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Down Syndrome Awareness Month Fun
It is that time of year when we begin to switch out the tees for sweaters, buy pumpkin and apple-flavored delights, and plan how to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This year, our team was concerned that we couldn't meaningfully celebrate October because GiGi's Westchester had no physical location. However,...
Art Explosion Benefits The Entire Community!
In 2022, a new business opened near our Playhouse. The owner immediately contacted us, eager to explore a partnership. We were delighted to accept, and our collaboration with Honest Art has been invaluable. We were delighted to attend art classes at their art studio; from the onset, it was a...
Super Siblings
On Wednesday, April 10th, we will celebrate National Sibling Day. Often, brothers and sisters of those with Down syndrome are forgotten and not recognized for being SUPER! However, siblings of individuals with Down syndrome tend to be compassionate, understanding, accepting, and wonderful people who go above and beyond for their...
A Volunteer’s Determination, Love, and Commitment
Carol Altomare, our incredible GiGi's Kitchen Program Leader, always goes above and beyond. During the dark days of the Pandemic, Carol and her daughter, Christine, embarked on realizing our dream - creating a GiGi's Kitchen Cookbook. The pair spent the next three years organizing, planning, and photographing the group's favorite...
Being Part of This Family
As the holiday season starts, I reflect on my one-year anniversary at GiGi’s Playhouse. I am grateful for the connections made and the valuable experiences I have gained from each of you. And I have learned so much! Some of you may know that my first encounter with GiGi’s was...
GiGi’s, Friends, Connect, and Family
Each month, we host a family group on the first Saturday at 10:00 am. All families are welcome, but we typically welcome families with children under the age of 6. The program is facilitated by two experienced program leaders who encourage discussions, sharing of experiences, and networking while high school...
Introducing – Westchester’s Generation G Youth Board
We love our volunteers! Earlier this year, a sibling of one of our participants approached us and asked if she could start a Youth Board at our Playhouse. Mira was very passionate and quickly recruited her friends to join her. We reached out to other local High Schools and now...
Volunteer Spotlight – Kelly
“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – William J. Clinton GiGi’s Playhouse is 99% volunteer-led. As an organization, we are extremely proud of this. We are beyond grateful for our...
Inspirational Molly, Self-Advocate, Silences the Room at the Gala.
Our Annual 'i have a Voice' Gala always invites a self-advocate to speak, to tell their story and what GiGi's Playhouse means to them. This year, we were excited to welcome Molly to the podium. Molly did a great job overcoming her nerves to deliver a tear-jerker of a speech....
#MyDSStory – Sibling Power!
During Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, we asked our families and community to share stories as part of a #myDSstory campaign. This submission is from an amazing sibling who is constantly changing the way the world views Down Syndrome! "My sister, Ali, who is fourteen months younger than me, is the...
Spring Literacy Project Series – Rejected Love Short Story
As our Spring 2022 session comes to a close, we are delighted to share some amazing Level 3 projects from our participants. In the first of a series, we would like to introduce you to Molly. Molly and Samantha at the 2021 Gala. Molly is 20...
Welcome to GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester
Krystal - Operations Coordinator We are thrilled to welcome Krystal Valera as our new Operations Coordinator. Krystal joined our Team at the beginning of April and has enjoyed meeting families this month both at the playhouse and virtually. Krystal resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband...