A timely discovery, from the NICU to LMNOP
When Jamie welcomed her son Zander into the world, she knew she wanted to get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse. She was eager to find something fun and meaningful to do with him before returning to work. However, life had other plans. “We came home from the NICU during winter sickness season and were trying to keep him healthy and out of the hospital,” Jamie shares.
Amid these challenges, Jamie discovered the Virtual LMNOP program, which turned out to be exactly what they needed.
“I started participating in virtual LMNOP with him, and it has been great. We started when he was so little, and he was asleep half the time, but I stayed on so I could learn new signs and would do the stories and signs with him later.”
As Zander grew, the time spent in Virtual LMNOP became more interactive and meaningful. “Now, he enjoys doing that, and I enjoy being able to have that time to be working with him. I think he enjoys the time too,” Jamie reflects. This summer, their journey took a delightful turn as Zander’s older brother joined in on the fun, creating even more special moments for their family.
Though they haven’t yet visited their local Playhouse, Jamie expresses her gratitude for the connections they’ve made through Virtual LMNOP. “I still haven’t really had a chance to get him to our local playhouse, so I am so glad that we’ve been able to get involved this way.”
Zander’s story beautifully highlights the impact of our virtual programs, offering families like theirs a chance to connect, learn, and grow together, no matter the circumstances. We are always welcoming more families like Zander’s into the Virtual Playhouse, so sign up for a free programs here or connect with us today via email at virtual@gigisplayhouse.org to learn more!
Messages of Peace from Our Community – Maggie
Our Virtual Playhouse volunteer, Maggie, started her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse in the spring of 2022. She learned about the volunteer opportunity through our collaborative partner, Back Bake America, who has a mission to perform acts of kindness and empower others to pay that kindness forward. “When I learned about GiGi’s Playhouse and their mission…
Acceptance and Achieving Goals – Jeremiah
This past year, Jeremiah (Jeremy) has been participating in GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse programming including 1-on-1 Math Tutoring, Down to Dance, and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult. In May, Jeremy and his family were also active participants in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – Virtual Movement – raising acceptance in the community and funds to support Virtual Playhouse programming.…
Bringing People Together Through Dance
If you have not attended the popular Virtual Dance – LaBlast, you should sign up right now! High energy Robert Wallop, a 26-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland, shares his love for dance and passion to perform as our Dance – LaBlast program leader (for both GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse and GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis since 2021). As a…