july programming!
We have a few new programs this month!! "Field Day on the West Side!" On Monday, July 11 between 10-3, we will have a Play Date at Malone Park All Abilities Playground in New Berlin http://www.playgroundatmalone.org/. Pack a lunch, bring some friends and see you then! "Adventures in Play" will be...
have you heard the news? we have a hero among us!
mom of GiGi and founder of GiGi's Playhouse was just named a "2016 CNN HERO!" check this out --> https://gigisplayhouse.org/cnnheroes CONGRATULATIONS NANCY GIANNA AND THE ENTIRE GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE NETWORK!
it’s spring… i think!?
milwaukeeans. one day it's 70 degrees and the next there's a frost advisory. and while we've heard all the weather cliches and complaints there is to hear, we live here and it happens every year. this may sorta be how some parents of children with Ds feel. while we know...
gala tickets for sale!
We hope you come celebrate with us at our annual Gala, our largest fundraiser for the Playhouse. One of our goals is to keep our programming FREE for the community so that all can enjoy the magic of our Playhouse. To purchase your Gala tickets or to sponsor our Gala,...
sick season and silent auction
You may think what does "sick season" and "silent auction" have to do with each other? Well, they don't. But I have Momsy brain and am trying to multi-task at work today. Since the beginning of December, someone in my household has been sick. Sweet Downsy was hospitalized with respiratory...
2016 Gala!!!
Tickets will be going on sale shortly. If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor, please click here. Look forward to seeing you all!
the holidays!
whatever you believe or wherever you live.we wish for you a happy and healthy holiday season full of acceptance, good food and love.... but mostly love.
purposeful play at the playhouse – setting the tone
For those of you who've joined us for an *Open Play* session, you know our routine. If you have not, picture this: free, unstructured play until noon. Then at noon, the music goes off and everyone cleans up their share. It's a joint effort but we make a lot of...
local author will lead workshop and book signing
Terri Couwenhoven, M.S. is an ASSECT certified sexuality educator who specializes in developing programs and resources for people who have intellectual disabilities, their families and the professionals who support them. She is the author of Teaching Children with Down syndrome about their Bodies, Boundaries and Sexuality: A Guide for Parents and...
international conference
I recently attended a GiGi's Playhouse conference in Hoffman Estates, IL, the "Mothership" or Corporate offices of GGP. I was prepared to be supported and learn a few new things to bring back to the Playhouse. Instead, I was flooded with inspiration, positivity, encouragement, effective tools, compassionate colleagues and an...
moms night-in!
MAMAS!!! Consider this your personal invitation. If you are a Mama of a kiddo with Down syndrome, please join us at the Playhouse the second Wednesday of every month for "MOMS NIGHT-IN" ... where we'll gather, drink wine, talk about poop, IEP's, hope that a massage therapist fairy shows up,...
Do’s & Don’ts (according to Momsy)
Do's and Don'ts! 1. DO pay attention to language and use first person language. It is "Down syndrome" not "Downs Syndrome" or "Downs," so when you are referring to an individual with Down syndrome (and it's relevant to categorize that), you may say "an individual with Down syndrome" not "that...