Generation G

As many of our long-time “core littles” head off to school, we’re opening our doors to a brand-new generation of families at GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh! To help new parents and babies begin their journey with us, we’re thrilled to introduce A Gentle Start at GiGi’s — a monthly group designed specifically for infants ages 0–12…

On October 10th, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh hosted our annual “I Have a Voice” Gala, and it was truly a night to remember. With 300 guests in attendance, the room was filled with excitement, joy, and an overwhelming sense of community. This event serves as one of our largest celebrations of the year, bringing together families, friends,…

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe that every milestone deserves to be celebrated — no matter how big or small. For 12-year-old Maneet, one of those milestones happened in the most unexpected place: the kitchen. When Maneet joined GiGi’s Kitchen in early 2024, he brought with him a bright smile, a curious spirit, and a few…

This summer, we welcomed a very special new participant to our GiGiFit kids program: a young girl named Isabella.  Isabella arrived late in the season, during a time when most of our regular participants were already familiar with the routines, activities, and high energy that GiGiFit is known for. But for Isabella, everything was brand…

When I think about GiGi’s Playhouse, one word immediately comes to mind: joy. Time and time again, I leave the playhouse with a huge smile on my face. Everyone who walks in the door is immediately surrounded by love and support. The volunteers, staff, and board members are deeply passionate about what they do, and…

Growing up in South Florida, my best friend had an uncle with severe intellectual disabilities. I watched his mother and grandmother work tirelessly to care for them with dignity and respect. Every Christmas, Uncle Larry would visit. Despite his challenges, to us, he was simply “Uncle Larry.” We’d play with our new presents, the age…

Celebrating Creativity: Why Recognizing the Artistic Side of Individuals with Down Syndrome Matters When we think about creativity, most of us imagine painting a canvas, writing a story, or losing ourselves in music. Creativity is part of what makes us human. It’s how we share who we are, how we process the world, and how…

This past weekend was one of those days that remind us why we do what we do. GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh had the incredible privilege of participating in Victory Day with NC State Football for the seventh year in a row, and words can hardly capture what it meant for our participants, their families, and our…

In June 2025, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh welcomed a new face to our Fantastic Friends program, Deive. Like many new participants, stepping into a new space with new people came with challenges. At first, Deive found comfort in quieter areas, like the sensory room, and would often need time to adjust before joining group activities. But…

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we love to highlight “Best of All” moments—those times when participants stretch themselves, try something new, and discover just how capable they truly are. This June, we were thrilled to witness not one, but two inspiring “Best of All” stories. Fiona and Meredith, both adults in our GiGi University program, began their…