Reflection
As the year comes an end, I reflect on the many amazing things that have happened and the relationships created. This year has been one of tremendous growth and notable achievements for GiGi’s. Fulfilling our vision for change and acceptance in North Central WI was not always a straight path – we certainty had our…
Read MoreWhat Our GiGi’s Playhouse Could Be!
For the past year, GiGi’s has been a vision in my head. It was something I pictured countless of times, but I never knew exactly how the achievement center would look in person. What did it include? Were there rooms? How much space was there? What was there for kids/teens to do? Why should a…
Read MoreWhat Impact Does a Down syndrome Diagnosis Have on a Sibling?
When expectant parents receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS), they often ask: what impact will this have on my other son or daughter? The understandable concerns would be that this child with Down syndrome will demand more attention, thereby sacrificing time that may otherwise be devoted to an existing or future child. How can…
Read MoreHow Can Technology Help Kids with Down syndrome?
Did you know that Microsoft has partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse and is creating an app that will guide individuals with Down syndrome through KEY GiGiFIT exercises that will help make physical therapy BOTH fun and easy? Read more by clicking here!
Read MoreGiGi’s Playhouse is Coming to Wausau, and We Want to Hear from YOU!!
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide resources, specialized teaching and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Each Playhouse fosters an environment of positive energy, high expectations, consistent participation and achievement across a broad variety of educational, therapeutic, and career development programs. While there are some resources in North Central for individuals with Down…
Read MoreOur Faith Blessed Us with this Child
In October 2017, at our 20-week ultrasound we found out that our little girl, Morgan, had a congenital heart defect called an AV canal. We were told to schedule an appointment in Marshfield to get more information about her condition. In Marshfield we met with Genetics, a cardiologist, and it was at this time we…
Read MoreA Story of Adoption
In the beginning of February 2013, my husband and I starting to wonder whether or not we would ever find our child, whether we would ever be picked by a birth family. We had one failed match that past September. We had other calls, none of which worked out. Then the calls stopped for almost…
Read MoreWhat is it Like to Have a Sibling with Down syndrome?
What an amazing chance for these siblings to be heard. GiGi’s Playhouse, Tinely Park had a spectacular family that wrote a blog post and it is definitely worth reading! Check it out here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/TinleyPark/like-sibling-syndrome/ What do you think it is like to have a sibling with Down syndrome? Let’s start a conversation below. We would love to hear from you!
Read MoreYour Child Can Learn Math
Your Child CAN learn MATH! Your Child CAN learn MATH! FUN activities you can do with your child to support early math learning: Play with Shape Sorters! Make simple patterns using something your child loves. Stickers – get two sets and place them in a row “star, circle, star, circle, star, circle……” M&M’s – place…
Read MoreSomething More
I have always known that I wanted to work with others. In college, I had a summer job for 4 summers as a camp counselor at Elk’s Camp Grassick (summer camp for adults and children with special needs located in Dawson, ND). Little did I know going into my first summer, that this summer job…
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