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 Gigi’s Playhouse.

 

Our family is so grateful that we live close to our local Playhouse in Raleigh that offers a variety of programs from infants to adults who have Down Syndrome.

 

Eva, our oldest daughter (who was born with Down Syndrome) just turned 6 and is currently in a CCK Kindergarten class at a nearby school. Our playhouse has been such a blessing to our family! We have been attending the Raleigh Playhouse since it’s opening two years ago. We have been able to attend the yearly events, open play times, and Leaps and Bounds. The playhouse isn’t just a great fit for our Eva, it is also welcoming to Eva’s siblings Elsie (4), and Ethan (1) who also loves coming to play.   Two summers ago , I relied heavily on GiGi’s for their open play time. When school ended for summer break, we found that not have daily structure was difficult for Eva.  We were so glad that we were able to incorporate open play-time into our summer routine that saved us from boredom and daily meltdowns!

 

Just this past winter, we were so thrilled to be able to take advantage of GiGi’s one on one literacy tutoring after school.  Eva instantly connected with her tutor Abbie!  We drive past the playhouse every time I drive Eva to school.  Just after a few visits with Abbie , Eva started asking if we were going to the playhouse to see Abbie! Abbie has been absolutely wonderful with Eva and we have been so impressed with the literacy tutoring program! We have noticed that Eva has been more confident when recognizing words, and have even seen big improvements with her speech.  We have also gained a friend for life.

We are looking forward to doing Speech this summer at GiGi’s and hope we can take advantage of more literacy tutoring and even math tutoring down the road.  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.  It is comforting to know that she always has the Playhouse now and as she grows.  Thank you Gigi’s for another great experience , and thank you to Abbie for having such an inpact on our sweet Eva.

 

Learn more about Abbie here: Hi, I’m Abbie! I’m a senior at NC State, studying Psychology and Biology with hopes of one day becoming an Occupational Therapist. After I graduate, I’ll be moving to Durham to do a year-long fellows program at Reality Ministries. I heard about GiGi’s Playhouse from a friend and immediately wanted to be involved! This year I had the opportunity to be a literacy and math tutor, and I have loved every minute. I’m so thankful for what GiGi’s is doing for our community and that I got the chance to be apart of it!