Black Friday Shopping List!
Written by Kristen K. - GiGi's Playhouse Wausau Occupational Therapy Capstone Student It is crazy to think that it is already close to the of November, the year 2023 has certainty flown by. Around this time of year, individuals start preparing for Christmas by decorating homes and yards. Stores a...
New Program…Kids Club
We are excited to bring another new program for Spring 2024 session. Kids Club is an interactive and engaging program for participants ages 8 through 12 and their families. Ages are recommended and if you have questions about your child participating please ask staff. The main goals of the program include:...
World Adoption Day…Stories to Fill Your Heart!
Jaren's Adoption Story When we started our adoption journey we never expected it would take 4 years to complete or that we would have to switch country programs only to have a referral fall through. We didn't expect to adopt a baby and we certainly didn't expect to adopt a child with a disability. ...
The Difference between Believing and Action in Inclusion
Many of us support various causes because we believe in its mission and value it in this world. For some they believe in something simply because others believe in it, and it is easy to jump on the band wagon. Typically, if we believe in something we demonstrate that belief...
Welcome Alexis to Playhouse Family!
Hello everyone! I want to begin by introducing myself. My name is Alexis Cleland, and I am excited to start my role as the Youth Board Facilitator. I heard about GiGi’s through many different outlets. After looking into what the organization is about and its alignment with my passions, I...
Let’s Talk Sensory Play!
The Pyramid of Learning (seen to the left) begins the conversation of how foundational sensory systems are for all other learning and development. How can we tap into these sensory systems? We can do that through Sensory Play. Sensory play can be any activity that stimulates the senses. It is...
Forward is an Amazing Way to Go…We are Expanding!
Two and a half years ago we opened our Playhouse doors, and operated 100% by volunteers for the first year. As we grew we welcomed new families, expanded our volunteer database and programming options and was able to hire our first staff, Erica! Things have not slowed down and today...
Thanking Corbyn Everyday!
My husband and I quickly learned 8 hours after I gave birth to my son, Corbyn, that doctors and nurses had suspected a chromosome abnormality, Down syndrome to be exact. It was a draining week-long waiting process of depression, anger, and denial until we received the final confirmed chromosome test. ...
Have your Organization be a Catalyst for Change
We are EXCITED to host our 3rd Annual 5K GLOW Fun Run/Walk on June 10, 2023 at the Aspirus YMCA! GiGi’s Playhouse is UNITING across race, gender, abilities, beliefs, and more because every person deserves to be ACCEPTED as they are. Our incredible family and friends living with Down syndrome...
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a person has an extra partial or full chromosome 21. There are three types of down syndrome including Trisomy 21 (Nondisjuction), Mosaicism Down syndrome, and Translocation Down syndrome. These terms refer to the different errors in cell division that result in...
GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau Year in Review…What an Amazing Year!
2022 was a year of growth, achievements, and lots of hard work by volunteers, participants, and staff! So much happened, many being firsts but defintely not lasts. Among all the fun events, family parties at the Playhouse or in the community we cannot forget all the achievements made by participants...
Holiday Gift Giving with a Purpose!
Don’t forget that offering experiences can a great gift that lasts throughout the year. A pass to swim at a local indoor pool during winter, a pass to the childrens museum; try skating at Greenheck Field House (they have red gliders for those who don’t skate to push on the...