More Alike Than Different: What We Wish Everyone Knew About Down Syndrome
At GiGi's Playhouse Simi Valley, we spend our days surrounded by learners, leaders, artists, athletes, and friends. They also happen to have Down syndrome. And if there's one thing we wish the whole world could see, it's this: individuals with Down syndrome are more alike than different. Down syndrome occurs...
She’s a 321 Champion — and She Wants Every Family to Feel Loved and Accepted
There are moments at GiGi's Playhouse Simi Valley that will stop you in your tracks. Moments that remind you exactly why this place exists and what it means to the people who walk through our doors every day. Mindy gives us one of those moments. Mindy is one of our...
The Foundation of Everything: Why Core Strength Is Life-Changing for Individuals with Down Syndrome
The Foundation of Everything: Why Core Strength Is Life-Changing for Individuals with Down Syndrome You woke up and sat upright in bed. You stood, walked to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, and sat down at the table. Maybe you reached for something on a high shelf, or bent...
More Than Just ‘Low Muscle Tone’: What Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Need to Know—and Why GiGiFIT Changes Everything
The Moment Parents Hear Those Words If you are the parent of a child with Down syndrome, chances are one of the very first things a doctor or therapist mentioned was low muscle tone — or its clinical name, hypotonia. Maybe it came in those first hours after birth, or...
We Did It, Simi Valley — Recap of the GiGi’s 5K!
The energy was electric, the community showed up in a big way, and the results speak for themselves. On Saturday, April 25, GiGi's Playhouse Simi Valley came together at Simi Valley Civic Center Park for a morning that reminded us exactly why we do what we do. Over 400 Registrants....
Beat by Beat, Community Shows Up: Connecting a Caring Community Hosts Drum Circle with GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SIMI VALLEY, CA — On Monday, April 13, GiGi's Playhouse Simi Valley was alive with rhythm, joy, and the kind of connection that reminds us why community matters. Connecting a Caring Community's Women in Action group brought Aaron's Drum Circle to the Playhouse for a morning that...
Royal High School Students Lead with Heart Through “Royal Cares” Fundraiser
There are moments that remind us just how powerful community can be—and this is one of them. Recently, four incredible Royal High School Boys Volleyball student-athletes—Micah Park, Matthew Deng, Ranbir Jain, and Rishik Tanwani—turned an idea into impact through their “Royal Cares” fundraiser in support of GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley....
More Than a Day: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley
World Down Syndrome Day is always one of the most meaningful days of the year at GiGi's Playhouse—and this year was no exception. On March 21 (3/21), our community came together in the most beautiful way to celebrate, connect, and raise awareness—and it ws truly a day to remember. This...
Community in Action: Rocky Peak Church All Serve Day at GiGi’s Playhouse
There is something incredibly powerful about a community coming together to serve others. This past Saturday, GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley had the privilege of being one of the recipients of Rocky Peak Church’s annual All Serve Day, and what an incredible morning it was! A dedicated group of volunteers arrived...
Built to Move: How Fitness Helps Individuals with Down Syndrome Shine
Movement is more than exercise—it's confidence, independence, and joy in action. For individuals with Down syndrome, fitness plays a powerful role in supporting overall health, building lifelong skills, and creating opportunities to thrive. At GiGi's Playhouse, we see every day how purposeful movement helps individuals grow stronger—physically, socially, and emotionally....
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome influences learning and development—but it also brings unique strengths, perspectives, and endless potential. At GiGi's Playhouse, we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome for who they are: capable,...
July Volunteer Spotlight
🎶 LMNOP Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Theresa and Pam! 🎶Every Thursday morning at GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley, our LMNOP program is filled with music, movement, and meaningful connections—thanks to the incredible dedication of Theresa and Pam! 💛These two amazing sisters lead with so much heart and positivity, creating a welcoming space...