GiGi's Playhouse Milwaukee is changing the way the world sees Down syndrome. At GiGi's Playhouse Milwaukee we are changing the way the world sees Down syndrome.
We do this by offering free educational, therapeutic, & social programming for individuals of all ages, & all abilities. We do this by offering free educational, therapeutic, and social programming for individuals of all ages, and all abilities. GiGi's mission is to promote acceptance for all and change the way the Milwaukee community views Down syndrome, because individuals with Down syndrome are more like their peers than different. GiGi's Playhouse Milwaukee does all of this in a warm, supportive, welcoming family environment that is open for all to learn, socialize, and play.
12/16/2025
Thank you Milwaukee Ballet for opening your hearts (and your dance floor!) and for helping make these moments so special. We are so lucky to work alongside you and can’t wait for many more beautiful collaborations ahead ✨
We’re beyond grateful for the incredible support and partnership they’ve shared with GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee 💙
Through their Nutcracker-themed dance workshops, our participants had the opportunity to experience movement, music, and the pure joy that dance creates - and the smiles said it all 🩰❄️
It was a truly magical experience that brought confidence, creativity, and holiday spirit to everyone involved. Learn more about their impact here: https://ow.ly/X3V150XKEPf
12/16/2025
🎉 Happy December Birthdays to Our Amazing Participants! ❄️
To everyone in our GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee family celebrating a birthday this month—we’re cheering for you! December can be chilly, but you bring all the warmth, light, and sparkle we need.
Whether you’re blowing out candles, opening presents, or simply soaking in the love around you, we hope your special day is filled with joy, laughter, and all your favorite things.
Thank you for being part of our community. You make the Playhouse brighter just by being you. 💙✨
Happy Birthday, December friends! Let’s celebrate YOU all month long! 🎂🎈
12/16/2025
Strengthen their future and support families like Nathan’s.
Nathan is 13 and thriving with the help of GiGi’s Playhouse. But his story started long before he could walk or talk, with his mom, Paula.
When Nathan was born, Paula received his diagnosis with outdated information and little support. It was overwhelming.
Then she found GiGi’s. Finally, she had the answers and community she needed. And Nathan's been attending our FREE programming ever since.
When you give to GiGi’s this year-end, you’re supporting families like Nathan’s, helping them access tutoring, therapy, and programs that strengthen their future.
Happy Hanukkah to everyone who celebrates! 🕎
Hope your days are filled with good food, cozy moments, and time with people you love.
💙Wishing you lots of joy and a great week ahead.
12/14/2025
Ho Ho Ho, Santa’s in the house! sharing a story with our friends and families. Seasons Greetings to All.
12/12/2025
✨🎄 Read about the magical moment when the Milwaukee Ballet brought The Nutcracker to GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee participants! From joyful dance workshops at the ballet studio to festive treats and heartwarming community connection at the playhouse, this collaboration created unforgettable memories for all. 💃🍪☕
GiGi’s Playhouse is serving more families than ever before — with over 400,000 hours of FREE programs on track this year and 360 new families joining every month.
But as the need grows, so do the costs.
We can’t continue delivering life-changing programs without your support.
Your gift helps ensure Lucy and thousands more have access to the tutoring, therapy, and community they deserve.
👂💛 Family Speaker Series: Improving Hearing & Communication for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Join us online on December 11 at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT/6 PM MT/5 PM ET for an important conversation with hearing experts Dr. Heather Porter and Jenna Paulsen.
Learn how hearing loss affects development and daily life, why it’s often overlooked, and what families can do to advocate for evidence-based hearing care.
Discover research-backed tools, recommendations, and strategies to support strong communication across the lifespan.
You don’t want to miss this!
🔗Register here: https://ow.ly/ywPh50XE4Kq
12/11/2025
Words matter. Today, on Human Rights Day—and every single day—what we say shapes how people feel, how they’re seen, and how they’re treated.
The R-word is hurtful, outdated, and simply not acceptable. At GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee, we choose language that honors the dignity of every person and reflects the respect, inclusion, and belonging that our community stands for.
Together, let’s keep choosing words that lift people up.
Please Like, Tag, and Share.
12/10/2025
We’re crossing our fingers at the Heart of Canal with the Potawatomi Casino and Hotel!
12/10/2025
🌟 November Volunteer Spotlight: Lynn Rekoske!
🌟You have to meet Lynn, one of the incredible forces behind the magic at GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee! From leading LMNOP to becoming a dedicated literacy tutor to representing us in the community and supporting our events, Lynn supports our mission every single week. And the best part? Her whole family is right there with her, supporting GiGi’s at every turn. 💙
👉Trust us… you’ll want to read her story here: https://ow.ly/lCXf50XFPCU
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GiGi’s Playhouse was created to change the way the world views a Down syndrome diagnosis and send a global message of acceptance for all.
We understand that many families are first time parents and they need us. Many young parents do not expect, or know in advance of their child’s diagnosis, and they need renewed hope and genuine acceptance from day one.
At GiGi’s Playhouse families are never alone. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, we make a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed!
Back in the summer of 2002, Nancy Gianni gave birth to her beautiful daughter, GiGi. She quickly realized that GiGi could do the very same things that her other children do! What began as a mother's vision to change perception, and maximize her daughter's successes, has evolved into a global movement of acceptance. Nancy needed to get GiGi, and her other children, ready for the world ahead – and get the world ready for GiGi!
The very first Playhouse was created to be an inspirational and dedicated place for families to celebrate their child and benefit from free, purposeful programs that unleash joy, confidence and continuous improvement. More than 46 Playhouses empower children and adults to achieve their “Best of All” and to pursue their dreams.
Our Purpose: To change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all.
How: We change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
