October 2019 – Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Pace University – Make A Difference Day!

Pace University volunteers are visiting us during Down Syndrome Awareness Month to help make a difference. Join us Saturday, Oct 12^th12-2pm for a DSAM celebration and Open House.

Invite your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and more to experience our wonderful Playhouse. We will make dance challenge videos, crafts and different activities. EVERYONE is invited.

Register your interest in the event here

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, space is limited!

Click her to RSVP for October 4^th5:30-7:30pm

NEW program: EPIC (18+) Empowerment, Participation, Involvement and Community

We are extremely excited to be able to roll out another new program aimed at our adult population.

Our two new Program Leaders – Jeanne and Jennifer will lead this monthly program. In October we will have two programs scheduled on October 4th and 25th (note the different times) but then it will be scheduled monthly.

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

Program #1– getting to know each other, kitchen safety and the preparing two easy, healthy snacks

Program #2– discussing road safety, writing a shopping list, walking to the grocery store, buying groceries from their list, budgeting and making a snack.

Click here to RSVP for October 4^th7:30-9:00pm

Click here to RSVP for October 25^th5:30-7:30pm

Music and Movement with Chloe

Join us for song, dance and play! Children and their siblings will enjoy a variety of sing-along songs, signing, gross motor activities, bubbles, musical instruments and more!

Visit herefor more information about Chloe’s classes.

Click here to RSVP for October 5^th9:30-10am

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 October 5^th10-11:30am

Art Explosion (15+)

New Program!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 October 11^th5-6pm

Cooking Club (12-18)

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.

• October Theme:  Viva Italia, making marinara sauce and zoodles.

Registration is required and is limited to 8 participants.

Click here to RSVP for October 18^th5-7pm

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 exploring Halloween art. Please dress up if you would like.

Click here to RSVP for October 18^th7-9pm

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!! This month we will be exploring Fall and Halloween.

Invite your friends & please RSVP for October 26^th10:00-11:15am,  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.

Click here to RSVP for October26^th10-11:15am

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 gross motor skills through active games, as well as fine motor skills and self-help skills. Recommended age: 5-8 years.

Click here to RSVP for October26^th10-11:15am

NOTE: This month Destination Discovery, Kids Club and Playhouse Pals will be combining to celebrate Halloween and Fall

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.

We will open registration for the next session in November

Literacy Tutoring/Math Tutoring

Registration has closed for the Fall session which is underway. Winter Registration will open November 1^st2019

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:

• Yoga Instructor for school aged children on a Saturday morning/lunchtime
• Fantastic Friends (adult program) co-program leader to join our wonderful team
• 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 formor contacting Tracy

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