Posts by Tara Stoll
Celebrating Meredith: Our Shining Star at GiGi’s!
Introduction: At GiGi’s, we have the pleasure of spotlighting exceptional individuals who embody the true spirit of our community. This time, we are overjoyed to feature Meredith as our ‘Participant Best of All!’ With her vibrant personality and active involvement in numerous programs, she has become a cherished member of our GiGi’s family. Let’s take…
Read MoreNick’s Journey: Empowering Voices at GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we witness incredible stories of growth and triumph every day. Our participants, like Nick, inspire us with their determination and progress. Nick has been a part of our community, engaging in our Amina Grace program, which is 1:1 speech therapy with our dedicated NCCU speech/language therapy graduate students. We are thrilled to…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight
Nicholas is a new volunteer to us. He is a high school student and has been looking to get more involved in his community. He has spent almost every Saturday morning with us volunteering for Sensory Saturday and Kindergarten Readiness led by Locus. He is going to be a math tutor and is planning to…
Read MoreDear Mom…
Dear Mom, As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. You are more than just a mom to me, you are my superhero, my role model, and my best friend. You have been my biggest supporter from the very beginning,…
Read MoreMotherhood
“I have learned that love doesn’t have to be perfect or conventional to be real, and my child has taught me to embrace the imperfections that make life beautiful.”
Read MoreGiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Story, By: Ashley Schoenfisch
Nearly 30 years ago, I began my journey as a distance runner, and I believe strongly that distance running should be accessible and inclusive. Over the past 6 months, I had the opportunity to train alongside Playhouse participant Lucía for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 5K. Before I share our story, it’s important to say “Thank…
Read MoreEmployment and why it matters
Meaningful employment is an essential aspect of a fulfilling life for all individuals, including those who experience Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here are some reasons why meaningful employment is important to people who experience Down syndrome and other IDD: This is why we work so hard at GiGi’s! We see…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight
Meet Joyce! She started volunteering with GiGi’s in January. Since then, she has made it a point to participate in every program that we offer at GiGi’s! She has been so kind, helpful and a joy to be around. Recently, she has stepped up to help with our Fantastic Friends Lunch & Learn program. She…
Read MoreWorld Down Syndrome Day by Lauren Ohnesorge
The call came just as I was pulling onto Ridge Road, my regular workaround way to the office as I try to avoid Crabtree traffic at all cost. “Are you sitting down?” she said. “I’m in my car, driving to my office.” And she just started talking. I kept driving, remarkably. Even circling in my…
Read MoreBest of All – Lossie & Thomas
“Good, Better, Best! Never Let It Rest! Until Your Good Is Better, And Your Better Is Best!” Author Unknown While there are a few sources of this quote, I love it and subscribe to it because it is one of the…
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