Family, Community, and Giving Back: Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse!
At GiGi's Playhouse Wausau, we are incredibly fortunate to have families who dedicate their time and energy to our mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome. One such family has become an integral part of our community, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine spirit of giving to everything they do....
I Can Barely Spell and Count: There’s No Way I Can Be a Tutor for GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau!
When many of our volunteers first heard about the opportunity to volunteer as a tutor at GiGi's Playhouse Wausau, their immediate reaction was, "There's no way I can do this. I can barely spell and count!" But as they learned more about the program, they realized that their initial fears...
GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau Awarded $25,000 Grant from Elizabeth S. & Henry Peters Fund
We are thrilled to announce that GiGi's Playhouse Wausau has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from the Elizabeth S. and Henry Peters Fund, a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. This incredible support will significantly enhance our mission to provide transformative educational and therapeutic programs...
Great Holiday Therapeutic and Sensory Items for Children of All Ages
The holiday season is a wonderful time to give gifts that not only bring joy but also support development and sensory needs. Here are some fantastic ideas for children of all ages: Experiences as Gifts Offering experiences can be a great gift that lasts throughout the year: Pass to the...
1:1 Math Coming in 2025!
Exciting News! GiGi's Playhouse is launching a new 1:1 Math program specifically tailored to how individuals with Down syndrome learn best. Our program aims to provide personalized math education and support to enhance learning outcomes for participants. Knowing that our participants vary greatly in their abilities and challenges in comprehensive...
Volunteer Spotlight…Owen
Owen has been part of the Playhouse volunteer family since January of 2024. He joined the youth board after his brother who served left for college. Here is a question and answer with Owen: Why have you chosen to give your time to GiGi's? I have chosen to give my...
B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation providing foundational support!
We would love to shed light on the incredible work being done by a foundation that is making a real difference in the non-profit sector throughout North Central Wisconsin. B.A. & Esther Greenheck foundation has been quietly but diligently supporting non-profit organizations by providing crucial funds for staff support. We...
Volunteer of the Year 2024!
Most people that are part of the Playhouse in any way have interacted with Jeff Otto at some point or at least has seen his friendly smiling face in passing. He is a one of many dedicated volunteers helping make the world a better place for those with Down syndrome....
Henry’s Best of All
Wow wow wow! I was SO impressed with our first literacy session with Jeff! Henry was able to point out letters and get 90% of them right. We hadn't even thought he was to that point yet! Jeff tried numerous different methods and made the session fun for Henry. He...
Board Secretary Dawn…”It has been a journey I’ll never forget! “
GiGi's Playhouse Wausau has a small but mighty Board of Managers, many who have served since the beginning of our journey. The Board is always looking to add new faces that can provide fun yet strategic experience and ideas! And as the Playhouse continues to grow, this is a volunteer...
Doing a Little Better Than the Day Before – Anna’s Best of All
best of all (noun) \best of all\ is continual, measurable, celebrated and it never ends. It is a daily challenge to do a little better than you did the day before and it’s always celebrated. Possible manifestations: standing just one second longer, reading just one more word, learning just one...
Volunteer Spotlight…Meet Lauren!
Hi Everyone! I'm Lauren and I'm a student at UW-Whitewater currently studying music education. I've been playing the saxophone for around eight years now. I play piano as well, but I've only been playing for a few years. I've been give nmany opportunities to travel because o music. I've traveled...