Posts by Marissa Chavez
Volunteer Spotlight – National League of Young Men (NLYM) La Jolla Chapter
The backbone of any GiGi’s Playhouse is the dedicated volunteers who pour their time, energy, and heart into every program and event. From tutoring sessions and literacy programs to large-scale community celebrations, volunteers make it all possible. Across the country, GiGi’s Playhouses are powered by passionate individuals of all ages and backgrounds—and San Diego is…
Read MoreParticipant Spotlight – Celebrating Poppy’s First Year
Programs designed for infants and toddlers with Down syndrome play a powerful role in early development, especially for families in San Diego seeking support and connection, it can be hard to find. These early experiences nurture cognitive, social, and motor skills while empowering parents with knowledge, resources, and confidence. Just as importantly, they remind families…
Read MoreParticipant Spotlight – Leading the Way with Leo
Like so many families around the world and in San Diego, our GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego families were deeply affected by the pandemic. At a time when our Playhouse had just opened its doors and brought so much excitement and connection to the community, the sudden pause on in-person programming was heartbreaking. Yet instead of…
Read MoreMy Look How You’ve Grown – Shep’s Journey through GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego
In 2023, we introduced you to Shep, a GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego participant whose determination and joyful energy left a lasting impression on our community. Today, we’re excited to revisit his journey and share the incredible growth, milestones, and moments of pride that have unfolded since then. From new challenges conquered to the friendships and…
Read MoreParticipant Spotlight – Meet Our GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Ambassadors
This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to celebrate and introduce Clark, our official Ambassador, and Jack & Katherine, our Ambassadors in Training! 💙💛 These incredible individuals represent the heart of our mission—showing the world that every person is capable of achieving their best of all. What It Means to Be an Ambassador GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreEast Coast to West Coast – A Volunteers Adventure, Meet Nadia
GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego is located in one of the US’s greatest cities and many people including volunteers often fall in love with it. This is where the San Diego Playhouse benefits, we receive amazing folks such as Nadia, a volunteer who moved from Rochester, NY and who had volunteered at our Rochester Playhouse. When…
Read MoreVolunteers Who Inspire: Kelsey’s Journey with GiGiMove – Fitness
At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Their energy, passion, and dedication make our programs possible, and they create life-changing experiences for our participants. One such program is GiGiMove – Fitness, where volunteers like Kelsey lead the way, helping individuals with Down syndrome stay active, build confidence, and…
Read MorePenelope’s Best of All: Growing Through Tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego
Many school-age individuals with Down syndrome face extra challenges in school and may fall behind their peers when the right support isn’t available. At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed. That’s why our free one-on-one tutoring programs in math and literacy are designed to give students the personalized…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight – Meet Kayla an all around volunteer
San Diego is one of those places folks come to visit then fall in love as it is the California way. This can be said for GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego as well. Once you step in the door the ambiance, character and welcoming vibe draws you in for the long haul and we are here…
Read MoreBest of All with Jack – Who said you can’t do it all?
Meet Jack, an amazing GiGi’s Participant not letting anything stop him from going after what he wants to do. Jack has been a part of GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego from the beginning (2018) participating in signature programs such as Fantastic Friends, GiGi’s Kitchen and Literacy Tutoring. During the covid times, Jack had the opportunity to…
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