Believe in GiGi’s
Playhouse Syracuse

A growing community. A shared opportunity.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse, records aren’t just being set; they’re being broken in 2026. 

We’re seeing a record increase in participation, more than 40% growth in program hours, and the highest level of volunteer engagement ever. But as more individuals with Down syndrome and families turn to us for support, funding has not kept pace with this growth. 

This created an immediate 60-day need for $50,000 in order to continue Playhouse operations.  Thanks to one incredibly generous donor, we were able to meet that emergency goal! 

But while that incredible support will help sustain our Playhouse in the immediate short-term, we also know we cannot find ourselves in this same position just a few months from now. That’s why we are calling on our community to help us reach our next goal: raising $300,000 to stabilize the Playhouse for the next 2-3 years, mitigate future risk, and ensure our programs remain free for every family in Syracuse who relies on them. Will you join us? 

  • Goal: $50,000

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  • Phase 2 Goal: $300,000

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  • Phase 3 Goal: $650,000

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What Your Support Makes
Possible in Syracuse

Inside our walls, families find support they often can’t access elsewhere: 

Carter was placed on a waitlist for early intervention speech services before coming to GiGi’s Playhouse, and now, he’s building communication skills and confidence. 

Sebbie’s mom had never heard him read aloud... until he joined our one-on-one literacy tutoring program. Now, he’s reading at a level many did not think was possible. 

These are not isolated stories. They are what happens every day at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse. And they are made possible by a community that chooses to invest in this work. 

What Your Support Makes Possible in Syracuse

Growth at a Glance

More Program Hours

Our free program hours have increased by more than 40% in 2026. 

More Participation

More families than ever are accessing speech, literacy, and our other life-changing free programs.

More Impact

A growing community of volunteers is helping us make our biggest impact ever.

Help Us Keep Growing Together

GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse is growing because this community shows up.

To continue meeting rising demand and keep these programs free, we are working to sustain $300,000 in operating support.

You can help by: 

  • Making a donation to support this work  
  • Sharing this campaign with your network  
  • Connecting us with local businesses, partners, or community leaders who believe in inclusion and opportunity  

Every action helps ensure these programs remain accessible for individuals with Down syndrome across Syracuse and Central New York. 

Help Us Keep Growing Together (1)

Believe in GiGi’s Syracuse and in the kind of
community we choose to build... together.