CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEWS
FREE PROGRAMS
62 LOCATIONS
GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE
A word from our Founder, Nancy Gianni
Hello GiGi's Change Makers!
When I started GiGi’s Playhouse, I made a promise to my daughter GiGi — a promise that she would grow up in a world that saw her, believed in her, and gave her every opportunity to succeed.
A promise that she and all her friends with Down syndrome would have a voice.
Now, all these years later, GiGi isn’t just using her voice; she’s giving others the courage to use theirs.
This past month, she gave powerful presentations at Fellowes Brands and Sunbelt Rentals, sharing her journey and showing the world what’s possible when individuals with Down syndrome are given the opportunity to shine.
Watching her confidently present was one of those moments I’ll never forget. She’s not just the inspiration behind GiGi’s Playhouse… she’s helping lead the mission forward.
And she’s not alone.
All across our network, individuals with Down syndrome are finding their voices: speaking, leading, and showing the world their incredible potential.
That’s what this movement is all about. And it’s only possible because of your support.
Please take a moment to read our September newsletter and celebrate the stories of impact happening all across the GiGi’s network!!
Thank you for helping me keep my promise and for helping us build a world that sees every voice as powerful!
XOXO,
Nancy and GiGi
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month — And GiGi’s is all in
Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM) is about more than awareness. It’s about embracing the entire journey of individuals with Down syndrome — from diagnosis to adulthood, and everything in between.
It’s about the baby just entering the world, and the adult building a career.
It’s about the siblings, the families, and the allies who lift them up.
It’s about the everyday challenges, the big breakthroughs, and the belief in what’s possible.
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we don’t just witness that journey; we’re part of it. Every day, in Playhouses across the country, we’re building the foundation for a more accepting world. Every milestone reached is a step toward shifting perceptions, breaking stereotypes, and showing what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve.
This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, GiGi’s Playhouse is making noise... louder than ever. We’re celebrating strength, challenging assumptions, and showing the world what true acceptance looks like.
Join us this October. Be a voice for acceptance.
Follow along on social media all month long as we show the world what true acceptance looks like.
From one visit to a worldwide impact
When Tola Makinde first walked into GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities over a decade ago, she was a young mom visiting from Nigeria, searching for community and support for her daughter, Mo, who has Down syndrome.
She was immediately struck by the bright colors, joyful energy, and belief in potential, a powerful contrast to the limited resources and often negative perceptions of Down syndrome she’d seen back home in Nigeria.
That one visit planted a seed that would grow across continents.
Today, Tola is a volunteer program lead for LMNOP, an early childhood program at GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, reaching families not just in Nigeria, but also in the UK, US, and beyond.
Streaming live every Thursday, her classes are filled with music, sign language, storytelling, and laughter — giving children a strong start and giving parents hope.
Since this virtual class started in April, Tola has been hard at work, creating engaging lesson plans and spreading the word far and wide. Her goal is to reach families in every corner of Nigeria and around the globe, especially in communities where access to resources is limited and misinformation about Down syndrome still prevails.
Because of volunteers like Tola, GiGi’s programs are crossing borders, bringing education, and support to communities that have never had access before.
Curious about Tola’s global virtual program and how she’s making a difference?
Level up for inclusion: GiGi’s Educator Symposium is back!
Everyone has a role in building a more inclusive world, and it starts with understanding.
That’s why we’re inviting educators, therapists, parents, grandparents, siblings, and more to our free, virtual Educator Symposium on September 20. This event is designed to equip attendees with practical tools to support individuals with Down syndrome across all ages and stages.
Whether you're in the classroom, the clinic, or at the kitchen table, this symposium delivers expert-led sessions, real-world strategies, and research-based practices to elevate your impact, all while offering FREE continuing education credits.
Hosted twice a year, the Educator Symposium is part of GiGi’s mission to break down barriers and build a more accepting world through education, empowerment, and action.
There's still time to register. Don’t miss out!
Virtual Playhouse sees 50% Growth in 2025!
Our free, accessible virtual programming is reaching more families than ever, with a 50% increase in Virtual Playhouse program hours this year alone!
From live virtual sessions to 193 OnDemand programs, we're now serving over 11,000 families in 95 countries and all 50 states.
With 60,000+ hours already delivered and new programs launching every month, the GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse is making an impact across the globe, and we’re just getting started!
Want to see the impact firsthand?
Building futures in Sugarland
Lexi came home from college with big dreams for her future. But as a young adult with Down syndrome, finding meaningful employment wasn’t easy. Then she connected with GiGi’s Playhouse Sugarland, and everything changed.
With personalized job coaching, a custom training plan, and support from GiGi’s Sugarland’s Adult Program Manager, Candace Cowdery, Lexi landed a role at Mercedes-Benz. Within months, she was working independently. Today, Lexi’s thriving; she has even earned Employee of the Month!
Lexi’s story is just one of many.
This summer alone, more than 60 adults participated in Sugarland’s GiGi’s University and GiGi Professional programs. These programs allow adult participants to build confidence, explore internships, and gain job skills that lead to independence.
Sugarland’s story reflects a national shift across the GiGi’s Playhouse network. Adults with Down syndrome are now living longer than ever, and as the need grows, so do we. Adults now make up 50% of our total programming.
Sugarland is showing what’s possible when we invest in adults with Down syndrome with strategy, structure, and belief.
Steps toward strength: How GiGi’s helps milestones happen
Milestones matter. For individuals with Down syndrome, reaching them can take more time and support. That’s why GiGi’s Playhouse is here to help... every step of the way.
Meet Henry, a 16-month-old who’s making big progress at GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo. Through our GiGiFIT program, Henry is building the strength and coordination he needs to stand, explore, and connect with the world around him.
Most exciting of all, Henry just received his blue gait trainer, a new tool helping him build strength and practice standing and walking every day. It’s a big step forward in his journey toward greater mobility and independence.
Henry’s progress is just one example of how GiGi’s Playhouse supports individuals of all ages, helping them reach important milestones in their own time. With the help and support of the Fargo Playhouse, Henry is gaining the skills and confidence to explore the world around him.
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re proud to stand alongside families like Henry’s — providing the support, tools, and free programs they need to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
School is back! And GiGi’s Journey is a must-have in every classroom!
This magical, heartwarming story—featuring the first Harry Moon main character with Down syndrome—naturally inspires kids to embrace inclusion, empathy, and celebrate differences.
With Down Syndrome Awareness Month approaching, now’s the perfect time to order your copy of GiGi’s Journey and bring this important message to your school, library, or home!
A Little Something Extra
New Podcast Episodes Weekly!
Know someone who should share their story on the podcast?
Let us know here.
Check out the latest from our blog
