{"id":142353,"date":"2025-12-24T12:33:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-24T17:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/?p=142353"},"modified":"2025-12-24T12:33:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T17:33:27","slug":"2025-playhouse-renovation-building-community-our-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/2025-playhouse-renovation-building-community-our-future\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Playhouse Renovation: Building Community &amp; Our Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2-1024x819.jpeg\" alt=\"A smiling young adult with Down syndrome in a hard hat, symbolizing community and progress.\" class=\"wp-image-142356\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:630px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2-1024x819.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2-768x615.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/viola-2.jpeg 1512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Year That Changed Everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What started as a dream for a bigger, more accessible home became a journey of perseverance and community power. In August 2024, we packed up our Playhouse and moved everything into storage, excited for a big move into our new space. After renovations, we expected to finish and move in by winter or spring of 2025. But life had other plans. Unexpected delays meant we didn\u2019t get our permit until July 2025!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, we didn\u2019t let that stop us. Thanks to incredible community partners who opened their doors to host our programs, we kept going strong\u2014delivering more than <strong>2,200 participant hours<\/strong> throughout the year. And our volunteers continued to show up\u2014logging more than <strong>2,300 volunteer hours<\/strong> leading programs, tutoring, helping at events, and lending a hand in renovations. It wasn\u2019t the journey we imagined, but it was one filled with resilience, creativity, and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why We Renovated: Expanding Programs &amp; Accessibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we opened our Playhouse in August 2015, it was perfect for the families we served. But after 10 years of growth, we were bursting at the seams. Programs expanded, families increased, and space became scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also dreamed of a fully accessible home\u2014one without stairs\u2014so everyone could participate with ease. After more than a year of searching, we finally found a space that checked all the boxes in Spring 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Playhouse Renovation Progress: From Vision to Reality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">July 2025 marked a turning point\u2014we finally got our permit, and the transformation began. Walls came down, carpets and fixtures were removed, and then the real building started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, that vision has become reality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"929\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2-1024x929.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2-1024x929.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2-300x272.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2-768x697.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Kitchen-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Three dedicated learning labs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A space for young adult programs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A fully equipped kitchen with laundry area<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An office big enough for two desks (no more squeezing!)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A cozy family room for parents and siblings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A large open space with a stage\u2014because of course!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142359\" style=\"width:150px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/stage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The journey wasn\u2019t without challenges, but we persevered. And we are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, volunteers, and staff who made this possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Community Power: A Build Fueled by Belief<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This renovation wasn\u2019t just a construction project\u2014it was a collective effort powered by belief. When we put out the call for help, our community showed up in incredible ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From donating kitchen appliances, cabinets, speakers, and bathroom fixtures to giving gift cards or rolling up sleeves at one of our many paint parties\u2014you answered every need. Every appliance, every brushstroke, every hour of volunteer time brought us closer to creating a space where families can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1-746x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A group of 4 people using roller brushes to paing newly renovated walls.\" class=\"wp-image-142362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1-746x1024.jpg 746w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1-768x1055.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1-1118x1536.jpg 1118w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/Group-paint-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling young woman and teen painting walls.\" class=\"wp-image-142363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/files\/2025\/12\/John-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This build happened because people believed in what we\u2019re creating. It was about belief in our mission and commitment to making our growth real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Big Ask: Believe in Our Build<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our new Playhouse is more than a building\u2014it\u2019s a promise to families and a vision for the future. Creating a safe, accessible, and empowering space requires a significant investment, and we\u2019re still working to reach our goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we look to the new year, we are about to begin <strong>Phase 3 \u2013 Sustainability and Programming<\/strong> of our <strong>Believe in Our Build<\/strong> campaign. This phase fuels the programs, staff, and resources that bring our mission to life\u2014day after day, year after year, and decade after decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The build-out and renovations of our new Playhouse have required a significant financial investment, placing a real strain on our operating funds. We urgently need your support to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustain daily operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover essential program and staffing costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete our reopening and welcome families back into our Playhouse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue growing the programs our participants rely on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your year-end gift right now is critical.<\/strong> It helps bridge the gap between the cost of creating our new space and the ongoing resources needed to keep our doors open and our programs thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are so close\u2014close to reopening, close to welcoming families home, and close to beginning an exciting new chapter. But we cannot do it without you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Join us. Believe in our Build. Help us open the doors to what\u2019s possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/believe-in-our-build\/#\">Donate TODAY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Year That Changed Everything What started as a dream for a bigger, more accessible home became a journey of perseverance and community power. In August 2024, we packed up our Playhouse and moved everything into storage, excited for a big move into our new space. After renovations, we expected to finish and move in&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9979,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[905,908,906,19,907,904,909],"class_list":["post-142353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-community-impact","tag-community-partnership","tag-down-syndrome-acceptance","tag-gigis-playhouse-westchester","tag-nonprofit-growth","tag-playhouse-renovation","tag-volunteer-support"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9979"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142353"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142353\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/westchester\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}