Community & Friendship
During Covid when we first launched Virtual programming, we never realized how many new families we would begin to reach! Many families do not live close to a brick and mortar playhouse and because of this they were unable to take advantage of GiGi’s free purposeful programming and meet other families like theirs. But now through GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse families that live in rural communities, who are unable to drive, or who are simply not in the same city as a GiGi’s Playhouse have a virtual community where they feel supported and welcomed!
James has thrived in our virtual GiGi’s Kitchen program as well as our Teen Tastic program. His Mom Pamela tells us, “James is so proud to have cooked meals thru GiGi’s Kitchen that we have really loved. He can’t stop smiling about that!”
Our FREE purposeful programs, and our online community, have given him a chance to learn new skills and to also to make new friends. “James desperately wants friends and GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse is making that possible for him. I am unable to drive so this is James’s only real opportunity to enjoy others his age,” says Pamela.
We are thrilled to have James on our virtual programs, and we know his friends will be equally thrilled to see him on programs again this Fall!
Volunteer 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…
The Joy of Story Telling
At the heart of our Virtual Playhouse lies something truly special, the joy of storytelling. We are incredibly fortunate to have a dynamic mother-daughter duo who volunteer with us each month to create a magical Storytime experience for our participants. But what truly stands out is the bond they share, not just as mother and…
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — PROVIDING THE RUNWAY FOR ACCEPTANCE!
We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality. Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their face. Because of…