strengths, talents and personalities. Learn more about the different types and characteristics of people born with DS including some FAQs about interacting with individuals with Down syndrome. What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic condition…
Read MoreDash Team Highlight: Max’s Maniacs
Who inspired this team and what makes them EXTRA awesome? Max is our awesome 6 yo who happens to rock that extra chromosome! He’s charming, energetic, smart, and definitely a maniac! He makes our world a better place every single day! What is your favorite part of attending programs and events at GiGi’s Milwaukee? Meeting…
Read MoreJoin Us for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee!
Are you ready to make a positive impact while having fun and staying active? Look no further than GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee’s GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge or as we call it the Dash for Down Syndrome -happening on Sunday, May 5th! This event promises an exciting day filled with fitness, camaraderie, and most importantly, acceptance for all. What…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Giovanna, a High School Student
Giovanna Pierri is the President of Nicolet High School’s ”Feed the Need Club.” She coordinated all of the volunteers for both the Glow Party (12/29/2023) and Noon Years Eve event (12/31/203) and will also be supporting GiGi’s at several upcoming events, including the DSAW/GiGi’s Talent Show collaboration scheduled for 3/23/2024 and the Dash for Down…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Marquette University Occupational Therapy Dept.
Students from Marquette University’s College of Health Sciences in the area of Occupational Therapy (OT) facilitated our Fall 2023 GiGi Prep program with an emphasis on building communication skills, money management, customer service skills, team building, health, and personal wellness. Both the participants and volunteers voiced their enthusiasm and appreciation for the program with the…
Read MoreCommunity Connection – Brillant DPI
On Nov. 16, 2023, GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee had new pictures applied to the Welcome Windows greeting everyone as they walk past and enter GiGi’s. The company applying the new pictures was Brillant DPI and owner Chris Sherman was leading the application. Chris, who happens to be a good friend to a family that attends GiGi’s…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Tyler Madoche – Empowering Inclusivity while getting participants GiGiFIT!
We say goodbye this month to Tyler Madoche – our long-time GiGiFIT instructor at Balance Fitness, who came to us in August 2021 and quickly became the heart and soul behind our Adult fitness program. As a certified fitness instructor, Tyler combined his fitness know-how with his warm and welcoming vibe, to create an awesome supportive…
Read MoreThe Power of Inclusion: Celebrating Local Individuals with Down Syndrome in Swimming
At first glance, swimming may seem like a simple recreational activity or sport, but for individuals with Down syndrome, there is more to it than that. The joys and challenges of swimming on a team also shows the importance of integration and inclusion in sporting activities. It is still not commonplace to see our friends…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All: Luke
Luke has been making strides in his sight-word reading with his tutor Marissa over the past two sessions of 1:1 Literacy Tutoring. Marissa collaborated with our Program and Volunteer Coordinator to create literacy instruction activities that center around movement and Luke’s sporting interests. This connection has improved his attentiveness during lessons and he has been…
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