A Home that North Central WI built…

We are living our lives differently than we would have ever expected.  Events, people, and businesses have all shifted gears, perspectives have changed, and people have come together in amazing ways without physically being together!  GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau is no different. It’s so hard to believe that by the end of the year we will be standing side-by-side, or maybe 6 feet apart with our family, friends and the rest of North Central WI as we welcome in a new era of possibilities for those with Down syndrome.  

Two years ago, a small group of passionate people came together, wanting more for their loved ones with Down syndrome.  We had therapy centers, schools, and doctor offices, but no place for our kids to just gather. We didn’t have a place where individuals with Down syndrome could go to be safe and feel like they belong, or a place where families could receive resources, hope and encouragement and “simply be.” Remember “simply be” is being comfortable, not having a heightened sense of what if, simply being in the moment.  

That’s when a solution came forward…a solution called GiGi’s Playhouse. GiGi’s wasn’t just about a place to gather, it was about so much more than we could ever dream of. And it is during these times of uncertainty that we want you to dream with us. Dream of our children being able to gather and grow, where our adults can come and continue learning and building relationships, a place where our teenagers can come without fear of being bullied or looked down upon. Dream of a place where parents can come and fall onto a couch after a long day of therapies and doctor appointments and feel like they are being heard, understood and that there is hope. This is exactly what GiGi’s Playhouse will provide.   

Dream of what our Playhouse will include: learning labs for one-on-one tutoring in math and literacy, a kitchen to learn independence and self-care, a gym full of mirrors and exercise equipment to build strong muscles and healthy living. Not to mention, we will have a stage to showcase talents and build confidence, a space for our volunteers to create and provide the magic that is GiGi’s, a family room with a couch to “simply be,” and a therapeutic play area encouraging participants to be their Best of All; the daily challenge to do a little better than you did the day before and to always celebrate those accomplishments.  We want you to dream about the community awareness and acceptance that will be created and the change and possibilities we can make! Let’s dream together about all these things! 

Together have built a home ready to accept everyone in North Central WI. Dream about the day we get to say, “Welcome to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, come on in!”  

Thank you!