About GiGi's Playhouse NYC
We are a community center where families gather to celebrate, inspire, and empower each other, to attend programs, lectures and events that promote self-esteem and self-advocacy, and to find support and friendship.
We are an education center where weekly educational and social programs prepare individuals with Down syndrome to engage more fully in their homes, communities and schools.
We are an awareness center dedicated to changing New York’s perception of Down syndrome, so that the abilities and contributions of our community are recognized and embraced by all.
Facts about GiGi’s Playhouse NYC:
- Opened in 2012
- Participants from every borough of NYC
- NYC’s only community center specifically for individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones
- Average of 370 participants per month
- Programs serve all-ages
- 15 programs include literacy, dance, sports, music, and art
- A team of 20 core volunteers lead programs and teach valuable skills
- We partner with organizations like NDSS, LuMind, YAI, Radio Disney, the Brooklyn Museum, and many more
GiGi’s Playhouse New York City is a grass-roots Not-for-Profit that opened in 2012. We provide a place to celebrate a Down syndrome diagnosis and gain the social and academic skills individuals with Down syndrome need in order to reach their potential and make a contribution to this great city.
We measure our success by tracking the academic and life skills gains in our numerous families registered in weekly programs and feedback from the nearly 1,000 families who enjoy our calendar of programs and events and lectures.
Playhouse participants represent every ethnic, cultural, social, economic, and religious demographic in this major metropolitan center. Families find their way to GiGi’s Playhouse from every borough and county of the New York Metropolitan area to receive support, friendship, insight and education.
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only community and education center specifically designed to celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families in New York City. All our programs are designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome to be their own best advocates. We build friendships, community, and understanding through free classes in literacy, ballet, movement, music, soccer, art and so much more.
At GiGi’s Playhouse, families find a community in which to share their experiences of raising children with Down syndrome and gain invaluable support. Families leave the Playhouse feeling inspired, supported and enriched.
With the help of generous volunteers, donations and partnerships, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is the hot spot in the Big Apple for individuals with Down syndrome and the people who love them.
Locations
59
New Playhouse Inquiries
200
Program Participation Hours
220,000
Our Mission and Purpose:
To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
Our Vision:
To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
Our Niche:
We change lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
Our Promise:
A lifetime commitment to families.
With over 58+ brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, we provide FREE, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages.
Down syndrome is the largest chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it is the least funded. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, we make a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed!
Through free programs and through our Generation G Campaign for global acceptance, we EMPOWER families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. To ensure lasting acceptance, we must show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities. Our program outcomes help advance this vital social impact goal.
GiGi's Playhouse is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is solely funded by donations.
By providing my phone number to GiGi's Playhouse, I agree and acknowledge that GiGi's Playhouse may send text messages to my wireless phone number for any purpose. Message and data rates may apply. We will only send one SMS as a reply to you, and you will be able to Opt-out by replying “STOP”.
Privacy Policy:
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.