A New Beginning

The beginning of August marked two and a half years that I've worked at GiGi's Playhouse NYC. What a wonderful, jam-packed two and a half years it's been! I've learned from and been supported by our families, volunteers, friends in the community, fellow Site Coordinators and staff at other Playhouses. I've had...

Summer Adventures – Participant Reflections

For the first time ever, GiGi's Playhouse NYC had a full-day, drop-off program for teens: Summer Adventures! Teens, paired with a volunteer mentor, spent one or two weeks exploring NYC through museums, Broadway, and baseball, learning about nutrition and healthy cooking, learning about improv and music, dancing, singing karaoke, and making new...

Summer Clubhouse Guest Post – Hannah Providenti, Program Leader

This year, GiGi's Playhouse NYC held its first ever Summer Clubhouse Program! The fun took place throughout three weeks in July, during which participants grew, learned, and had a blast engaging in summer activities. A typical day at Summer Clubhouse begins with greetings and hugs from staff, volunteers,...

A Great Success – Thank You to Our Fundraisers!

Dancing for Down Syndrome 2016 was a great success: 33 pages, created by Playhouse families and volunteers, raised over $25,000! Check out Facebook page for photos from the party, and read a few of the thoughts and stories that our community shared on their fundraising pages below. Family and Volunteer Stories It's...

Dancing for Down Syndrome is June 4th

GiGi's Playhouse NYC has touched so many lives - if you've attended programs, volunteered, been to a training or lecture, or celebrated a holiday with us, you've seen the power of this community. 'Dancing for Down Syndrome' is your opportunity to share the story of how the Playhouse has touched...
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GiGi’s Playhouse NYC In the News!

We are so grateful for Jessy, who collects donations instead of tips to support GiGi's Playhouse NYC! She recently spoke to ABC News about her son Brandon, "Brandon's Tip Jar," and goal of providing employment opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Jessy's son Brandon was born with Down syndrome, and...

“Grow With Us” – Gala 2016, and how far we’ve come!

Thursday, April 21st was GiGi's Playhouse NYC's 4th Annual "i have a voice" Gala! Over 200 people joined us at the Museum of American Finance to celebrate the Playhouse and how much our community has grown in the past 4 years. The theme 'Grow With Us' is such an important...
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April Is OT Month

by Megan Gallego, OT Graduate Student and Volunteer at GiGi's Playhouse NYC April is occupational therapy month. Many people ask what is Occupational Therapy and what do occupational therapists do? Occupational therapists work in schools, outpatient centers, and in individual homes. They help children to work on tasks that are...

Monday, March 21st, 2016 is World Down Syndrome Day!

Monday, March 21st, 2016 is World Down Syndrome Day! Together we are changing the way people perceive Down syndrome!  #HowDoYouSeeMe
GiGi’s Playhouse is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with 5 straight days of events celebrating with individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  We will kick it off...

Bigger. Better. Stronger Together.

  Last week, the GiGi's Playhouse NYC team joined hundreds of staff, board members, and volunteers from GiGi's Playhouses around the country (and in Mexico!) in Hoffman Estates, Illinois for a National Conference.  As you can see from the map above, the GiGi's network is growing rapidly, with 10+ Playhouses...
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Showing our disability pride!

On Sunday July 12th, 2015,  GiGi’s Playhouse NYC joined other organizations, families, and individuals in the first ever Disability Pride Parade in New York City.  The parade celebrated the 25th anniversary of the  historic passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures civil rights protections to individuals with...
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We are marching: disability pride parade 2015

Last month, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  On July 12th, GiGi’s Playhouse New York will join forces with Disability Pride NYC and other disability advocacy organizations to march in New York City’s inaugural Disability Pride Parade. The day will be...