A COVID-19 questionnaire will need to be completed at the entrance of the Playhouse. Those over the age of two not vaccinated are asked to please wear a mask. RSVPs are required and we ask that you RSVP for your loved one with Down syndrome and one parent/guardian. At this time, second parents and siblings are asked to not attend.

**The link to the website calendar is at the end of this post. You will find all RSVP/Registration information on the calendar.**

Local Group Programs

Art Explosion (6+)

Thursday, July 29th from 10 am – 12 pm – Must register by noon on July 28th!

Calling our friends 6 and up! We’re spreading kindness and smiles by creating kindness rocks. Provides hands-on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence, and socialize with peers.

Art Explosion (0-5 years)

Thursday, August 5th from 10 am – 12 pm – Must register by noon on August 4th!

Calling our friends 0-5 years old and up! Hands and feet make art unique! Provides hands-on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence, and socialize with peers.

GiGiFIT Teen & Adult

Saturdays beginning July 31st through October. (Registration for this program has closed.)

• Provide individuals with Down syndrome with a road map for purposeful, specific, and successful movement across their lifetime!
• Improve Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Independent Practice, Lifetime of Participation
• Improve Fitness: Strength, Endurance, Power, Stamina
• Improve Balance and Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Controls.

Music (0-6 years)

Every Wednesday in July (Registration for this program has closed.)

These music therapy sessions are provided by West Music and we work with a board-certified music therapist!

Music/Drumming (13+)

Begins July 21st (Registration for this program has closed)

Join certified Music Therapist Lydia from the Quad Cities Music Therapy Center for a 4-week session of music and drumming.

The program will meet on 4 Wednesdays in a row beginning on July 21st and ending on August 11th.

There are many benefits with drumming as it is a:

• therapeutic tool
• confidence builder
• self-expression outlet
• fitness and fun activity

Local One-on-One Programs

Applications for the fall 2021 Tutoring & Speech Session are now open for tutors and participants. 

Tutoring is for 2.5 years and up. Speech is for all ages.

The fall session begins the week of September 15th and is 15 weeks long.

Space is limited so sign up TODAY! Applications close on August 15th.

Special Events

August 7th Quad Cities Family Resource Fair

Join GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities and Hand-in-Hand for the annual Family Resource Fair. Resources from local organizations, special guests, and door prizes! Additional information can be seen here.

August 13th Disabilities Awareness Night at the River Bandits

Join the QC Disabilities Awareness Coalition for a fun night at the ballpark. A limited number of tickets are available at the Playhouse for $4 each. Tickets can also be purchased online via Modern Woodmen for $8. There will be special raffles and activities raising money for the coalition. Volunteers are needed for this event. See more and sign-up here.

August 15th GiGi’s Quad Cities Family Picnic

YAY! Our annual family picnic is happening! Register early to help us know how much food to have. We are not doing a potluck this year due to COVID but will have mostly prepackaged individual served items. If you’d like to help by donating items for the lunch, please let us know. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and serve lunch. See more and sign up to volunteer here.

SAVE THE DATE! October 9th GiGi’s “i have a Voice” Gala

We’ll be celebrating 10 years of supporting voices here in the Quad Cities!

Additional information and registration coming soon. Check here!

**Visit the calendar linked here to see additional details and to register to attend programming.

If you register for a program, please do everything in your power to attend. We know things come up and life happens, but please keep in mind that our volunteers have taken the time to plan, coordinate, and be here for the program plus funds have been allocated for materials and supplies based on the number of registrations. They (and we) are super sad when you don’t attend.

Volunteer at GiGi’s

New Volunteer Orientation

GiGi’s is a volunteer-run organization. New volunteers must attend an orientation to learn more about GiGi’s, Down syndrome, and the volunteer process. Come learn about all of the GiGi’s Playhouse programs and events and how you can get involved.

With over 3,900 volunteer hours at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities in 2019, we cannot do what we do without our amazing volunteers and we make training a priority!

Our National Office is offering a virtual orientation on August 26th at 5 pm.  Click HERE to register. 

Local In-Person Orientation is scheduled for August 18th at 5:30 pm. Click HERE to register. 

If you have not completed the Volunteer Interest Form via our website yet, please do so prior to attending the orientation. 

Tutor Training

As we prepare for the fall tutoring session there will be tutor training as follows:

National Literacy Training August 24th – Virtual

National Math Training August 25th -Virtual

Local Tutor Training/Meeting August 30th – In Person

GiGi’s At Home Programs

GiGi’s at Home offers live virtual programs and programs on demand with participants from around the world!  Yes, around the WORLD!

GiGi’s at Home On Demand is our way of bringing 150+ purposeful programs to you at a time that is convenient for you. You will have access to program recordings, lesson plans, and activities to use when you are ready.

GiGi’s at Home Live is our way of bringing 28+ purposeful programs to you every week at a specific time. This allows you to interact with our volunteer program leaders and fellow participants engaging in purposeful activities designed for your loved one’s age group.

Visit the GiGi’s At Home Calendar to see what’s being offered and register to attend.