{"id":142937,"date":"2026-06-14T17:14:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T00:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/?p=142937"},"modified":"2026-06-16T23:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T06:26:54","slug":"best-of-all-friendship-and-belonging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/2026\/06\/14\/best-of-all-friendship-and-belonging\/","title":{"rendered":"Best of All: Friendship and Belonging!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sacramento, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. Every day, we witness incredible growth, meaningful connections, and the impact of a supportive community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month, we\u2019re proud to share Amanda\u2019s \u201cBest of All\u201d story and recognize one of our amazing volunteers, Katie, whose dedication helps make our Playhouse such a special place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best of All<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amanda has truly come to life at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse. From the moment she walked through the doors, she was welcomed with unconditional love, encouragement, and a judgment-free environment that allowed her to grow at her own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Amanda first joined GiGi\u2019s Adult programming, she was shy, quiet, and hesitant to engage. Through consistent participation and the support of staff, volunteers, and peers, she gradually stepped outside her comfort zone and has begun to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her greatest \u201cBest of All\u201d has been building meaningful friendships. Amanda became part of what some parents have dubbed the \u201cTriple As\u201d friend group: Amanda L., Amanda R., and Alex\u2014three women with Down syndrome who share a love of movies, music, dancing, and having fun together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After aging out of public school at 22, Amanda had not experienced lasting friendships for many years. Thanks to the GiGi\u2019s community, she recently celebrated her 41st birthday with her friends, enjoying mini golf, a movie, and dinner together. They\u2019ve even helped Amanda learn more about wheelchair options and local resources based on Amanda\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These friendships have enriched Amanda\u2019s life. She lives more boldly now. She laughs more, teases and connects with staff and volunteers. She has even found her voice\u2014speaking more confidently (with a higher volume than her typical whisper) and more clearly than she has in a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching Amanda learn, grow, and build genuine connections has been remarkable. Through the power of friendship and a true sense of belonging, her world has become more vibrant, joyful, and full of possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Aysha Dinius<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Volunteer Spotlight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month, we\u2019re excited to recognize Katie, one of our incredible volunteers! Katie first became involved with GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sacramento after moving to the area and enrolling her son in our programs. Seeing the need for volunteers and wanting to give back to her community, she knew the Playhouse would be the perfect fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of Katie\u2019s favorite memories is Karaoke Night, where she loves watching our talented teens shine and showcase their unique abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering has given Katie a strong sense of community and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with participants and families. As she shared, \u201cThe participants are always so accepting of newcomers, welcoming each new person in with kindness and love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katie believes GiGi\u2019s Playhouse is special because it provides a place where individuals with Down syndrome and their families can come together, find support, and celebrate one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your time, energy, and heart with the GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sacramento family!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Join Our Story<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every participant, family member, volunteer, and supporter has a story to tell. Whether it\u2019s a \u201cBest of All\u201d achievement, a meaningful friendship, a volunteer experience, or a special GiGi\u2019s memory, we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in sharing your story in a future blog feature? Contact GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Sacramento at sacramento@gigisplayhouse.org or ndeters@gigisplayhouse.org and help us celebrate the incredible moments that make our community so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n