DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 22, 2021) — On October 9, GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities the local Down Syndrome Achievement Center held its annual celebration of acceptance at the 2021 “i have a Voice” Gala. This year they celebrated ten years of supporting the voices of individuals with Down syndrome right here in the Quad Cities.
During the event, Chad Johnson, Vice President of the Board, announced that the Playhouse would be expanding by taking over the vacant space next door. Over the past ten years, the Playhouse has seen growth in the number of families served and volunteers involved and believe that the time is right to grow their physical space. This expansion will provide additional one-on-one learning-labs for tutoring and speech programs, a meeting/classroom, staff offices, a volunteer workspace, and, eventually, an improved kitchen area to allow for more life-skills programming. All of which will allow for additional and improved programming, more flexible program scheduling, serving more families, and additional volunteer opportunities.
This past year, GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities held over 2000 hours of programming even during COVID shutdowns! Many programs were held virtually during COVID with at home kits provided to families, but they are happy to be offering programs in person again. All programs GiGi’s offers are free for individuals with Down syndrome (all ages). All that GiGi’s offers is made possible thanks to volunteers and donors. The Playhouse is 100% privately-funded by personal donations, corporate support, and grants along with being 99% volunteer run with only two paid staff.
For information on how you can get involved or support visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities. You can help the Playhouse continue to provide educational programs like literacy and math-tutoring and therapeutic-based programs like speech and language therapy.
About GiGi’s Playhouse:
GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers, changing lives through free, results-driven programs for individuals of all ages, families, and communities. GiGi’s Playhouse is an inspirational and dedicated place to benefit from free programs nourishing self-esteem, confidence, and continuous improvement. Beyond helping individuals with Down syndrome, we address the larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities through #GenerationG. With over fifty Playhouses across the United States and Mexico, the organization is growing by 16% each month, and aims to have a Playhouse in every State by 2021. Surviving completely on donor funds, GiGi’s Playhouse breaks down barriers and changes the way the world accepts individuals with Down syndrome by fostering acceptance and hope for everyone.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization founded in 2003 by CNN Hero Nancy Gianni after the birth of her daughter GiGi. For more information, visit www.GiGisplayhouse.org.
