Best of All December 2024
Participant Best of All Matthew participates in as many programs as possible and his family is committed to making the hour-long drive to the Quad Cities! Matthew recently participated in one-on-one speech, literacy tutoring, adult group speech, and the Achievers program. He is often here for multiple programs on the...
Spring 2025 Programs
Yes, we know it’s December and we’re all busy with holiday planning and shopping BUT here at GiGi’s we’re also planning and finalizing details for spring 2025 programs. The calendar is already packed with something for all ages. All programs are FREE and purposefully designed for individuals with Down syndrome....
November 2024 Best of All
Participant Best of All “Emma got a private music class and did her Best of All by staying engaged for 45 minutes! She had a blast singing and signing about Thanksgiving and playing instruments!” – Music Makers “Hannah did her Best of All at LMNOP! She explored rhythm with shakers,...
SOE Champions
Several of our staff and board members attended the annual GiGi's Conference earlier this month. This conference is always a highlight of the year. It's a chance to connect and network with other Playhouses' staff and board members, hear from inspirational keynote speakers, and so much more. “My favorite part...
October 2024 Best of All
Participant Best of All This summer, we launched an all-new program called Music Makers - Rock Band for ages 16 and up. This group has met every Thursday since the beginning of June to learn different instruments and skills. After months of practicing they performed twice in October. Their first...
Celebrating FRIENDS and Volunteers
A message from our Gala Committee: Thank you to the 350+ people who attended or supported the annual fundraising gala. We loved seeing old friends and meeting new FRIENDS too. It was great having Andrew Stutzke as our emcee and the speakers were inspirational and informational too! The entertainment, especially the...
September 2024 Best of All
Participant Best of All Grandparents are participants too! Programs at GiGi's are a family affair. Siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are always welcome. We recently had a program specifically for Grandparents and while we only had a couple attend it was still a magical morning. Grandparents, you are welcome anytime!...
Gala 2024
Join us on National Meet New Friends Day (October 19, 2024) for our annual fundraising gala. In honor of this day and all the friendships formed here at GiGi's, the event is FRIENDS-themed this year and we can't wait for the Central Perk-Coffee Pull. Doors will open at 5:30 pm...
Dementia & Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, at earlier ages than the rest of the aging population. Dementia can be difficult to diagnose in people with Down syndrome and requires caregivers to implement specific strategies to address behaviors related to dementia. Specialty-trained...
August 2024 Best of All
Participant Best of All Darrian has a lot to say. Darrian has been participating in our adult group speech group, aka, Coffee Club for over a year. She tends to be quiet, taking everything in and responding with gestures and whispers. This week Darrian was participating with a voice we...
Fall 2024 Programs & Events
GiGi’s is booming with exciting programs and events this fall. Our website calendar is full of the regular programs offered but we wanted to highlight a few new or special events here on the blog. We don’t want you to miss anything! Additional details (times, locations, etc) can be found...
Worth the Drive
Many GiGi's Playhouse locations serve a large metropolis area. Here in the Quad CIites, we're a little unique. We serve: 5+ cities that make up the Quad Cities (Yes, there were originally only 5) 2 states separated by the mighty Mississippi River many smaller rural towns and villages Many of...