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My Story with GiGi’s Playhouse: Connection, Inclusion, and Inspiration

I was first introduced to Gigi’s Playhouse when I was in 7th grade- my mom and I had just joined a charity league, and another mom and daughter pair invited us to volunteer at their program, Destination Discovery. The minute I walked in the door, I was welcomed with open...

Shelly – A Heart for GiGi’s in Every Role

At GiGi's Playhouse, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by volunteers who go above and beyond—not just with their time, but with their hearts. This month, we're thrilled to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on Shelly: a devoted mom, advocate, board member, and cherished leader in our community. Shelly is...

From Classroom to Community: My Journey to GiGi’s Playhouse

For years, I found my rhythm in the classroom, teaching, connecting, watching light bulbs flicker on in students’ eyes. I was deeply rooted in the world of education, where every day brought new challenges and new chances to make a difference. After moving back to North Carolina, my teaching career...
Bently

Find His Voice: A Journey of Empowerment

At GiGi's Playhouse Raleigh, we're thrilled to share the inspiring progress of one of our young clients, Bently - a bright, determined young man who has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Once quiet and selective in his speech, he is now growing into a confident communicator, all thanks to his consistent...
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Glenaire Retirement Community and GiGi’s Playhouse: A Partnership Grounded in Love and Joy!

May 2025 marked the one-year celebration of Gigi’s Fantastic Friends coming to Glenaire---a Senior Living community in Cary.  It all started in April 2024 with a concert by GiGi’s handbells performing and grew from that beginning. To highlight our year, we recently hosted a “Gigi’s In Review” event with a...
Cameron

Finding Strength, Joy, and Confidence at GiGiFIT

High fives, positive vibes, and personal best achievements! If this sounds like a fun way to spend an hour, then come join us at the GiGiFIT Kids class! Whether you’re cheering someone on, getting a workout yourself, or laughing through a round of jumping jacks, every session is packed with...

SISTERS, SEPARATED BY CONTINENTS – REUNITED BY STRENGTH, FITNESS,AND COMMUNITY

When I moved to the United States from Ukraine at the age of 15, I knew I was stepping into a completely new life. North Carolina became my new home — a place where I finished high school, pursued my degrees in nutrition science, and started to lay down roots....
Alix

Better Together: Building Community Through Partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse

I have been lucky enough to partner with GiGi’s Playhouse in several different capacities, and in each one I am reminded of how lucky we are to have an organization like GiGi’s in our community. As the Outreach Coordinator at Cary Estate Planning, it is my goal and responsibility to...

Celebrating Intern Appreciation Week: Honoring Charlie, Jocelyn, Jenalyn & Elizabeth

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe that every act of service—no matter how big or small—contributes to something truly meaningful. That belief rings especially true during Intern Appreciation Week, when we pause to recognize the dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to support our mission of acceptance and achievement for...

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at GiGi’s💙💛

Every year on March 21st, we come together to celebrate the incredible lives of our friends with Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day is a time where we raise awareness, advocate, push for inclusion and have fun while doing son! This year at GiGi's, we made sure that the celebration...
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Celebrating Occupational Therapy Appreciation Month🌟

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Appreciation Month, and at GiGi's Playhouse, we are thrilled to take this opportunity to celebrate the dedicated and passionate occupational therapists who play a vital role in helping our participants reach their full potential. Through their expertise, compassion, and creativity, OTs provide life-changing support that...
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A Place Where Dreams Speak Out: My Journey as an SLP at GiGi’s Playhouse

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages and abilities. But none have brought me as much joy and fulfillment as my time at GiGi's Playhouse. For those who may not be familiar, GiGi's Playhouse is a network of Down syndrome...