GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix-“Empowerment at Every Turn”

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 calls to start early intervention, scheduling extra doctor’s visits and researching everything I could about Down syndrome.  I was a first time mom, overwhelmed and at an emotional low. I remember saying to my husband, in tears, “I don’t know if I can do this.” I knew I could love our son (because I did; more than anything, I loved him from the moment he was born) but I didn’t feel I was adequate as a parent or person to take on the challenges and learn what I needed to know in order to help him. I did not think I was enough for this precious gift we had been given. 

Nancy Gianni’s mission and vision 14 years ago when she started the first GiGi’s Playhouse, was simple but also revolutionary. It was the idea that families could be the best resources for other families navigating similar journeys and from that networking parents would become empowered to be and do the best for their child. All of the work that happens at GiGi’s programs leads to achievement which in turn changes outdated perceptions within the community, and thereby, also empowers with the community with knowledge leading to more inclusion and acceptance. At GiGi’s Playhouse, individuals attend purposeful programs where they can practice the skills they need to excel in their classrooms, jobs and the community. They and their parents become empowered and it spreads to the community.  At every turn, there is empowerment happening.

 

For families that get the diagnosis of Trisomy 21 in the all too common grim way either prenatally or at birth, having a place that offers a warm welcome of congratulations, volunteers gooing over your baby, and photos of individuals with Down syndrome showcased and celebrated, GiGi’s Playhouse is essential. With one word, “Congratulations,” the magic of empowerment begins for families of newborns, many of whom are having their first interaction with the Down syndrome community when they walk through the doors at GiGi’s Playhouse. Taking that first step into the Down syndrome community is emotional but I have seen just one hour at GiGi’s change parents’ perspective of the journey they are on. Now that’s empowering!

I don’t think my experience of feeling like I wasn’t enough for my one month old baby is unique and that is why empowerment is so important. And the empowerment at GiGi’s Playhouse does not just happen for parents of newborns. Raising my five year old son, I am constantly empowered by the other parents I network with at GiGi’s. The other parents, my friends, are constantly empowering me to be the best mom I can. We work as a team to help, comfort and celebrate each other and our kids. I always leave GiGi’s with a positive perspective and a feeling that I can do this; I can be the best mom for my son. I’m empowered to face the next challenge and advocate for my son.

 

In addition to my own experience, I have been fortunate to see so many kids, teenagers and adults become empowered to “have a voice,” and share it, become more independent and know that they can achieve their dreams.  The increased self-confidence that happens at every program at GiGi’s is a shining example of empowerment at work.  GiGi’s is a place to learn and grow. It is a safe place for the participants to try new things, to succeed and to keep trying until they achieve!  Empowerment and achievement go hand-in-hand; GiGi’s offers a place for both to happen.

Thank you, Nancy Gianni, for your vision and belief that our children should be celebrated and are capable of achievement. Empowerment is the single greatest tool for any parent, advocate or individual with Down syndrome and it is provided daily at GiGi’s Playhouses.

Sincerely,

Jessica Crain

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1 Comment

  1. Marlene Schatzman on July 4, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Once again, great writing Jessica. It was a really GOOD and to the point article.

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