Posts by Laura Krueger
Stretch, Breathe, Celebrate: Life in Our Online Yoga Program
Since we launched our online programming back in 2020, our Online Yoga program has been a pillar of consistency and connection for families everywhere. Every week, no matter what’s going on in the world, our friends have been able to log on, stretch, breathe, and share a moment of peace. Fridays have become a special day for…
Read MoreBuilding Confidence Through Numbers: Blair’s Journey with GiGi’s Virtual Tutoring
When Sarah first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse, her daughter Blair was just two years old. At the time, Blair was too young to join, but Sarah learned that once Blair turned three, she could begin GiGi’s Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs. That milestone became something Sarah and her family looked forward to. Because they live…
Read MoreJaquai’s Journey: Learning, Growing, and Thriving at GiGi’s Playhouse
Every week, Jaquai lights up when she logs on for her Literacy and Math tutoring sessions at GiGi’s Playhouse. What started as lessons in reading and numbers has transformed into something far bigger: the ability to communicate, express her desires, and navigate the world with confidence. Her Literacy tutor beams about her determination, noting how…
Read MoreGiGi’s Virtual Playhouse Volunteer Spotlight: Connecting Across Continents with Tola
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, volunteers bring energy, creativity, and heart to every program—helping children with Down syndrome thrive across continents and cultures. One inspiring volunteer is Tola, whose journey began thousands of miles away in Nigeria. Discovering GiGi’s Playhouse Tola’s connection with GiGi’s Playhouse began in 2016 during a trip to Minnesota. Two years earlier,…
Read MoreCelebrating Emilee’s Best of All: A Virtual Playhouse Story
At just 7 months old, Emilee is already making waves in the GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse community! She’s been participating in LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps) since she was just 2 months old, and in that time, she’s shown us all what Best of All truly looks like. Each week, Miss Emilee becomes more interactive,…
Read MoreMeet Genevieve: Spreading Joy Through Virtual Volunteering
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, our volunteers make all the difference! This week, we’re spotlighting Genevieve, who leads Kids Club virtually every week, bringing joy and connection to participants. Finding GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse After graduating college, Genevieve moved to Gainesville, FL, eager to get involved in her community. Having previously volunteered with organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation…
Read MoreA Lesson in Connection and Empowerment
Lisa had the opportunity to work with GiGi’s Playhouse over the past 16 weeks. Her role involved tutoring and connecting with participants in a virtual setting. At first, Lisa felt nervous and unsure of what to expect. She wasn’t sure how she could help or if she could make a real difference. However, she quickly…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight – Jake’s volunteer experience inspired him to take action!
Jake Kingsbury started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix during his sophomore year in high school helping with group programs. In his junior year in high school, he became a Youth Board member. Jake collaborated with other Youth Board members to provide group activities for the participants, as well as spread GiGi’s Acceptance Challenge to fellow…
Read MoreA Note of Gratitude: Galen’s Growth and Milestones with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse
“Dear GiGi’s Virtual Team, We want you to know how much we love your programs and teachers. You have made a profound difference in our lives, and it’s hard to believe how much growth has happened for Galen since he started attending programs in September!” New Signs of Communication: The Impact of LMNOP “Galen signed…
Read MoreCelebrating Team Jade: Leading the Charge for Acceptance in the Virtual GiGiFIT Challenge
We are so thrilled to highlight our first team to reach $1,000 in our GiGiFIT Acceptance Virtual Movement Challenge this year! This incredible team is using our peer-to-peer fundraising event to raise funds to support the virtual free programming offered to families worldwide. They believe in acceptance for ALL and are changing the way the…
Read More