About GiGi's Quad Cities
About GiGi's Playhouse
GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities was born from a dream team that was the Up Side of Down Syndrome Family Group. They were an active group that was meeting regularly and holding an annual Buddy Walk. In 2010, the group learned about GiGi’s Playhouse, and they began talks with local families to determine the need for a local Playhouse. In July of 2011, GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities, LLC was formed and on October 1, 2011, GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities opened its doors.
GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities was the 8th Playhouse to open out of the now 50+ locations. The popular program LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps) that is offered at most GiGi’s locations was started right here in the Quad Cities by one of our dedicated and talented moms.
GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities is located in Moline, IL but it serves the entire Quad Cities including those from Iowa and surrounding areas. Many families drive 30 minutes to an hour to participate in the free purposeful programs offered.
A location that began with approximately 50 families and volunteer staff now has around 200 families and 2 staff members. GiGi’s Playhouse-Quad Cities turned 10 years old on October 1, 2011 and soon after began an expansion project to allow for more families to be served with additional programming offered.
Locations
55
New Playhouse Inquiries
200
Program Participation Hours
220,000
Our Mission and Purpose:
To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
Our Vision:
To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities.
Our Niche:
We change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
Our Promise:
A lifetime commitment to families.
With over 50+ brick and mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, we provide FREE, life-changing therapeutic, educational and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages.
Down syndrome is the largest chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it is the least funded. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, we make a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed!
Through free programs and through our Generation G Campaign for global acceptance, we EMPOWER families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. To ensure lasting acceptance, we must show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities. Our program outcomes help advance this vital social impact goal.