Posts Tagged ‘downsyndrome’
Why Do Media Portrayals of Kids with Down Syndrome Matter So Much to Us?
I was so torn over the controversy about the Today Show segments with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East. First of all, congratulations to Shawn and Andrew! Every new parent should be congratulated, and every child should be celebrated. The anticipation of a new baby is one of the best possible gifts we get in our lives!! …
Read MoreAngels from San Diego
From Nancy Gianni, President and GiGi’s Mom: I always struggle to describe GiGi’s because each location and each connection means so much to so many people – all in very different ways. To some families it is a learning center, to others a support center, to others a place to volunteer, but to all it is…
Read MoreFrom Our Nashville Playhouse : Sylvie’s Story
GiGi’s Playhouse offers 30+ FREE Educational and Therapeutic programs advancing literacy, math, motor skills, speech, nutrition, fitness, career skills and more. One of the most successful programs at GiGi’s Playhouses across the nation is Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP). LMNOP guides parents and infants through learning basic sign language and through incorporating music and…
Read MoreHaving a best friend is natural… She has a best friend!!!
We often wondered what will it be like for Katelynn to make friends and build lasting friendships, like we wish for all of our children and ourselves… Katelynn had the privilege to attend a wonderful Early Childhood Program in Libertyville, IL this past year. The program was rich in acceptance, opportunity, differentiated teaching, and support;…
Read MoreHere’s a sneak peak……
Hugs+Mugs has been busy preparing for Gigi Fest – All of our mentors and interns have been spending their time making and packaging our V-21 Cookies and testing our G-21 Gluten free version – working hard to guarantee a Gigi Fest debut. But whats really been keeping us busy are our brand new items. …
Read MoreGiGi U : confident u – healthy u – whole u
Last week saw the graduation of the 3rd class of GiGi University. Congratulations Class Summer 2014! These students spent the last 10 weeks learning the pillars of GiGi U’s: HEALTHY U, CONFIDENT U & WHOLE U. The GiGi U graduates are proud of who they are, learned the importance of self-care & nutrition, became self-advocates…
Read MorePaying it Forward –
GiGi University student Aubrey and Hugs + Mugs intern Brian accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge. Joined by GiGi’s team members Sarah Rickaby and Jayne Drew, the foursome were caught on video paying it forward. The participants not only challenged some of their friends, but also two of GiGi’s other 16 playhouse Locations. Will GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreBelieving they CAN!!
I’d like to introduce you to a few of our interns at Hugs + Mugs, Matt, Chris, Patrick and Nicole. Nicole is a mentor and from the 1st class of GiGi U and the boys are all interns from the 2nd class, they graduated in May. They were so very busy this week getting everything…
Read MoreMeet our future intern – Aubrey
This week we have our first guest Blogger – Aubrey S. Aubrey is currently a student at GiGi U. She is very anxious to graduate in a few weeks and join our crew at Hugs + Mugs as an Intern. Here’s what Aubrey had to say about GiGi U and Hugs + Mugs –…
Read MoreYoga Tales @ GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines
Each week at Yoga Tales, Max and his buddies work to improve body awareness, enhance concentration and strengthen gross motors skills, all in the context of FUN! Who knew that while making new friends, practicing turn taking and following instructions, Max and his friends could also build their self-esteem and release some of that extra…
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