Participant Spotlight – Mateo’s Kids Club Shine

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we often say that kids live, learn, and thrive with the help of our programs and we mean it. Our lifelong commitment to providing services and FREE programming for families of all ages ensures that every child has the support they need to thrive.

Meet Mateo, one of our incredible participants. Mateo has been part of our Playhouse family since we opened our doors in 2018. Over the years, he has grown with our programs, from early learner experiences like Leaps and Bounds and Playhouse Pals to our new adolescent program, Kids Club. Here, Mateo is finding his own space, making new friends, and continuing his journey of growth and discovery.

We asked Mateo and his mom Jennifer, who sits as the Vice President of the GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Playhouse Board, to offer some more incite on there adventure through GiGi’s Playhouse and here is what they had to say:

How did you find out about GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego?

“My friend Leila, who had a son with Down syndrome that was three days younger than Mateo told me about it and we started to go to programs when Mateo was three years old.”

What programs have you participated in? 

“Mateo started with leaps and bounds, which is for ages 3 to 5 and music therapy class. Throughout the years, he has also participated in literacy and math tutoring, as well as Playhouse Pals and Kids Club.”

What is your favorite program? 

“Mateo says “Kids Club”“

Best of all moment 

“I think there have been a lot of best of all moments over the years at first they were small like being able to sit through an activity, stamina growing in tutoring and now the thing I love the most is that he begs to go to GiGi‘s and hopes that kids club is every weekend.” 

What does Gigi’s playhouse mean to you and your family? 

“GiGi’s Playhouse is like a second family to us. We have made friendships there. We know we will always be understood when we go to GiGi’s Playhouse and also that we will always be inspired. I hope Mateo can continue to utilize the Playhouse through his teenage years and into adulthood to make lasting friendships and memories.”

What would you like others to know? 

“I would like others to know that individuals with Down syndrome just want to be seen, appreciated, loved and played with like any other typical child.” 

We absolutely love hearing the wonderful stories and thoughts from parents about how their kiddos have grown because of the acceptance, educational components and friendships built along the way in their developmental years. We feel and see the magic throughout a life time!

Do you know someone that may benefit from our free educational, therapeutic and career skills building programs? Please share this and many other blog posts with them and be that encouragement to growth!