In life, nothing happens overnight. Before a significant achievement, milestone, or modicum of success can be reached, days, months, and even years of hard work and determination must be put in. Our newest Playhouse, GiGi’s Playhouse Portland is a testament to this idea. Opening on September 28, our Portland Playhouse will be welcomed into the…
Read MoreBeing a parent to a newborn is one of life’s greatest gifts. But it can also be daunting. While parents are overjoyed by the arrival of this amazing new life, they also want to know that their child will have a bright future. This concern is amplified for parents of newborns with Down syndrome, who…
Read MoreAt GiGi’s, our Playhouses are like sanctuaries. Inside our walls, we offer our participants and their families more than FREE programming – we offer love, support, and acceptance. Our 60+ Playhouses are safe havens for individuals with Down syndrome and their parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, volunteers, and the entire community. The moment anyone steps through…
Read MoreIt started as a dream. Four years ago, three months into a global pandemic, Kirsten Riddick and Cara Armstrong, two mothers of children with Down syndrome, came together. Their idea was simple: create a social group for their children with Down syndrome, ideally close to their homes in Simi Valley, CA. What followed next is…
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 12, 2024 (Simi Valley, CA) — It’s a ribbon cutting 21 years in the making. GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of its newest Playhouse in Simi Valley, CA, on Saturday, August 17. The Simi Valley Playhouse marks the landmark…
Read MoreIf you tuned into the Olympics on Sunday, you witnessed something that directly relates to the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. …Yes, you read that right. Though we are Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, and we absolutely love the Special Olympics, the plight and obstacles individuals with Down syndrome face aren’t simply relegated to the Special Olympics…
Read MoreNervous glances. Long stares. Muffled laughter. When people with disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome, enter public spaces, they’re often greeted with a mixed reception. Whether it’s at a school, restaurant, or grocery store, many members of the neurotypical population aren’t used to seeing individuals with disabilities, and because of this, many people don’t…
Read MoreAt GiGi’s, our Playhouses offer purposeful, FREE programs that change our participants’ lives. We also offer programs designed to take our participants outside of our Playhouse walls and into their communities. These programs don’t just help our participants; they help community members with no ties to Down syndrome gain exposure, interact, and build meaningful relationships…
Read MoreGiGi’s Playhouse Locations Come Visit Us! If you are not within driving distance of one of the playhouses listed below or are only available virtually, choose Virtual Playhouse. Attend from anywhere in the world at the Virtual Playhouse Arizona Phoenix Arkansas Little Rock California San Diego Orange County Simi Valley* Sacramento Colorado Colorado Springs* Denver Florida…
Read MoreThank you Capital Campaign Donors! Vince Foglia and the Foglia Family Foundation The Rice Foundation Perkins + Will The Coleman Foundation Park Ridge Community Women’s Foundation Clover Technologies and the Cerkleski Family GE Capital Distribution Finance Kraft Foods Group Interior Investments Midwest Equity Mortgage Cherry Logistics Park Place Partners First Investors and the Rosner Family…
Read MoreThank You for a wonderful celebration Below are a few photos from GiGi Fest 2013 and our new Achievement Center [flickr_set id=”72157637090011784″ no_pages=”true”]
Read MoreAs Seen On: Current News Releases GiGi’s Playhouse Set to Open Landmark 60th Location in Simi Valley August 14, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 12, 2024 (Simi Valley, CA) – It’s a ribbon cutting 21 years in the making. GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of… Charity boxing match to take place in Lincoln Park May…
Read MoreMiracle Makers The achievements of all our individuals and families, and our ability to continue providing therapeutic and educational programs at no charge, would not be possible without the generosity of our amazing donors. We honor our “miracle makers” for their vision, compassion, trust and belief. Thank you so much for all of your support!…
Read MoreJoin the 2023 GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge WE, the people of the Down syndrome community, are challenging YOU to move for acceptance. Register Today! Sugarland – May 6th, 2017 Atlanta – May 20th, 2017 Houston – May 20th, 2017 Twin Cities – May 21st, 2017 Rockford – June 10th, 2017 Chicagoland – June 11th, 2017 Syracuse –…
Read MoreHow You Can Give Back To GiGi’s Playhouse Donate Today Make a donation to change the life of an individual or family. Donate Now Donate Monthly Commit to ensure life-altering services are guaranteed free for all families. Donate Monthly Fundraise Start a fundraiser or support an existing fundraising campaign. Start a Fundraiser Volunteer Give your…
Read MoreHeard around the Playhouse “Every other Wednesday I meet with my 12 year old friend Lydia in a welcoming space at GiGi’s playhouse for a lesson in sharing and learning. Reading with Lydia is an adventure for both of us! Lydia and I have enjoyed making connections with each other’s lives which enhances our…
Read MoreGiGi U Signature Career Development-Based Programs The GiGi’s Career Development programs are progressive learning programs that are designed to motivate adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the world. We achieve this through innovative, educational, goal-development, and small group skills instruction, health and wellness, career skills, empowerment, community engagement, and exceptional work…
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