January Happenings!

Events THIS January! Happy New Year!

January 7th – Gala Committee Meeting 7pm

Join us to find out how you can help with our biggest fundraising event of 2020.

SAVE THE DATE – Annual “I have a Voice” Gala March 21^st 2020

Purposeful Programs THIS January

Teen Tastic (13-18)

January sees the return of Kelly and Abbe as our amazing Teen Tastic Program Leaders. We will be kickstarting the new year with purposeful exercise and a craft!

Click here to RSVP for January 10^th 5:30-7:30pm

Art Explosion (15+)

Provides hands on experience with multiple art media and provide an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence and socialize with peers. Teens and Adults ages 15 and up.

Goals:

• Provides healthy outlet for teens/adults to express themselves
• Build self-confidence
• Promote positive peer interactions and socialization
• Gain experience with multiple art projects

Registration is required as space is limited to 10 teens/adults. RSVP below!

Click here to RSVP for January 24th 5:30-6:30pm

3 and Under

Join our Playgroup! We’re moving, grooving and laughing along the way. 3 and Under (recommended age) is the perfect place for children three and under to meet new friends, learn and grow, while parents have the opportunity to socialize, network and make friends with one another. Siblings are welcome!

Click here to RSVP for January 4th 10-11:30am

GiGi’s Kitchen (12-18)

New Year – New name! GiGi’s Kitchen will replace Cooking Club in name only! Get cooking with your friends at GiGi’s! This program is geared toward creating independence when preparing easy healthy foods that taste great, increasing safety awareness in the kitchen, education on basic nutritional facts, following directions, learning how to use small appliances and cooking tools.

January Theme – Soup-er Bowl

January is a perfect time for soup and it’s Super Bowl month too! We will make hearty soup and while the soup is simmering, we will have some fun with a cooking trivia Super Bowl game.

Registration is required and is limited to 8 participants.

Click here to RSVP for January 17th 5-7pm

Destination Discovery (All ages)

Destination Discovery is an interactive and engaging program for participants of all ages and their families. We support the development of motor skills, social skills, and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships.

Destination Discovery is for all ages!!

Invite your friends & please RSVP for January  11th 9:00-10:15am,  so we can be prepared for all our friends!

Kids Club

This program will help promote friendships, social skills and peer interactions through creative and social activities. Recommended ages: 8-12 years old.

Playhouse Pals

This program will help support the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also supports fine and gross motor skills through active games, as well as self-help skills. Recommended age: 5-8 years.

We hope Kids Club and Playhouse Pals will return in the Spring. If anyone is interested in co-leading these programs, please contact us. Full training and curriculum will be provided. 

EPIC (18+) Empowerment, Participation, Involvement and Community

The EPIC adult program provides opportunities for socialization and community involvement, while creating a fun and memorable experience for its participants. Participants work on vocational, communication and social skills to boost confidence and encourage independence through goal orientated objectives.

RSVP for EPIC January 31^st 5:30-7pm, we will be exploring mindfulness and yoga.

Fantastic Friends

A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers, and the community. All adults welcome from ages 18 and up.

This month we will be having a games night!

Click here to RSVP for January 24th 7-9pm

GiGiFIT Teen

The GiGiFIT Program is designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome through independence and confidence in their abilities with an ultimate goal of mastering everyday tasks with less effort and minimal assistance. GiGiFIT will enhance a person’s quality of life through teaching healthy exercise habits and movements. Like many GiGi’s programs, GiGiFIT is designed to motivate and teach individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in a goal-oriented environment. GiGiFIT is for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.

The Winter Session of GiGiFIT Teen begins January 14^th 4:30-5:30 for the Tuesday group and January 16^th 4:30-5:30 for the Thursday group. For those that have registered please ensure you have completed the Physician’s Form.

GiGiFIT Toddler

We are hoping to roll out GiGiFIT to our Toddlers later this year. We need your help – please let us know if you would be interested in this amazing program and the best time and day for you! If you know of anyone that would be interested in leading or co-leading, let Tracy know as soon as possible! Full training and curriculum will be provided.

Email: programswestchester@gigisplayhouse.org Subject: GiGiFIT Toddler

 Literacy Tutoring/Math Tutoring

Winter Session begins January 12^th. Tutor Training for all new tutors and all existing tutors are welcome (please let Tracy – tsmith@gigisplayhouse.org  know if you would like to attend).

Meet and Greet for all registered tutors and students is scheduled for January 9^th 5:30-6:30, this is an opportunity to meet your tutor and to see the learning labs before the session begins.

Volunteer Orientation 

January 8th 5:30-6:30pm

Are you interested in learning more about volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester? Please join us for an hour of information. You will learn a bit about Down syndrome, the way GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester is supporting individuals with Down syndrome and how you can use your talents to help the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse!

This month we are looking to fill the following opportunities:

• Yoga Instructor for school aged children on a Saturday morning/lunchtime
• Kids Club/Playhouse Pals (school-aged program) co-leader for a Saturday afternoon
• Program Manager, to assist and support the Program Director at weekend programs
• Grant writers
• Gala Committee – interested in Fundraising? Join our committee to help make our 2020 Gala the best yet!

Please let us know you’re interested by completing this form or contact Tracy

Please remember to check our online calendar for up to date schedule changes.

Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.