Program areas at GiGi's Playhouse
National mission support - provide direct consulting, traning, professional services and assistance (fundraising, marketing, programming, governance, etc) to network of 59 playhouses across the united states and mexico, to ensure that programs and services are delivered effectively and consistently nationwide in accordance with mission and goals of the organization. Providing a unified platform for staff and volunteer training, shared technologies, networking opportunities accross all business functions, and a national conference attended by hundreds of staff, volunteers and partners annually.
Awareness - Gigi's promotes celebration, awareness, acceptance of down syndrome nation-wide through all mediums via the generation g campaign, news segments, virtual & in-person events, printed publications, an annual calendar, branded accessories & apparel, multiple social media outlets, and the "a little something extra" podcast.
On-site programming - Gigi's offers free on-site programming for indivuals with down syndrome of all ages, and their families. From infancy through adulthood, Gigi's offers a variety of group classes supporting the development of foundational social, emotional, and physical skills. Individualized tutoring sessions are available to promote speech, literacy, and math. Gigi prep, gigi university, Gigi's kitchen, and gigi fit are progressive education programs for young adults focusing on curriculum in self confidence, fitness, nutrition and career skills. After graduating from gigi prep & gigi university and receiving 12 weeks of individualized hands-on career training, Gigi's provides an in-house career training program at hugs & mugs, a specialty cafe and retail store run by adult interns with down syndrome.
Other program services - Gigi's offers various in-person events,activities and counseling for individuals with down syndrome, families,and their communities to promote awareness and acceptance throughoutthe year. Gigi's also offers virtual Playhouse access, providingcritical programming and support online. The virtual Playhouse includesvideos and live programs that help to create opportunities forindividuals with down syndrome and their families to engage with otherparticipants, instructors, and Gigi's staff. All programs offeredon-site by Gigi's Playhouse (such as literacy, math, speech, gigi prep,gigi university, gigi fit, lmnop, etc) are made available in a virtualformat. Gigi's offers support to research, the down syndrome community,and families in need. Additionally, Gigi's provides staff andvolunteers with internal and external professional development andnetworking opportunities.