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A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
What struck me most wasn’t the size of the room; it was the sense of purpose in it. 60 of our Playhouse presidents gathered on stage to share one word that represented their Playhouse for 2025 and then one word for 2026. Cultivate. Elevate. Amplify. Each word carried weight. Each reflected the work happening in their communities. And together, they painted a picture of where GiGi’s Playhouse is headed.
This month, at the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference, we brought together more than 400 leaders representing Playhouses and startups across the US and Mexico.
The energy was electric; leaders learning, planning, and aligning around our mission to provide free programs, empower families, and change the way the world views Down syndrome. Every year, I’m reminded: this movement grows because our leaders grow.
Even with all this momentum, the needs of our families are growing faster than the funding that supports them. We’re doing more than ever, but it’s clear we’ll need more support to keep up. As we approach year-end, I hope you’ll consider making a gift to help us continue offering all of our life-changing programs, so no family has to miss out. It’s something that’s been on my mind a lot lately, especially as I see that same spirit of leadership growing in my own family.
Earlier this year, GiGi spoke at the United Nations, sharing from her heart that babies like her deserve to be born, valued, and heard. That moment lit a fire in GiGi and inspired her to share her message with even more people. That’s why she’s launching the Born to Be Heard speaking tour, kicking off this Sunday. GiGi is not just using her voice; she’s giving a voice to every life! As her mom, I couldn’t be prouder.
There’s so much happening across the GiGi’s Playhouse network, and I hope you’ll take a moment to read about it in our November newsletter. Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and helping us keep changing the world. As Thanksgiving approaches, I wish you a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and time with the people you love
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
Growing and grateful... Thanks to YOU!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to take a moment to thank YOU — our families, donors, volunteers, and supporters — for helping us make 2025 a year of growth and life-changing impact. Because of your belief in our mission, GiGi’s Playhouse is on track to deliver:
- 400,000+ hours of FREE programming
- 7,690 hours of FREE programs each week
- 95 countries being served by GiGi’s
- 6 continents where individuals with Down syndrome receive our FREE 1:1 tutoring
- 9, 291+ active volunteers
These numbers are more than milestones; they represent real lives changed. And none of it would be possible without YOU!
As we look forward to the year ahead, we are filled with gratitude for your support. You’re truly helping us change the world!
Learning, growing, thriving: Jaquai’s story
Communication may be key, but it isn’t always easy. At GiGi’s, we make it easier.
Jaquai, a participant at our Virtual Playhouse, is a testament to this. Each week, she attends one-on-one tutoring in Literacy and Math. In her sessions, Jaquai tackles challenging books, masters new concepts, and builds confidence.
But the impact extends far beyond the virtual classroom. At home, she’s applying what she’s learned in real ways. Jaquai’s now texting her mom full sentences to express what she wants. One recent example: “I want the Britney Spears DVD as a present.”
Her newfound communication skills are also shining in her community. Weekly visits to Honeycutt Coffee led to a job opportunity when the owner noticed Jaquai’s enthusiasm. Initially starting as a hostess, Jaquai’s now taking orders, using the register, and contributing in meaningful ways—all skills rooted in the lessons she’s mastered through free GiGi’s tutoring.
We’re so proud to see Jaquai thriving and proud that GiGi’s is playing a role in her journey.
Want to help an individual like Jaquai thrive? Applications are now open for our Spring Tutoring sessions in Literacy and Math.
Join us as a tutor and help make a real difference in someone’s life!
Rising costs. Endless possibility. This #GivingTuesday, make it happen.
We all feel it. Costs are up. Giving is down. Nonprofits everywhere are feeling the strain.
But at GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re doing more than ever. We’re on track to deliver over 400,000 hours this year — all at no cost to the families we serve — a 17% increase from last year. And every month, more than 360 new families join the GiGi’s Playhouse network.
We’re growing in these challenging times. But rising costs and declining donations put this progress at risk. This #GivingTuesday (Dec. 2), GiGi’s Playhouse is asking for your help.
We don’t just provide free educational, therapeutic, and career programs; we provide lifelines. Too often, parents of children with Down syndrome are told their child won’t — won’t read, won’t speak, won’t succeed. At GiGi’s, we prove that they can.
Your #GivingTuesday gift keeps that lifeline alive for every individual with Down syndrome and their family. Your donation ensures that these life-changing programs continue.
Meet the demand. Change lives. Give to GiGi’s Playhouse.
Don’t want to wait until #GivingTuesday? Click here to find out how you can help GiGi’s TODAY!
GiGi’s 2025 Annual Leadership Conference: One shared voice.
Connection. Collaboration. Community.
These ideas were on full display earlier this month at the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference. With over 400 attendees, 80 speakers, and more than 65 locations and startups in attendance, this conference didn’t just help our Playhouse leaders come together; it united us in one shared voice for acceptance.
This conference was about amplification. From board presidents sharing the words defining their past and future, to our #GenerationG Youth Board inspiring future leaders, to our ambassadors and self-advocates taking the stage and owning their stories — every moment reinforced one essential truth: when we lift each other up, our message carries further.
Our keynote speaker, Kenny Clutch, brought that message to life, reminding us that using your voice can move mountains. A huge thank you to our Title Sponsor, Protected Tomorrows, for helping make this conference possible.
At GiGi’s, every leader, parent, volunteer, and participant has something to say. And our Annual Conference ensures we all say it together.
Recognizing dedication: The volunteers who make GiGi’s Possible
Volunteers are the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse — it’s a phrase we use often. And while it can sound like a platitude, at our Annual Leadership Conference, this idea came to life: volunteers showed up in droves, bringing energy, dedication, and a whole lot of heart with them. Out of the 426 registered attendees, 286 were volunteers!
Among this amazing group was Nancy Houseman, a dedicated 12-year volunteer for our Twin Cities Playhouse. At the conference, we had the honor of awarding Nancy the National Volunteer of the Year award. Nancy and her family have led multiple programs at the Twin Cities Playhouse. Her dedication inspires everyone she meets, and we are proud to honor her extraordinary contributions.
But Nancy’s story is just one example. Every volunteer at the conference — and every volunteer across the network — helps participants thrive, achieve goals, and live life to the fullest.
Thank you to all our volunteers for your generosity and heart. You make everything at GiGi’s possible.
Inspired to join this amazing community? Volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse here!
Check out the latest from our blog
December 2025 Newsletter
