GiGi’s Playhouse is more than a place – it’s such a supportive community.
Hi, my name is Ashley, and I live in Chapel Hill. I volunteer regularly with Fantastic Friends at GiGi’s Playhouse Chapel Hill satellite location. Adult participants get together monthly for social activities, games, a craft, and a snack. Some months we enjoy a movie and popcorn together instead. It’s great...
Volunteering at GiGi’s has honestly changed my life, and I just love being there!
Volunteering at GiGi's has honestly changed my life, and I just love being there! Helping with the programs at GiGi's, especially Young Athletes, is the best part of my week. I am always looking forward to the next time I get to be there. Over the past couple of...
Meet Paislee!
As told by Paislee’s mom, Ashley Paislee, our 18-month daughter, started attending GiGi’s Playhouse in 2017 when she was just three months old. At the time of Paislee’s birth in May, they weren’t sure what made her extra special, so she was flown to Springfield where she had genetic testing...
I came in believing I was just a tutor and left feeling I had a gained one of the most beautiful and meaningful friendships
I came in believing I was just a tutor and left feeling I had a gained one of the most beautiful and meaningful friendships I could ever have asked for. In just 10 weeks Mason and I learned so much from one another. He gained confidence in his ability to...
“My week is brightened knowing that Jessica and I are not just reading together but building a friendship.”
“This is the day you begin to find the places inside your laughter and your lunches, your books, your travel and your stories, where every new friend has something a little like you—and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.” The Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson...
“When I see the excitement in her eyes when she knows we are going to GiGi’s…”
My name is Madeline, and I have a beautiful, sassy, 7 year old daughter named Caroline. I became involved in the Down Syndrome community almost immediately after Caroline was born and I received her diagnosis. We were active members of the Triangle Down Syndrome Network, and appreciated the support and...
“It’s a true eye opener for us to see how much more Jessica has to offer the world!”
Our families + volunteers at GiGi's are amazing. We are constantly seeing the impact GiGi's programs have on our participants. Through the FREE programs and opportunities GiGi's provides- our community and families are seeing how much individuals with Down syndrome have to offer the world. #GenerationG #bestofall Jessica is 26...
I LOVE watching our amazing friends learn, grow and become more confident in their social skills!”
Our September volunteer spotlight goes to two incredible ladies. Maddie and Gretchen who co-led 21STARS our after school program which focuses on social skills, gratitude committee and literacy/math components. During this program they are able to witness growth, friendships, ability and confidence through the activities they design. Maddie is now...
Overall, seeing Bently’s confidence with money grow over time was the most rewarding!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bently and helping improve his skill set through an individualized one-on-one program. Over the length of the program, there was definite growth, specifically in coin identification; name and value. It was so rewarding to see Bently’s excitement each week to play the money game...
There is no way for us to be able to express how grateful we are for the volunteers that devote their time and energy toward the programs offered at GiGi’s.
GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh is more than a program. They are FAMILY! Our experience at GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh has been truly amazing. There is no way for us to be able to express how grateful we are for the volunteers that devote their time and energy toward the programs offered at...
Our Handbells team went out into the community to educate, bring smiles, and share our talents
It has been a privilege to direct the GiGi’s Playhouse Handbell Choir this past spring session. Our team went out into the community to educate, bring smiles, and share our talents. The most common statement heard was, “Please come back again!” After each performance, I asked the choir to go...
Our family can not thank GiGi’s and the GiGi’s team enough for the unique opportunities that are available to Eva and to help her learn and grow.
GiGi’s Playhouse’s offers custom, research-based curriculum that works towards advancing literacy, math skills, gross and fine motor skills, improving low muscle tone, building self-esteem, preparing for the workforce and more while fostering acceptance, awareness and networking resources for parents, siblings and the community. All programs are FREE of charge at...