Generation G
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 took a shift. I left…
Read MoreFind 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 participation in our speech therapy…
Read MoreGlenaire 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 visual slide show of our…
Read MoreFinding 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 energy, encouragement, and connection. GiGiFIT…
Read MoreSISTERS, 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. But while I was chasing…
Read MoreBetter 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 make sure our families have…
Read MoreCelebrating 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 individuals with Down syndrome. This…
Read MoreCelebrating 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 was one to remember. It…
Read MoreA 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 achievement centers that provide free…
Read MoreEmpowering Perspectives: GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh at UNC’s Occupational Therapy Program
At GiGi’s Playhouse, our mission is to foster global acceptance for individuals with Down Syndrome, creating opportunities for communities to learn, connect, and celebrate diversity. On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2025, we had the privilege of furthering this mission by engaging with a group of occupational therapy students at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Kathryn…
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