Spotlight: Our Friend Theo
Theo gets comfy in the sensory play area. Since GiGi’s Playhouse Portland opened its doors in Fall 2024, a very bright light has been shining in our space—Theo! Full of energy, creativity, and smiles, Theo brings joy to every program he attends. Theo practices the "D" sound. Theo performs on...
Spring Clean: Declutter for a Cause
Hannah dusts the windowsills at GiGi's Playhouse Portland. 🌸 Spring is here, and it’s time to shake off the dust, clear out the clutter, and refresh our spaces—while making a difference! At GiGi’s Playhouse Portland, we’re kicking off our Spring Clean campaign, encouraging everyone to tidy up with purpose. https://youtube.com/shorts/_0Uw_2L3cYo?feature=share...
GFAC IS BACK! Registration Now Open for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025 in Portland!
Cameron flashes a winning smile as she crosses the Kids' Dash finish line. GiGi’s Playhouse Portland is excited to announce that registration is officially open for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) 2025! GFAC is BACK, and this incredible peer-to-peer fundraising campaign unites communities across the country with 50+ events aimed...
Recap: World Down Syndrome Day Dress-up & Dance 🎉
Hasan captures the crowd with his stage presence during karaoke. GiGi’s Playhouse Portland came alive on March 21st, 2025, as we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day in style! Attendees dressed in their finest to dance, play, and honor our favorite extra chromosome. Everett's mom encourages him to try the sensory...
Exercising Acceptance & Inclusion: Why Words Matter
Soraya, an aspiring writer, lounges in primary colors at GiGi's. Words have power; they both express and shape how we think. The language we use can either uplift each other, or reinforce outdated stereotypes. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional with our words. By using respectful language, we...
Spotlight: Our Work Skills Partner Albertina Kerr
Litsa, Mr. Moose, and Hannah. At GiGi’s Playhouse Portland, we believe that work builds confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. In collaboration with Albertina Kerr, our site has been a place for individuals with Down syndrome to develop job readiness skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Albertina Kerr, founded...
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in Style at Our Dress-Up & Dance!
GiGi Gianni, dressed in her finest, dances with her sweetheart. Get ready to shine at our World Down Syndrome Day Dress-Up & Dance! We’re inviting families to dress up in their finest cocktail or formalwear, strike a pose for our volunteer photographers, and dance the day away! This event is...
Spotlight: Our LMNOP Partner, Pace Pediatric Therapy
At GiGi's Playhouse Portland, we are proud to partner with Pace Pediatric Therapy on our LMNOP program for ages 0 - 3. As you know, parenting a child with Down syndrome comes with unique joys and challenges, and having the right community partners can make all the difference. Pace Pediatric...
The Story Thus Far – Teen Tastic
Teen Tastic was the very first program to be held at GiGi’s Playhouse Portland on October 1st, 2024, and continues to be a fun and action-packed time for teens of any ability! The Olympics came to GiGi’s thanks to Teen Tastic, and our participants athletes proved their winning spirits with...
Explore Educational Excellence at the Virtual GiGi’s Educator Symposium
As our world inches closer to acceptance for all abilities, GiGi’s Playhouse continues to pave the way for progress. On March 8th, 2025, the annual GiGi’s Educator Symposium for both educators and families is coming to your screen. This free, virtual event is designed to equip participants with teaching strategies...
Spotlight: Our Friend Gleb
Gleb and his family, Alexey and Trifon. Gleb (27) and his family moved from Russia to the United States 11 years ago. They first attended Family Fun, and followed up with Fantastic Friends 3 weeks later. Gleb is nonverbal, usually does not interact much with others, and occasionally uses an...
GiGi’s Playhouse Portland’s First 100 Days…
Happy New Year from the Pacific Northwest’s First Down Syndrome Achievement Center...GiGi’s Playhouse Portland! Tabletop painting at Destination Discovery. Bowling with Teen Tastic Minute-to-Win-It at Fantastic Friends. It’s been an incredible first hundred days of serving families, raising amazing volunteers, working out the inevitable “kinks”, equipping the playhouse for...