Programs
Celebrating Partnerships: Building a Community of Acceptance at GiGi’s
At GiGi’s Playhouse, our mission has always been clear: to spread a message of acceptance for all. This commitment is not just a mantra; it’s a way of life that we live out every day through the incredible partnerships we’ve built with corporate allies in our community. We are profoundly grateful for the companies that…
Read MoreVal’s Spotlight: A Champion of GiGi’s
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are incredibly fortunate to have volunteers who embody the mission of inclusion and empowerment. Among them, Val stands out not only for her dedication but also for her personal connection to the cause. With a sister with Down syndrome, Val brings a deep passion and understanding to everything she does, especially…
Read MoreHarmonies of Dedication: Honoring Rosemary
What do you picture when you think about the GiGi’s Playhouse Joyful Ringers? Besides our participants with brightly colored handbells, ready to perform, you see our amazing Program Leader, Rosemary Campbell. With her contagious smile from ear to ear, she is ready to play some beautiful music for everyone to hear. Rosemary has been an…
Read MoreMagical Musical Moments written by Julia Cobley
Magical Musical Moments happen every time I share music with our friends at GiGi’s. I teach ukulele to our adult friends and general music and movement to our littles. Each week I am asked to write down a special moment in class. I can never just write one. There are so many special moments to…
Read MoreBattling Winter Blues with Friendship: A Special Invitation from GiGi’s
As winter settles in, many of us find ourselves grappling with the winter blues. The colder temperatures, shorter days, and lack of sunlight can take a toll on our mood and motivation. For individuals living with Down syndrome or intellectual disabilities, these challenges can be even more pronounced. However, amidst the winter gloom, there’s a…
Read MoreEmbracing the Spirit of Giving: A Heartwarming Celebration with SAS Volunteers
At GiGi’s Playhouse, this month is all about celebrating the incredible spirit of our dedicated volunteers, and there’s a special group that holds a special place in our hearts – our volunteers from SAS. These amazing individuals generously devote their time to us at least a couple of times a year, and recently, they went…
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 MoreBest of All – Anne Adams, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Leading and facilitating the Saturday morning speech-language and feeding groups for the youngest GiGi’s participants has been a journey of skill building and connection. Participants and their families join the group sessions to learn and practice specific language building strategies through guided play activities. Each week a different language building skill is focused on through…
Read MoreA note from a parent
I have been thinking about the great things that I’ve seen in the Speech program at GiGi’s since you and your group of students have been working with our “differently-abled” loved ones. I’m elated, let alone thrilled, at the progress “All” students have made! e.g., self confidence, speech clarity, “selectiveness in interactions (conversating), making independent…
Read MoreI learned the importance of acceptance, love, kindness, and joy through every encounter!
I am so grateful for my time working at GiGi’s Playhouse in Raleigh this summer. I learned the importance of acceptance, love, kindness, and joy through every encounter. I also got to see the behind-the-scenes of program creation and implementation. I had the opportunity to help with the Gratitude Committee, where we discussed the importance…
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