Creating Connections

At GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford, our programming is tailored to meet the needs and challenges of the individuals we serve. By design, that means that most of our programs are created to serve a certain age group. So, MOST of the time, our participants (and their families, by default) interact largely with other participants of a similar age or age group. Our littles (0-5), school-agers (6-12), teens (13-17) and adults (18+) all have programs designed specifically for them. With flexibility built in to accommodate individual differences in development and functioning, the system works.

THAT SAID… one of our favorite things is watching what happens when our participants of all different ages come together. The parking lot party we held earlier this month was a fantastic example of that. We piggy-backed on our regularly scheduled Friday Friends program for adults 18+, and we invited all Playhouse families to attend.   About 160 participants and family members joined us for a great evening outside with friends, delicious picnic food, ice cream sundaes, and dancing. Of course, there HAD to be dancing! No Playhouse party is really complete without it!

So many of our volunteers commented about how great it was to see all the various age groups interacting and having fun together. They laughed together, played together, and learned together. They also learned FROM EACH OTHER. Participants, parents, and other family members got the chance to talk, share experiences and bond with others who have walked a similar (but NEVER the same!) path! Day-to-day life can get busy and overwhelming, but having the opportunity to slow down, share, and connect with others can be so meaningful. Seeing things from a different perspective, sharing ideas, and just taking time to remember that we are not alone on this big, sometimes crazy, journey through life can make all the difference.

The power of connection is priceless, and we are thrilled that GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford gets the chance to play a role in creating some of those for the remarkable people we serve. It’s truly a gift to us… and we hope it is a gift to them, as well.