Outta the Mouths of Mom’s and Dad’s
Pictured: The Hinkaty Family Every now and then, more now than then, we hear a parent or sibling express how GiGi's Playhouse Westchester has changed their lives. Here are 2 such comments: "I was happy to find a place where I could talk to other parents. I didn't feel alone...
Squats, Planks and Standing Tall!
At the National Conference this year, we were all very excited to attend the sessions that would roll out GiGi's brand new signature program - GiGiFit. When the schedule was released earlier in the year, I quickly informed our wonderful volunteer Kelly, who has bought fitness to the playhouse every...
Start With Why
Last week I attended the GiGi’s Playhouse National conference in Chicago where I spent two intense, exhausting and inspiring days attending workshops, learning about new programs and meeting people from Playhouses across the country. They are changing lives through their playhouses, and it is incredible. National...
Generation G, Inclusion and Kindness at a local Middle School
GiGi’s Playhouse mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. As September rolls in, many children have that daunting task of starting a new school, making new friends and being...
Anything Is Possible!
On Saturday, March 24th the GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester community gathered at the Tappan Hill Mansion to celebrate and raise money to continue to provide free and purposeful therapeutic and educational programs to individuals with Down syndrome. What a fantastic evening! We ate, danced and listened to some powerful and inspiring...
Tutoring, volunteering and more!
Carly with her Tutor Sarah - Summer 2017 I have almost reached my year anniversary of being the new (not all that new now!) Program Director at GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester. What an amazing place this is; I am so grateful for all of you! Since that...
having a party? make it a fundraiser!
My husband and I just hosted our annual Oktoberfest party, and for the second year in a row it was a benefit for GiGi's Playhouse Westchester. Turning a regular party into a fundraiser was easy, and we made about $2,000 for the Playhouse! Here's how we did it: 1. We...
21 Reasons Why Life Is Better With You, Henry
21 Reasons Why Life Is Better With You, Henry By Erin Wells 21. When I look over your crib to reach in and get you in the morning, you immediately smile and start our day filled with happiness. 20. You always score free cookies from the bakery at the grocery...
New Site Coordinator Finds Kindred Spirit & So Much More to Love @ GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester
Tuesday Afternoon at the Playhouse From Gabrielle Mason, Site Coordinator since May I was having some trouble getting our sign-in kiosk online so Matthew, 15, and his phenomenal literacy tutor, Lise (pictured below with her great summer literacy guys), went off to start their session. A few minutes later, I popped up to...
A Year of Accomplishments
The “i have a Voice” Gala is a night where those connected to the Playhouse have the opportunity to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our children, our families, our volunteers, our program leaders, our therapists, and our extended GiGi’s family. The year has been filled with milestones that...
My Lucky Day-by Kathy Higgins
I have been working with families who have infants and toddlers with Down syndrome for 26 years. It started when I first came to The Children’s School for Early Development and I was asked to sit in on a group that our social worker Davida Levinson was...
Down syndrome awareness and acceptance-a father’s perspective.
Since Naomi's birth I see the world differently than I used to. I never put much thought into how people with disabilities were treated prior to my daughter being born. Every once in a while I might read a story or see a news segment about someone with a disability...