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!
More than words: Joe Pawsey’s success transcends reading
With the help of GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse team, Joe Pawsey was able to regain his confidence and accomplish his dreams! At GiGi’s Playhouse, we strongly believe that education opens doors. Whether it’s at school, the workplace, or the community at large, literacy leads to inclusion. There’s no better illustration of this than a recent success…
Stirring Up Joy: Julie’s Journey with GiGi’s Kitchen Adult
In the midst of the pandemic, when social distancing became the norm and staying at home became a way of life, many of us found ourselves seeking new ways to stay connected and engaged. For Julie, discovering Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen Adult was a silver lining in an otherwise challenging time. Amidst the pandemic, Julie stumbled…
A sister’s impact
Many of our volunteers come to us because their lives have been personally touched by knowing someone with Down syndrome. We have many volunteers who have a sibling with Down syndrome and choose to give back by volunteering through our virtual 1:1 tutoring program or virtual group programs. Their passion for the Down syndrome community…