About GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa

GiGi’s Playhouse (www.gigisplayhouse.org) is a network of non-profit Down Syndrome Achievement Centers with the mission to change the way the world views Down syndromethrough community campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa will make a lifetime commitment to support and empower families from prenatal diagnosis, birth and through to adulthood by offering no-cost therapeutic, educational and career development programs.  Founded by a mother in Illinois 14 years ago, GiGi’s Playhouse has grown to 37 Playhouses in the U.S. and Mexico.  Tampa will be the 3rd Florida location.

In early 2016, a group of impassioned parents and individuals formed a start-up team with the goal of opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in the Tampa Bay area.  After demonstrating the commitment and need in the community, the Tampa location was approved by the national non-profit organization to open an affiliate to serve the estimated 3400 individuals with Down syndrome living in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties.

 

GRAND OPENING

The Playhouse is opening on August 18, 2018, in the Greenhouse Shoppes, located at 3611 West Hillsborough Ave, Tampa.  The 3700 sqf center will bring programs specifically designed for how individuals with Down syndrome learn by a workforce of trained volunteers.

WHAT WE DO

GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa will offer one-on-one math and literacy tutoring, handwriting classes, a daily schedule of signature and specialty programs for all ages.  Therapeutic and fitness based programs will build self-esteem and strengthen low muscle tone, advance gross and fine motor skills and speech impairment while encouraging social skills.  Career and life-skills programs for teens adults will empower generations of a trained workforce and the opportunity to pursue a more independent lifestyle.  A culinary kitchen will give participants an opportunity to learn life and workplace skills expanding options for independence and employment.

GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages will have a place to call their own, where they will feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration.  Parents will no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.  Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement.  No matter the age, individuals with Down syndrome will be offered the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills.  Families will experience support and learn that they are not alone and are part of an amazing community that appreciates the joys and highlights the positive.

All programs are delivered by a team of trained volunteers and offered at no-cost to families so that cost is never a barrier to receiving support and services. GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa is a non-profit and is sustained through the support of community partners, generous donors and fundraising events.

Recent Posts

Photo-Sep-18-6-29-16-PM-1

2024 Summer Tutors Needed

Be the change you wish to see in the world! As we jump into summer 2024 tutoring in June, we are expecting a high number...
gfac-tHALIA

GiGi’s Fitness Acceptance Challenge: Join the Movement for Down Syndrome Awareness!

Embrace the Challenge, Empower Lives Are you ready to take a step towards making a significant difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome?...
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_3908.jpg

Volunteers Needed: Make a Difference at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa!

Today we're shining a spotlight on an amazing opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and teens. GiGi's Playhouse Tampa, a...

Leave a Comment