Posts by Cathy Judge

Sometimes you have an unexpected experience that takes you back and reminds you of timeless heroes whose missions are always “for the good”! Now to be able to meet Riley, a true Superhero, was POW!  The secret BATMAN Crime Fighting Cave was where we met. When you meet a Superhero face to face, they look…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, we believe our mission doesn’t stop at our doors. Every day, we work to change perceptions, foster kindness, and build a more accepting world but sometimes, those moments of impact happen in the most unexpected ways. Several months ago, our Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Folk, witnessed a man take a…

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .” Please meet one of my new friends, Christopher 💕. His favorite program is LMNOP! Christopher has four brothers and two sisters, which makes for a lively and fun household (sounds like fun💕). His favorite food…

Generation G is generous with their time and their heart, and most importantly they are givers and achievers! Generation G will stand up for others and not allow people to hurt others or use words that are offensive, like the R-word. Generation G sees potential and achievement where others see weakness. If YOU are generous and…

Many times we are misquoted as saying “Down syndrome child” rather than “a child with Down syndrome” simply because the media is not familiar with the way it should be phrased.  Be sure that you let them know the preferred usage of the terms and how it should be written in their articles and/or spoken about in news/radio…

“October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM). At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re celebrating with 31 Ways in 31 Days, a fun and meaningful challenge designed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and spread acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome.  While Down syndrome acceptance may feel especially timely in October, these 31 actions can be practiced all year long!  Each of…

I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends….. They are so awesome! Please meet one of my new friends, Bristol 😀. She has a three-way tie for her favorite programs! They are LMNOP, GiGiFit, and one on one speech therapy with Miss Sarah! Bristol has two fur brothers! One dog named Griffin…

Over the years, the annual Friends Campaign has helped GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix provide life-changing programs for children and adults with Down syndrome. Because of this Campaign, participants have learned to read, gained job skills, built friendships, and proven that **“stronger together” is more than just a phrase—it’s our reality. This year, however, the Friends Campaign…

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 opportunities. GiGi’s Playhouse offers a three-tiered…

I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends….. They are so awesome! Please meet one of my new friends, Diondre😀. His favorite food is Bojangle’s Chicken.  His sister calls him Brotheren as a nickname😀. Diondre likes to make music.  His favorite place to go is Universal Studios (sounds like a lot of…