GiGi’s 5K GLOW Fun Run/Walk Acceptance Challege…More than just a 5K!
Embrace the Challenge and Empower the Lives of those with Down Syndrome! Are you ready to take a step towards making a significant difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome? GiGi’s 5K GLOW Fun Run/Walk Acceptance Challenge, featuring a 5K run, Dash for Down syndrome, participant showcase, all...
Teddy Bear Clinic
Helping Kids Overcome Fear of the Doctor/Dentist/Eye Doctor through Play! A teddy bear clinic is a fun way for children to reduce their fears by giving their stuffed animals the care they have had, or will receive, from their healthcare team. Typically, best for ages 1-12, teddy bear clinics empower...
Stepping Up to Make an Impact
We Need You! Two of GiGi’s Playhouse core values are Enthusiastic and Get it Done. In 2023, we showed our small but mighty Playhouse could Get it Done, through increased programming and community awareness initiatives. While we try to be Enthusiastic showcasing the amazing things our participants are achieving and...
2023 Volunteers of the Year!
The Volunteer of the Year Award allows our community to recognize and celebrate volunteer(s) who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer service within the GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau community. The purpose of this award is to honor volunteer(s) whose dedicated service has had a significant impact on the Playhouse. In...
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. ...