Celebrating Growth and Achievement: Spring 2025 GiGi Prep Graduation

This semester, GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land proudly celebrated the graduation of eight remarkable adults from our Spring 2025 GiGi Prep program! This milestone marks not only the end of a successful session, but also the continued growth, independence, and confidence of the incredible individuals who participated.

Led by Macey, an Occupational Therapy intern from Texas Woman’s University, the Spring 2025 session focused on empowering adults with Down syndrome to build essential life and career skills. Through a curriculum rooted in real-world application, GiGi Prep equips participants with the tools they need to pursue meaningful employment and live more independently.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of this semester was the return of Lexi and Sarah, two former GiGi Prep graduates who are now gainfully employed. These accomplished young women generously volunteered their time to support the current class, modeling leadership, empathy, and the long-term success that is possible with dedication and community support. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of how far our participants can go—and how much they can give back—when they are equipped with the right resources.

Throughout the semester, the GiGi Prep class engaged in a wide variety of lessons and hands-on experiences, designed to develop practical skills and boost self-confidence. Some of the key focus areas included:

• Money Management – Participants learned budgeting basics, how to handle transactions, and strategies for saving and responsible spending.
• Public Speaking & Communication – Building strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills was a core part of the curriculum, helping participants express themselves more clearly and confidently.
• Professionalism & Customer Service – From workplace etiquette to real-life service roleplays, students explored how to present themselves professionally and respond to various customer service situations.
• Team Building – Collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect were woven throughout group activities, building strong peer connections and social skills.
• Health, Wellness, and Safety Awareness – The group explored how to make healthy choices, navigate community environments safely, and prioritize physical and emotional well-being.

All of this work is grounded in GiGi’s signature model: Confident U, Healthy U, Whole U. This holistic approach ensures that our programs don’t just prepare individuals for work—they prepare them for life. GiGi Prep is an application-based program that challenges and supports each participant at their own pace, always pushing toward greater independence, capability, and confidence.

The impact of this program is clear. Participants leave with a greater sense of self, stronger communication skills, practical job-readiness tools, and, most importantly, the belief that they are capable of achieving their goals. Families and caregivers often share how much growth they see at home, from improved routines to a greater willingness to take initiative and try new things.

This semester’s graduates demonstrated incredible resilience and personal growth. From leading group presentations to taking on mock interviews, each participant stepped outside their comfort zone and discovered what they’re truly capable of. We saw new friendships blossom, challenges met with courage, and dreams begin to take shape.

The success of GiGi Prep is made possible not only by the dedication of our participants and staff, but also by the ongoing support of our families and community. Parents and caregivers play an essential role in encouraging independence at home, while our local partners help reinforce workplace readiness in real-world settings. It truly takes a village—and we’re proud to be part of one that believes so strongly in our participants’ potential.

We are endlessly proud of our Spring 2025 GiGi Prep graduates. Their determination, teamwork, and positive attitudes inspired us every step of the way. We can’t wait to see what each of them accomplishes next—and we are confident they are leaving this program with everything they need to succeed in work, in their communities, and in life.

To learn more about GiGi Prep and other educational and therapeutic programs we offer for individuals with Down syndrome, please visit our website:
👉 www.gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland

Together, we’re building brighter futures—one graduate at a time. 🌟