GiGi Prep – Confidence and Communication

Just like anything in life, the best way to be successful is through confidence and practice! GiGi Prep is a unique six-week program offered to adults 18 and older with Down syndrome that focuses on healthy habits, confidence, and career skills. This is the beginning of the GiGi U continuum that prepares our adults for getting a career.

During GiGi Prep, participants will follow a set regimen that focuses on fitness, nutrition, money handling skills, and communication. Participants will be given the opportunity to exercise in a variety of different ways, learn healthy eating habits, cook their lunch at the Playhouse and practice using and identifying both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. At the end of the program, students will practice these skills by presenting information about themselves to family and friends.

Each week, participants will be setting SMART goals in the areas of fitness, healthy eating, communication, and their own personal interest. These goals can include: trying new foods or exercises, building more opportunities into his or her day to exercise, calling family or friends on the phone and spending more time doing the things he or she loves.  By setting goals, students can track their progress and celebrate their Best of All and incorporate the Generation G goal of being better every day!

Parental support is large part of GiGi’s mission to help individuals in GiGi Prep achieve his or her “Best of All”. Parents are expected to help and encourage their son or daughter throughout the program to complete their homework and health logs throughout the week and set high expectations at home. This helps the participant know that we believe in you and you can do it!

Juanita, a mom of one of our GiGi Prep participants shared her experience: “We were excited to enroll our daughter, Caitlin, in GiGi Prep. Yet, we knew there would have to be some adaptations for her to succeed and keep up with her peers in the class. Her needs were adjusted and supported without her feeling like she had to ‘perform on command’. She was learning many life skills while having FUN. While she was learning the many aspects of social skills, following directions, having responsibilities, we could tell she felt she was an important member of a group of her peers. Her social skills improved, but most of all, her confidence. It was a good experience and we would sign her up again.”

GiGi Prep is an excellent program with many opportunities to help adults with Down syndrome achieve his or her best of all.