Center of Excellence

Our staff along with a few board members and volunteers just returned from the annual GiGi’s Conference. This event is always a reset, refresh, and inspiration to keep forging forward. This year was no different. We all learned more about marketing, volunteer recruitment and retention, along with program planning, and continuing our mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome!

Below are a few quotes from attendees. Beyond the quotes be sure to read all about the recognitions our Playhouse received this year.

I felt honored to be invited to this years conference! The whole weekend was a blessing for me! GiGi’s is SO much more than I can put into words. I don’t want to sound cliche or anything but I truly believe what’s happening here at our playhouse (and hopefully everywhere a playhouse goes up) is creating a future for our loved ones with Down syndrome and because of that, because the person that I love most in this world has Down syndrome, I want to be a part of GiGi’s and what you are doing here locally. I want to do anything and everything that I can to create the best future for her.

Tara, First Time Conference Attendee

I enjoy the interaction with other Playhouses – we are all one big family with the same purpose.  It also reminds me that GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities is a topnotch place with top-notch staff!

Self-Advocate Mia Siino shared an inspirational message – “You don’t try, you do”.  Words we all should remember.

Kathy, Board Member

So much inspiring information, education, support presented with some info tough to hear and so many times new ideas ignited from conversations that were sparked. Being with our GiGi’s immediate/extended family and each other is absolutely awesome in so many ways

Anna, Board Member

GiGi’s Playhouse National Convention: Where information meets inspiration, and old friends reconnect with new ones, creating a powerful community of Giving.

Susanna, Key Volunteer

Standards of Execution Certificates

GiGi’s is guided by a set of Standards of Execution.

There are 3 levels – Baseline, Strong, and Center of Excellence.

Our local Playhouse was recognized at the 2023 National GiGi’s Conference as achieving the Center of Excellence level in 4 out of 8 areas.

Programs

Marketing

Operations & Facility

Volunteer & HR Management

We are baseline in most of the other areas but are working hard to reach Strong and/or Center of Excellence. Are you interested in helping? We are currently looking to fill a few open seats on our board and in specific committees that are in charge of overseeing some of these areas.

• Family & Community
• Financial Health
• Board Health & Strategies
• Development & Fundraising

A baseline level does not mean we are in a bad place, it simply means we are meeting the basic requirements put in place by the national office for the entire GiGi’s network. If you’d like to learn more about these certifications and/or the requirements to meet specific levels, please talk to one of our staff members. We’d love to have you on our team to continue our growth in all areas.

You can read more about these and other certifications and awards that the Playhouse has received over the years by clicking here.