GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester Awarded $25,000 Grant from the Golisano Foundation.

Rochester, NY | 8.20.2024

GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester is pleased to announce it has received a grant of $25,000 from the Golisano Foundation to give adults the opportunity to increase their communication skills through free purposeful programing. The Golisano Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Kristin Housel, our Speech-Language Pathologist states, “We are grateful to the Golisano Foundation for this generous grant, which will help us further the mission of the Foundation of promoting acceptance through opportunities, while also changing negative perceptions and building independence through educational and therapeutic programming.”

The Amina Grace Speech and Language program has been available to families at the Rochester playhouse since 2019. The program is free to all and has been integral in providing interventions and opportunities to participants of all ages and their families. In 2023, our in-house Speech-Language Pathologist shifted focus for our teens and adults to address issues related to school transition and work readiness.

The success of the teen and adult communication program is built in through the application of the ten key speech skills, particularly as they relate to gaining job skills, confidence and independence. In recognition of the importance of communication, the goal of the teen and adult communication program is to encourage individuals with Down syndrome to become leaders and mentors in their work and role models in the community, which will, in turn, serve to bridge the gaps in meaningful employment.

Erica Dayton, the Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation says, “The grant is intended to support a new Communications program to provide adults with disabilities expanded opportunities to refine speech & language skills with a focus on work readiness.”

GiGi’s Playhouse started with one determined mom, Nancy Gianni, who just wanted to create a place where her daughter GiGi could feel accepted in this world. Ever since then, Playhouses have opened up around the United States to help serve the Down syndrome community. We provide research based, free, purposeful programs for individuals with Down syndrome. We promote acceptance for all by educating, inspiring, and believing in all our participants who walk through our doors.

The Golisano Foundation has been very generous, and supportive of our mission of acceptance for all.

Please contact Kristin Housel at khousel@gigisplayhouse.org with any questions.