Michelle Arena supports the Playhouse as a superstar volunteer

Exemplifying Generation G: The Arenas share their why behind support of GiGi’s Playhouse

Accepting, generous and kind! Philanthropist, small business owner and wife, Michelle Arena grew up knowing the value of individuals with Down syndrome and the importance of advocating for an underserved populations. She experienced first hand both the acceptance and the rejection of her brother Chris and wishes he was here...
Madison and Katie giggling through a shopping trip.

We’re grateful for the friends we meet along the way!

Gratitude….. I am grateful to have a place to go to that accepts me. I am grateful for all the friends I have met, both participants and volunteers. I am grateful for GiGi’s Phoenix and all it does for me and so many others. I am grateful I can have...

The Ripple Effect of Inclusion – “You are Beautiful and Pretty”

“YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND PRETTY”  We know that at any given moment your life can change.  When we open our heart, we really can change for the better. High school can be a tough time to fit in, be a part of the team or just make friends.  It’s difficult...

It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .

Brett would like you to meet one of his Playhouse friends..... Elijah is so AWESOME!!     Elijah’s favorite program at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix is LMNOP! He loves all the music and he (and mom) love to learn new sign language signs so we can use our hands to speak...

It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .

Brett would like you to meet some of his Playhouse friends..... They are so AWESOME!! David’s favorite GiGi's program was always Kids Club, but this summer he really enjoyed GiGiFIT too! He says the more movement the better😀. (I think both programs are good ones, it's really hard to pick!) David...

Playhouse Participant Becomes Published Author

Once upon a time, a little boy was born. A diagnosis given. Future abilities assumed. Some people wondered if he would ever be able to speak, let alone read or write.  But write he does, and Maison does it so well that he is now a published author! Individuals with...

Be the change… how our community responded to a hate crime with love

What started out as a revolting story of a young man being taken advantage of has become one of solidarity and generosity. As the Down syndrome community kicked off Down syndrome acceptance month, one of their own was at work on a seemingly typical day. Like many young men, Kyle...

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .”

Guest Blog submitted by Brett GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate Brett would like you to meet some of his Playhouse friends..... They are so AWESOME!!   Anthony’s favorite GiGi’s program is Music and playing with his friends! Anthony likes to play basketball, skeet ball, and exercising with his friends. He...

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .”

Guest Blog submitted by Brett GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate Brett would like you to meet some of his Playhouse friends..... They are so AWESOME!!     Angel’s favorite GiGi’s program is GiGiFit! His favorite hobbies are playing and listening to music. (I like to play and listen to music...

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .”

Guest Blog submitted by Brett GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate Brett would like you to meet some of his Playhouse friends..... They are so AWESOME!!     Camila’s favorite GiGi's programs are Open Play and Music! It has been awhile since she has been to the Playhouse, but when she...

Celebrating Independence Every Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix

Guest Blog Submitted by Robin Lea-Amos   July is the month in America where we celebrate our nation’s independence. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we celebrate independence every single day! Every program is purposeful and progressive with the goal of reaching independence in every area and stage of an individual’s development. We...

“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .”

Guest Blog submitted by Brett GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate Brett would like you to meet some of his Playhouse friends..... They are so AWESOME!!     Sabrina’s favorite GiGi program is the Dance program (I like Dance Mania too, it’s so fun)! Sabrina’s favorite toy to play with is...