T.E.A.M. Member Lynn Spiwak

When I arrived to GiGi’s Playhouse in March 2017, I assumed I would be working with young children which I was really excited about. I have spent my entire career in social services in various capacities with a passion for teens and young adults. I met with Belinda Orsborn and...

What does being “different” really mean by Smrithi Ramachandran

New volunteer, Smrithi Ramachandran, attended volunteer orientation at the beginning of the summer and jumped in with both feet.  She has lead almost every program, from LMNOP to Fantastic Friends and does so like a champ!  Unfortunately for us, she will be heading back to Emory University at the end...

The Durham Family- Jovial State of Mind

  We have gone back and forth on when and whether to share the latest happenings in our family. A part of us holds it tight for selfish reasons. Maybe even fearful motives. We also are so mindful of our many friends in our community that have navigated similar voyages...

Love is an open door at GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land

Kristi loves T.E.A.M., looks forward to it every week and has it on her calendar. She loves getting together with her friends to do 'young adult' activities.   GiGi's has been an awesome resource for our family and something we've been looking for and It's finally here! Kristi likes to...

Friday Friends Fanatic Nicole Lasala

Nicole really likes GiGi’s for the activities and the wonderful leaders.  This is a time special for her to grow and learn with her own peers.  T.E.A.M. has been fun and the Friday Fun Nights are pretty awesome.  She loved the outings we have had at Jupiter and Sur LaTable. ...

From T.E.A.M. Participant to Fashion Model, Meet Tyler Sims

(Tyler in our Fashion Show working the crowd) Tyler Sims is 24 yrs old and has been participating in GiGi's activities at the Sugar Land location since they opened. It may not come as a surprise to you parents having kids with Down Syndrome, that Tyler has struggled with transitions...

St. Therise

Therise is one of our regular volunteers at the playhouse and we are so incredibly blessed to have her.  She is always willing to help and always comes in with a smile.  She does everything from literacy tutoring to leading LMNOP and Busy Hands.  She makes everything fun and the...

Meet Joshua

For years I have tried to find a program for my son Joshua, now 18, where he can get involved, fellowship, and have fun. Well the T.E.A.M. program at GiGi's does just that!! For me, I am excited that it is located close by, free, and the staff is great...

“And though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Abigail is a fierce advocate for her sister Grace (who is 4 years old and has Down Syndrome) and any and all children and adults with special needs. She absolutely loves serving at GiGi's when ever possible, especially if it means she can hold babies with Down Syndrome. Due to...

generation G at it’s Finest

Our sweet volunteer Karen Penrod gave big today- she donated $1,000 to our playhouse!   We are so incredibly blessed to have her.  Karen volunteers at the playhouse 3 days a week- She helps clean, writes thank you letters, folds shirts and decorates Lunches of Love bags. #bestofall

Super Star Volunteer Beth Gillespie

Beth Gillespie is one of our superstar volunteers! She comes to the playhouse every week and works with our adults.  They do everything from decorating Lunches of Love bags, cleaning toys, shopping for the playhouse, and writing thank you cards.  Beth comes to us with experience.   She was a Behavior...

From Amanda & Theo

Only minutes after my son, Theo, made his debut into this world, the doctors informed my husband and I that he had Down syndrome. With that, our journey as parents began with a bang. Shortly after Theo’s birth we set out to learn everything and anything we could about Down...