Why be Kind? A Call to Action.
GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier is proud to be a safe and welcoming environment for all the families who walk through our doors! Our foundation is to be inclusive, kind, generous, and accepting in everything we do. GiGi's Playhouse was created to change the way the world views Down syndrome and...
3 Exciting ASL Programs Bringing People Together
Language is more than just words—it’s how we connect, express ourselves, and understand one another. Just like Spanish or French, American Sign Language (ASL) is a full and unique language, completely separate from English. It’s not just a direct translation of spoken words into signs; it has its own grammar,...
GiGi’s Playhouse Welcomes New Binghamton University Intern
Welcoming Our Spring Intern Every semester, GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier has the privilege of welcoming interns from Binghamton University (BU), and we truly cherish the fresh energy, passion, and dedication they bring. Our partnership with BU has connected us with so many incredible volunteers and interns who help make a...
GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier: Our Story
GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier is approaching six years of providing a permanent brick and mortar location that offers educational, therapeutic, and progressive programming to individuals with Down syndrome! Although we have been open for almost six years, the planning and first ideas of opening a GiGi's Playhouse in the Southern...
A Year in Review!
2024 has been an exciting and busy year for GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier! Take a look at the highlights from over this year, and see how we've grown and served more families than ever before! January- Grand Re-opening! We shut down our Vestal Parkway space at the end of 2023,...
Building Skills and Cooking Meals: GiGi’s Kitchen Fall Spotlight
Time really does fly when you’re having fun, and these past few months in our fall cooking class were no exception! As we wrap up the season, we’re looking back on the delicious dishes we’ve cooked up and the amazing progress our participants have made. From hearty breakfast sandwiches to...
6th Annual ‘i have a Voice’ Gala!
Another amazing 'i have a Voice' Gala event has come and gone for the Southern Tier GiGi's Playhouse! Every year we are truly blown away and amazed by the impact one evening can have on our non-profit that provides 100% free programs for all ages for the Down syndrome community....
Reflection: Down Syndrome Awareness Month
"Each year, October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. What does that mean here at GiGi’s Playhouse? It means it’s a perfect time to learn about Down syndrome; what it is and what it isn’t, educate ourselves and others, and advocate for our friends with Down syndrome. The writer of...
Welcome our New Volunteer & Programs Coordinator: Liz!
We are over the moon to announce that GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier has added a new staff to our fierce team! Liz Stoeckel is joining us as our Volunteer and Program Coordinator! Liz will have oversight of all programs and work closely with our volunteers to ensure the quality of...
6th Annual Matthew’s Walk-A-Thon!
It is nearly time for the annual Matthews Auto Walk-A-Thon, and registration is still open! The Walk-A-Thon will be taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024. It's always a great event to walk together at the Vestal Rail Trail, starting at 7:30 a.m. On the Rail Trail Matthews will be...
Meet Our New Interns!
Each semester GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier is lucky to partner with our local Universities and Colleges and welcome interns who assist with programming and important tasks around Playhouse! Learn about each of our Fall semester interns: "Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I’m super excited to be interning at...
Summer Fun: Growing & Learning Everyday!
This summer at GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier, we've been up to tons of fun summery activities! To name just a few: cooking class, art projects, a dog Show N' Tell, movie days, a Summer BBQ, 1:1 math and literacy tutoring, kickball, meeting therapy dogs, and much more! With each program,...