BELIEVE IN
OUR BUILD

Your sustaining partnership at this level is not just a donation, it's a powerful statement. It sends a resounding message to all families, volunteers, future donors, and community members that GiGi's Playhouse is a cause worth investing in. As Miracle Makers, you are the backbone of our mission at GiGi's. Your generous contributions not only support our sustainability but also reinforce our lifelong commitment to our participants and their families, making you a significant force in our journey.

At this level, your support has the transformative power to turn dreams into reality. By funding the build-out and furnishing of GiGi's Playhouse, you are not just creating a physical space, but a sanctuary for learning, growth, celebration, and connection. Your contribution will help change the community's perception of Down syndrome, fostering an environment of acceptance and belief for everyone who walks through our doors.

Sponsors at this level are the backbone of our programs. Your support helps us strengthen existing programs like GiGi's Kitchen and bring new ones, such as the Amina Grace Speech Program, to life at our new Playhouse. Your belief in our mission and your generous contributions are integral to our success

Speech Therapy

This will enable us to employ a Speech Language Pathologist for a year to provide the Amina Grace Speech Program at our Playhouse.

Teaching Kitchen

Help us create a beautiful teaching kitchen! This dedicated space will empower individuals to learn cooking skills, fostering independence and the joy of meal preparation. It will serve as an excellent environment for socializing and real-world learning. Your generous contributions will help us install appliances that support independent cooking skills.

Health & Fitness

Westchester's participants improve physical fitness, muscle tone, self-esteem, and social skills through the GiGiFIT program. Focused on wellness and self-confidence, GiGiFIT offers programs for all ages, addressing low muscle tone and joint laxity in individuals with Down syndrome while fostering a lifelong commitment to fitness.

Technology

To ensure our Playhouse operates smoothly and safely, we need to invest in up-to-date technology. Specifically, we require computers for our staff, iPads for our participants to use during programs, and a mobile television on a cart. This will allow us to connect our in-person programs virtually for those who cannot attend. Additionally, our new Playhouse needs a security system with video cameras to keep participants and volunteers safe. A music system is also essential for creating a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere at the Playhouse.

Education

Children and adults enhance their reading, math, speech, and language skills while building self-confidence and focus through our one-on-one tutoring and speech and language therapy programs. Our participants have fun playing with letters, shapes, manipulatives, and games, all while being taught in a way that matches their individual learning styles.

Office Space

The Executive Director and Site Coordinator at Westchester are the heart and soul of the Playhouse. Their office is both accessible and visible, while also providing privacy for focused work. This setup helps ensure a smoothly running Playhouse for all participants, families, and volunteers. The spaces enable our team to plan and prepare program lessons, hold executive meetings, coordinate events, and continue to excel in their roles!

Playhouse Training and Support

We are 99% volunteer-run! Training staff and volunteers requires time and resources. For our staff, board members, and essential volunteers, GiGi's Annual National Leadership Conference in Chicago is pivotal for training, networking, and gaining inspiration from the 60+ other locations.

Signage

Help families, volunteers, and community members find our Playhouse once we're open!

Generation G

Be accepting. Be generous. Be kind. That is the message of Generation G. GiGi's mission is to change how the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. Help us fulfill that mission through awareness campaigns, outreach, and marketing materials to our community to educate.

Support a Program

GiGi's programs are free for families and focus on therapeutic or educational goals. We target areas such as gross and fine motor skills, social development, speech and language, fitness, and career skills. Each program is designed to meet the unique needs of the Down syndrome community and is taught in a way that enhances learning.

Therapeutic Play Area

Children and teens with Down syndrome engage in therapeutic play and activities using various equipment, toys, and manipulatives to enhance their motor skills, language skills, and social skills while interacting with peers and siblings.

Our Stage

Kids and adults with Down syndrome grow self-confidence as the center of attention. Programs include dance, karaoke, theater, and more! The stage is often the first place a participant tends to go when they first walk through the doors. The stage is a sign of pure acceptance and knowing that everyone at GiGi's supports and celebrates you for who you are.

Sensory Space

Our new Playhouse will feature a sensory space designed to offer significant therapeutic benefits through a multi-sensory experience. The advantages of this sensory area include the development of the senses of sight, touch, and hearing; teaching cause and effect; providing a sense of security and calmness; encouraging vocalization and communication; and improving coordination and gross motor skills, among many others.