Posts by Katie Whaley

Our FREE GiGiFIT programs combine activities with a strong fitness focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement designed by a physical therapist. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive…

Our GiGi’s Kitchen programs are designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants engage in activities designed to promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills, self-confidence, and social skills by applying learned skills as they prepare and…

Literacy The GiGi’s Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program uses a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field. The ability to read opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools and the community.  Developing reading skills also leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills and working memory function.  Our…

The GiGi’s Amina Grace Speech and Language one-on-one program provides individuals of varying abilities and of all ages (youth, teens and adults!) with greatly expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their speech and language skills. Effective enunciation, clarity of speech, word order and message meaning are paramount to fostering greater self-confidence, comprehension, problem-solving, school readiness,…

We are extremely excited to be holding a ‘Welcome Window Contest’ for our new location! Any team to raise $2,500 toward the ‘Believe in our Build’ capital campaign will get their individual’s picture displayed in the welcome windows of our new Playhouse in the Oakdale Commons! Just like for our ‘GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge’, this gives…

GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier has been serving the community for just over four years. Throughout this time, we have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact we can make when we come together. And as we grow and expand our programs, we face a pressing need: a larger facility to accommodate our vision and aspirations. Moving to…

After months of preparation and planning, our 2nd Annual GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge 5k run, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Dash for Down Syndrome has come and gone. Over 320 runners, walkers, and volunteers joined together on a cold and rainy day to celebrate those with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome and spread awareness that…

This week’s volunteer spotlight is Molly! Molly has been volunteering with the Southern Tier Playhouse for many years, and helped us start our GiGi’s Cooking class! Molly is the owner of Creative Nutrition Solutions! How did you hear about GiGi’s Playhouse/ get involved as a volunteer?  My mom is actively involved on the GiGi’s Playhouse board…

How did you hear about GiGi’s Playhouse/ get involved as a volunteer?  I visited the GiGi’s Playhouse in Syracuse with one of our families and we became interested in possibly starting a GiGi’s in the Southern Tier.  After several meetings and joining our start up team I was all in to help in any way…

With Volunteer Appreciation Month coming up, we want to highlight those who make our Playhouse come to life by leading programs, working in the Playhouse to make it better, and caring for our participants. This week we highlight our volunteer, Mikayla! Mikayla helps lead our GiGi’s Adult Cooking Class and is a local registered dietitian/…