GiGi’s Achievers: The New and Incredible Program Coming to the Southern Tier

What is the GiGi’s Achievers Program?

GiGi’s Achievers is a structured, hands-on program designed to support continued learning for adults with Down syndrome in areas such as communication, self-awareness, independence, health, and wellness. It also places a strong emphasis on community involvement, ensuring that participants not only learn essential skills but are also empowered to apply them in real-life, everyday situations. 

This holistic approach supports each individual’s journey toward a more independent and fulfilling life. Each session includes engaging activities and opportunities for social connection in environments that reflect everyday settings—whether that’s planning a grocery trip, preparing a healthy meal, or practicing interview skills. 

Participants in the program must be 18 or older, and each lesson will be focused on helping them build practical skills they can use immediately and throughout their lives. 

Summer Pilot Program: A Small Start for Big Impact 

Before launching the full program this fall, we will pilot GiGi’s Achievers this summer with a small group of participants. This pilot will help us fine-tune logistics, ensure that the curriculum works well for our community, and create the best possible experience when the full program rolls out. 

This summer phase is incredibly important to us. It will allow us to test what works, adjust where needed, and create a program that’s truly tailored to our participants’ needs. Once we launch in the fall, we’ll open applications to all eligible participants, but space will be limited to preserve the program’s quality and effectiveness. 

What Will a Lesson Look Like? 

Every week in GiGi’s Achievers will look a little different, with new themes and activities that keep learning fresh, fun, and meaningful. Topics will include goal setting, navigation, first aid, social skills, and more. Here’s a sample lesson plan focused on Time Management: 

Topic: Time Management 

• Opening 

• Welcome and overview of the day 

• Discussion: Why is time management important? 

• Personalize daily planners with stickers, colors, and decorations 

• Communication & Awareness 

• Play games that use timers (e.g., Headbandz, Perfection) to reinforce time-based thinking 

• Independence 

• Add important dates (birthdays, work schedules, GiGi’s programs) to planners 

• Health & Wellness 

• Make a healthy snack and discuss time management in cooking 

• Community Involvement 

• Discuss community spaces where time matters (bus schedules, doctor appointments, etc.) 

• Closing 

• Recap the day’s learning 

• Review how participants used their planners 

• Take-home: Participants keep their planners and are encouraged to use them daily 

Learning from Other Playhouses 

We’re not the only location offereing Achievers—other GiGi’s Playhouses already run the program and have with inspiring results! 

• GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island offers a 15-week Achievers program where participants build leadership skills, engage with local officials and businesses, and even run a small business. Their model includes product creation, marketing, and sales—truly empowering participants to explore entrepreneurship! See their post on Instagram 

• GiGi’s Playhouse Lancaster integrates current events into their program. For example, just before Election Day, they hosted a session about voting, complete with a mock presidential election! This kind of timely, real-world learning helps participants stay informed and involved. Read more on their blog 

We’re excited to learn from their successes and bring those best practices to the Southern Tier while customizing the experience for our local needs. 

Looking Ahead 

Launching GiGi’s Achievers is a huge step forward in our commitment to providing adult-oriented, life-enriching programming. Through this initiative, we’ll help our participants gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to live more independently and meaningfully. 

We are grateful for your continued support as we pilot and refine this program. Stay tuned for updates throughout the summer and details on how to apply in the fall. We can’t wait to see what our Achievers accomplish!