Meribeth is the Grandparent of Henry & Eleanor plus more! Loving called Oma.

Grandparent Perspective

Let's hear from our Grandparents! We recently shared a few Parent Perspective blog posts and thought it would be a nice change of pace to share a Grandparent Perspective. Our playhouse is fortunate to have many incredibly involved grandparents. They tutor, volunteer at events, and assist with a variety of...
Current Volunteer Opportunities

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Current Volunteer Opportunities Updated 5/12/26 GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities is powered by something truly special —YOU.Every smile, breakthrough, high five, and “best of all” moment inside our Playhouse happens because volunteers choose to share their time, talent, and heart with our community. We’re always looking for more amazing individuals and...
best of all

April 2026 Best of All

April is always a busy month with spring programs and running full steam ahead with our annual 5K, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids Dash planning. It was also Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we were excited to celebrate with our annual appreciation event. Below are just a few #bestofall moments from...
Quad Cities GiGis5K Social Post Countdown (7)

2026 GiGi’s 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk & Kids Dash

Join GiGi's for the annual 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids Dash for Down syndrome! Saturday, June 6, 2026 This event is FANTASTIC 4 everyone! EVERYONE is welcome. Whether you’re running, walking, rolling, pushing a stroller, or just coming to cheer, you belong at the GiGi’s 5K. You can even help without being there in...
Tutoring

6 Ways Tutoring is Different at GiGi’s

Tutoring looks different at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, and that's the point. Most traditional tutoring programs focus on catching students up: improving grades, completing assignments, and preparing for tests. While those goals matter, tutoring here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities goes far beyond academics. It’s not just about what participants...
Abuse Prevention

5 Types of Abuse

Abuse and Individuals with Down Syndrome At GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, we proudly partner with Every Child each April to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month. Through initiatives like hosting a pinwheel garden and sharing important information on social media, we work to raise awareness and advocate for the safety and...
WDSD 2026

Best of All March 2026

March is known for being a lucky month, at least on March 17th for the Irish and those who pretend to be Irish.  Here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, we do feel lucky but tend to look past the 17th to focus on March 21st for World Down Syndrome Day....
Celebrate Reading

Celebrate Reading!

Let's celebrate reading during National Reading Month! At GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, our one-on-one tutoring program is one of the many FREE educational programs we offer to help individuals with Down syndrome build confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills. Through personalized literacy tutoring, participants strengthen reading, comprehension, communication, and memory...
World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations

World Down Syndrome Day 2026

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day Every year on March 21, people around the world celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a day dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating the incredible abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. The date itself, 3/21, is meaningful. Down syndrome occurs when a...
Art with Heart Art Show

February 2026 Best of All

February 2026 Best of All February is known to be a dreary month due to the lingering winter weather, but the month is certainly brightened by Valentine’s Day and the opportunity to show those we love just how much we love them. Here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, we didn’t...
Parent Perspective - Your heart will never feel fuller!

Parent Prospective – Your heart will never feel fuller!

Parent Prospective Blog Series - Your heart will never feel fuller! Last month, we shared a blog about one mom’s experience receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis with little to no support. You can read her story here. While we know families still receive a diagnosis with varying levels of guidance...
Volunteer Tutor

10 Volunteer Tutors Impacting Lives

10 Volunteer Tutors Impacting Lives The 2026 spring one-on-one session has officially begun at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities with 10 tutors ready to impact lives, and the timing couldn’t feel more perfect. As winter finally loosens its grip, there’s something refreshing about watching the Playhouse come alive again with new...