“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”
I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome! Please meet one of my friends, Luke! He likes the current program he is in, GiGi’s Professionals (it is such a great program)! Luke’s favorite foods are bananas and popcorn! Luke’s close family members call...
The Biggest Myth About AAC: “Will My Child Stop Talking?”
One of the first questions I hear when talking with families about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is, "If my child gets an AAC device, won't they stop trying to talk?" It's a completely understandable concern, but the answer is no. Decades of research have consistently shown that AAC does...
GiGi’s Playhouse Speaks Out
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we tend to focus on the positives. We spend most of our time celebrating achievements, building acceptance, and changing the way the world views Down syndrome. But when misinformation spreads and harmful assumptions about individuals with Down syndrome are amplified to millions of people, silence is not...
“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”
I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome! I usually write about my participant friends, but I wanted to tell you about my special and amazing friend, Laura St John💕. Most of you knew her, but anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to know...
Memoriam – Servant Leader Laura St. John
What an inspiration Laura St. John was to our GiGi’s participants, families, volunteers and staff at GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix. Below are a few of the many comments received from her GiGi's Family which honor her. The impact Laura had on our community is immeasureable. Her spirit lives on in the...
The “Why” of our GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Key Volunteers
As GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix has reached 11 years of offering free programs to the Down syndrome community in the Greater Phoenix Area and is primarily run by volunteers, we proudly recognize our servant leaders whose dedication, compassion, and commitment have helped shape our mission and impact within the community since...
“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”
I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome! Please meet one of my new friends, Aleia! Her favorite GiGi’s program is the Amina Grace Speech and language program.She learns something new each week from new sounds to new sign language! Aleia’s favorite food...
The Wonderful Impact of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix!
GiGi‘s Playhouse Phoenix has had such a wonderful impact on my life! I have Cerebral Palsy and know what it’s like firsthand to live every day with a disability. Since I have my own story to tell with my individual journey, I wanted to figure out a way that I...
Journey to Meaningful emPloyment (JuMP)
March was one of those months that reminds you exactly why this work matters. Our GiGi Professionals had the incredible opportunity to spend time with the Arizona Cardinals Foundation. They toured the space, shared a meal together, and connected with Bob Hamer, Executive Director of the Cardinals Foundation, who gave...
“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . . .”
I would like you to meet some of my Playhouse friends..... They are so awesome! Please meet one of my new friends, Buddy. His favorite GiGi program is GiGiFit Dance. Buddy does not have any pets. He has 2 sisters❤️. His name is Frank, but his nickname is Buddy. Buddy’s...
Let’s celebrate reading during National Reading Month!
Submitted by our Sister Playhouse, Quad Cities. Sharing this wonderful Blog from our Sister Playhouse Quad Cities! Happy National Reading Month! "At GiGi’s Playhouse, our one-on-one tutoring program is one of the many FREE educational programs we offer to help individuals with Down syndrome build confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills. Through...
“Empowerment At Every Turn”
The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse: To change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. I remember when my son was a few weeks old and I was in the process of making phone...