GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities

Join us for The Best of Us Gala on February 22, 2025! Celebrate inclusion and take advantage of savings—grab your early bird tickets today! Only 8 days remain to secure discounted pricing! Get your Early Bird Tickets: https://bit.ly/40vqLlk #thebestofusgala #thebestofus #gigisplayhousetwincities #downsyndrome

A picture-perfect princess! Jennifer McCormick, a mother, influencer, and Down syndrome advocate, shared an adorable video of her daughter with Down syndrome looking magical (and extra cute) for her princess photoshoot! At GiGi's Playhouse, we're on a mission to show the world just how magical individuals with Down syndrome are. In addition to offering FREE educational and therapeutic programming, we celebrate Down syndrome! Learn more about GiGi's Playhouse here: https://lnkd.in/dvR38rM #gigisplayhouse #downsyndromeawareness #AcceptanceMatters #empowermentthroughbeauty #magicalmoments

BREAKING NEWS: the Down syndrome community had a HUGE win! And GiGi's Playhouse played a pivotal role! Last month, The Down Syndrome Awareness Bill was signed into law in the state of New York, requiring the NYS Department of Health to provide up-to-date and accurate information about Down syndrome. This bill seeks to end the rampant misinformation and negativity that parents continue to receive from doctors when they receive a prenatal diagnosis. Emily Mondschein, the Executive Director of our Buffalo Playhouse, initially approached a New York Assembly Member and Senator about this issue. She then met with the Governor's team to educate them on it. Beyond this, our Southern Tier, Rochester, and Syracuse Playhouses all helped make this bill a reality by writing letters to the Governor. We're beyond proud of our Buffalo Playhouse and our New York Playhouses for coming together, identifying an issue, and advocating to solve that issue through advocacy! Together, we truly are changing the world. You can read more about New York's Down Syndrome Awareness Bill here: https://lnkd.in/gb7zF9Cz #gigisplayhouse #downsyndromeawareness #breakingnews #inclusionmatters

Calling all educators, paraprofessionals, and parents: The GiGi’s Educator Symposium is here to help you more effectively care for individuals with Down syndrome! Taking place March 8th, this FREE online workshop provides teachers, aides, paraprofessionals, therapists, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and more with strategies to help you support individuals with Down syndrome. Individuals with Down Syndrome have unique needs and challenges. That’s why our Symposium is so essential. It provides you with tools and strategies you can use IMMEDIATELY! Plus, CPEs are available from our educational partners! Trust us, you don’t want to miss this. Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/dtZuNS78 Reach out to Programs2@gigisplayhouse.org with questions! #gigisplayhouse #downsyndrome #virtual #educatorsymposium2025

Breaking new ground on and off the stage! Congratulations to Chris Dyke! Chris, a 33-year-old Australian dancer, is the first person with Down syndrome to direct a mainstage work for a professional dance company! Entitled "Lighting the Dark," the show marks the first time Chris has collaborated with a full ensemble of dancers. The Associate Artistic Director for the show explained it was never the intention to make history with Chris being the first person with Down syndrome to direct such a show; the goal was to show 'Chris on his own, in his element just as he is..." At GiGi's Playhouse, we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome just as they are! Through our FREE educational and therapeutic programs, our network of 61+ Playhouses help individuals with Down syndrome reach their potential! Click here to learn more about GiGi's Playhouse: https://lnkd.in/dvR38rM #gigisplayhouse #downsyndrome #breakingnews #InclusionInDance #BreakingBarriers

For this month’s Best of All Moment, we’re highlighting Jordan Moore and her leadership in the Drama Troupe program. In her fourth year, Jordan has become an important support for her fellow actors, helping them with lines and stage positions. She’s also been focused on perfecting her own performance, especially in her role as Mack in Teen Beach Movie. We’re proud of all she’s accomplished and excited to see her continue to grow! Read Jordan's Story: https://bit.ly/3Dub8l6 #gigisplayhousetwincities #downsyndrome #bestofall #generationg

For our latest Volunteer Spotlight, we are excited to recognize sisters Jackie and Courtney Turnquist for their dedication and positive impact at GiGi’s Playhouse Twin Cities. Volunteering for several years, they have been involved in programs like Drama Troupe, GiGi Kitchen Kids, Fantastic Friends On the Go, and Social Skills. They share countless joyful memories, from GiGi’s Olympics to bowling with Fantastic Friends: On the Go, and are grateful for the community they’ve found. Their advice to others interested in volunteering? “DO IT!!” They describe the playhouse as a place full of joy, love, and amazing people, and they are thrilled to be a part of it. Read Jackie and Courtney's Story: https://bit.ly/3DrHvAZ #gigisplayhousetwincities #volunteer #downsyndrome #generationg

Barriers are being broken every day... artist Rachel Handlin is proof of that! Rachel, who has Down syndrome, graduated with a Master of Fine Arts and is reportedly the first person with Down syndrome to earn an M.F.A.! Rachel's solo art exhibition was recently featured in the New York Times! Rachel's art exhibit includes her photographic documentary project showcasing other individuals with Down syndrome who have earned a college degree! Rachel calls it 'a community who didn't know it was a community.' We're so proud of Rachel for showing the world that individuals with Down syndrome can accomplish their dreams! At GiGi's Playhouse, our FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs help amazing individuals throughout the Down syndrome community accomplish their dreams daily! Learn more about GiGi's Playhouse here: https://lnkd.in/dvR38rM #gigisplayhouse #downsyndromeawareness #breakingnews #inclusionmatters

I am thrilled and humbled to join the Board of Directors for GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities. I have spent the last several weeks learning about the organization's mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. Folks, you would not believe the passion the staff, Board of Directors, and many volunteers have for providing FREE programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. It has blown me away! Please let me know me if you’re interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating. https://lnkd.in/ex67Kwef

Meet Charlie McGee a Clemson student and fraternity member at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE)… Who happens to have Down syndrome! Like many college students, Charlie always wanted to join a fraternity, and though Clemson has many students with intellectual disabilities, none of them had gone through a formal rush process. But Charlie broke that barrier, and thanks to him, his fraternity brothers, and the inclusive environment at Clemson, Charlie is now a fraternity brother... just like any other college student! At GiGi's Playhouse, we're aiming to make the world a more kind, generous, and ACCEPTING place for individuals like Charlie and ALL people with disabilities, and we're doing it through our human-rights movement #GenerationG! Click here to learn more about #GenerationG: https://lnkd.in/dT5ufsYH #gigisplayhouse #downsyndrome #inclusionmatters #breakingnews #inclusivefraternity