Participant 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 breaking spirits, this season strengthened our families, bringing them closer together and reinforcing a shared hope for the day we could safely reunite.
Programs like those offered at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego are essential for individuals with Down syndrome, providing consistent opportunities to build skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships in an inclusive, supportive environment. For many families, these programs are not just activities, they are a lifeline to community, growth, and belonging.
When in-person programs resumed at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, many families joyfully returned. For others, the transition took more time, and our Virtual Playhouse became a vital lifeline for staying connected. One of those families was Leo’s.
Leo and his family have been part of GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego since the very beginning when we opened our doors in 2018. As one of our founding families, they navigated the challenges of the pandemic together and came back ready to reconnect, grow, and fully embrace everything the Playhouse has to offer by storm!
We asked Leo and his family to share some incite on their journey and this is what they shared.
How did you find GiGi’s Playhouse?
“We first learned of GiGi’s through the Down syndrome community and were so excited when the centered first opened here in San Diego and have loved it ever since.”
Has Leo and your family benefitted from the services GiGi’s provides?
“Yes, we definitely have been enriched in many ways because of GiGi’s. We’ve always enjoyed all the activities for kids at GiGi’s. We are especially grateful for the tutoring sessions they have been just what Leo needs.
It gives us all sense of community where we can be around other families that just get it and Leo has like peers around him to grow and learn with. It’s the one place outside our family where I know he’s valued and seen just for being Leo. He feels it, too and that’s priceless.”
Have there been any “a-ha” moments from Leo since his math and literacy tutoring began?
“The biggest gain we’ve had is seeing Leo increase in his learning focus and concentration. The tutors have been amazing with him. He really needed patient, 1-on-1 teachers and his tutors have been really supportive and very effective at getting him to focus more.
He is more mature and interested in engaging with others all around and that has been amazing to see.“
Our volunteer tutors bring compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to helping individuals with Down syndrome succeed. With GiGi’s specialized training and ongoing support, they create individualized learning experiences that build confidence, strengthen skills, and foster meaningful connections. Each session is another step forward in a participant’s growth and independence.
What is your favorite thing about GiGi’s?
“We love the center itself and the people, of course. The community engagement activities have been so wonderful both personally and for the general community.
Leo absolutely loves free play at the center. When other children are there he comes out of his shell and interacts either them more. It’s been a slow process but we’ve seen so much grow with him socially recently.“
Is there anything you think we could improve upon or incorporate?
“We would love to have more big group get togethers that include all age groups.
For example, when we first started there was a big group family picnic on sight and a group of volunteers came and set up games for all our kids and youngsters. It was nice to get to know other families at various stages of their lives. To me it was really impactful at a time I didn’t know what to expect raising my son and how he would fit in to this world. There are amazing people out there and being together is so empowering. Some ideas that would be nice to have like a gala or an evening fundraiser with one of the local charity sponsors, too, to help raise funds and bring awareness to GiGi’s. Or even a group field trip to BizTown or one of the interactive museums would be really fun.”
We are thrilled to share that we are actively working on expanding opportunities like these, including the re-introduction of Destination Discovery for all ages.
Destination Discovery: Play = Fun + Learning. This program supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Just as importantly, it brings families together to share experiences and build lasting relationships. Check our calendar for upcoming programs.
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Anything else you would like to share?
“This year we participated in the PB Christmas parade. It was one of the highlights of my life because Leo, who normally struggles in loud crowds, not only walked the entire course of the parade… but also waved and cheered with the parade-goers!
To see the community rally and cheer for our kiddos in such a sincere and enthusiastic way was truly emotional and empowering.
Only GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego made that happen and it’s amazing to see. We are so grateful to you all.”
Leo’s journey is a powerful reminder of what inclusion, education, and community can achieve together. Every smile, milestone, and moment of confidence is made possible through the support of volunteers, donors, and families who believe in a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced for exactly who they are.
Thank you for helping us continue to create moments like these, for Leo and for every participant who walks through our doors.
Help More Participants Thrive Through Tutoring
Leo’s growth in focus, confidence, and engagement is made possible through free literacy and math tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse. Your support ensures every participant has access to patient, individualized instruction, at no cost to families.
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