March Happenings!

We have a magnificent March planned, some of the highlights are Gala Photo Shoot, THREE new programs and our “i have a Voice” Annual Gala. Check out all our programs and events this March!

Upcoming Events:

Gala

Join us on World Down Syndrome Day for our 6^th annual “i have a Voice” Gala. Tickets are on sale now. Be sure to get your ads in for our Gala Playbill to celebrate your loved ones.

Photo Shoot for the Gala

Participant Photo Shoot Opportunity
Sunday, March 1st 10am to Noon @ The Playhouse

Veleska Martin Photography will be coming to the Playhouse on March 1st from 10am-Noon for a portrait photo shoot of our participants with Down syndrome. These photos will grace the tables at our annual Gala on World Down Syndrome Day – March 21st.

Registration is required – space is limited. Photos will be taken on a first come first served basis. This is only for participants; we cannot accommodate siblings.

Click here to RSVP for March 1st 10-12pm

Family Orientation

Have you recently been introduced to GiGi’s Playhouse – and you want to learn more? Bring your family to learn more about the history of GiGi’s Playhouse, the purpose and mission, what GiGi’s offers to families, how you can get involved and what events are coming up. The New Family Orientation will also give you the chance to connect with other new families looking to get more involved. Join us on March 14^th 1-2:30pm. Please register by emailing https://westchester@gigisplayhouse.org

NEW PROGRAMS –

Art Explosion Kids

Our Teen and Adult Art Explosion program has been very successful, we are excited to be able to roll out this program to our younger participants. We will incorporate art skills as well as fun craft projects.

Provide 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. Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

Goals:

• Provide healthy outlet for them 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.

Click here to RSVP for March 28th 12-1pm

Games with Friends (plus homework help)

Designed to increase strategic thinking skills through fun and interactive games! Participants will put their literacy, math and fine motor skills to practical use during this exciting program!

NEW Program! Two of our amazing tutors are bringing this program to life! Join us for 60 minutes of strategic and interactive games related to Literacy and Math skills. In addition, to the games there will be about 30 minutes set aside for homework help – bring your assignments with you!
GiGi’s Games with Friends will meet twice a month for 90 minutes on a Monday at 3:30pm. Scheduled for March 16^th and 30^th. Recommended for 13+
Register Here

Dance (Spring Session)

We are excited to reintroduce Dance for ages 7-13. This year we will offer 3 sessions of Dance – Spring, Summer and Fall. Each session will run for 8 weeks for an hour, the last program (May 20th) will be a performance to friends and family.

Spring Dates: 3/25, 4/1, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20

The program is limited to 8 participants and please try to attend all sessions.

Register by sending an email to programswestchester@gigisplayhouse.org

Programs:

Teen Tastic (13-18)

Teen Tastic promotes friendship, social interactions, communication through a variety of social activities, outings, exercise activities and games for teens. Participants in Teen Tastic gain confidence, leadership skills, and empowerment while working as part of a team or on individual projects and tasks.

Grab your spot now to exercise with Kelly and for a cooking activity, space is limited!

Click here to RSVP for March 6th 5:30-7:30pm

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 March 7^th 10-11:30am

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 March 7th 12-1:15pm, which will allow us to be prepared for all our friends! Click here to RSVP for March 7^th 12-1:15pm

GiGi’s Kitchen (12-18)

Formerly Cooking Club! 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.

Registration is required and is limited to 8 participants.

Click here to RSVP for March 13th 5-7pm

Art Explosion (15+)

Provide 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:

• Provide 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 March 20th 5:30-6:30pm

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 are hoping to go out into our community – more details to follow!

Click here to RSVP for March 20th 7-9pm

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.

For program goals please refer to our calendar post

NO Program this month, we will resume in April!

Open Play (all ages)

Open Play invites families and their friends to the Playhouse for playtime! Open Play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, as well as support and networking for current families. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time! Open to families with children of all ages and their friends during office hours.

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. This session will be specific for the teens.

Registration will open shortly for the Spring Session.

Literacy Tutoring/Math Tutoring

Registration for the Spring Session has closed. Spring Session begins April 5^th.

Meet and Greet for matched Tutors and Students is scheduled for Thursday, April 2^nd at 5-6pm

Mandatory Training for Tutors is scheduled Saturday, April 4^th.

Volunteer Orientation

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:

• Zumba Instructor for the occasional program
• Program Manager, to assist and support the Program Director at weekend programs
• Grant writers

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

Next orientation is March 4th 6:30-7:30pm

Keep an eye out for more new programs such as GiGiFIT Toddler and Yoga coming very soon!

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