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.
03/17/2026
šThis St. Patrickās Day, weāre feeling especially lucky to have volunteers like Mike W!
As a long-time Board Treasurer at GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee, Mike generously shared his time, expertise, and heart to help keep our mission moving forward. Volunteers play a vital role in making our FREE programs possible for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, helping our community grow stronger every day.
šWeāre incredibly grateful for Mikeās dedication and the many ways he has supported our Playhouse over the years. Thank you, Mike, for helping us build a welcoming community where everyone can achieve their Best of All!
While winter hangs on a little longer, our GiGiās community is already looking ahead to the moments that bring us together each spring.
One of the most special parts of the GiGiās 5K Dash for Down Syndrome is the incredible teams who show up to celebrate the individuals they love and support the programs that keep our Playhouse strong.
Today weāre excited to introduce some of the amazing teams helping make this yearās Dash so meaningful.
Meet the Teams!
Registration is open for the GiGiās 5K Dash for Down Syndrome on May 31 at Lake Park, and we hope youāll join us.
P.S. Teams created by TOMORROW - March 17 will be entered into a raffle for a $50 or $100 gift card to kick off the Dash season.
03/16/2026
āØ Participant Spotlight: Katya K. - Showing Her Best of All! āØ
Week after week, Katya arrives with a warm smile and a heart for her friends. Sheās always ready to help a peer understand an activity, offer encouragement, or simply sit beside someone who needs a buddy. Her kindness and positivity create a welcoming space where everyone feels included and supported.
šWe are so proud to celebrate Katya and the incredible way she lifts up those around her. Her caring spirit truly brings out the Best of All in our Playhouse community.š
šAt GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee, weāre proud to partner with experts who empower our families with knowledge and confidence. Recently, we welcomed Terri Couwenhoven, an AASECT-certified sexuality educator, who led a meaningful workshop on navigating puberty for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through practical guidance and compassionate conversation, Terri helped families learn strategies for teaching self-care, healthy boundaries, and positive body awareness. Weāre grateful for her dedication to equipping families with the tools and support they need during this important stage of development. And we are grateful to the families who joined us in-person and virtually.š
While we wish there wasnāt the need to have a conversation at all anymore weāre so glad that this campaign exists to help spread awareness about how using stereotypes and words like ret@&%! is hurting others.
Itās one week from World Down Syndrome Day and letās make sure this word is part of the past!
ššCoorDown
03/11/2026
Already a 3.21 Champion? š
Increase your monthly gift by even $5 and it will be matched.
Today is International Day of Awesomenessā¦ and we know an AWESOME way to celebrate! šš§¦š
Join us for an unforgettable World Down Syndrome Day Party as we celebrate inclusion, joy, and 11 amazing years of GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee!
š Sunday, March 22
ā° 3ā5 PM
š Sprecher Taproom
Your ticket includes:
š§ DJ & dancing
š„¤ Sprecher soda, hard soda or beer tastings
š° Cake
š§¦ A pair of fun socks
š Free Brewer tickets for attendees
š Raffles, swag, and surprises!
Donāt forget to wear your boldest, loudest, mismatched socks to help us spread awareness, acceptance, and joy. š
Celebrate awesomeness with us and grab your tickets today!
šļø Scan the QR code or get tickets here: https://ow.ly/tRsz50Yqw4m
03/06/2026
Shoutout to Pear & Simple in Port Washington for hooking us up with awesome socks for our World Down Syndrome Day Party! We canāt wait to celebrate in style!
The DJās got the beats, the cake is calling your name, and the photo booth is ready for your best poses. All thatās missing is YOU! Got your tickets yet?
Donāt miss outāMarch 22, 2026, 3ā5PM at the Sprecher Taproom. Letās dance, party, and maybe score FREE Brewers tickets for 100 lucky guests! https://ow.ly/zb7M50YqtXt
03/05/2026
Weāre making progress toward our $5,000 matching goal, but weāre not there yet.
If youāve been thinking about joining as a 3.21 Champion, now is the time.
Weāre thrilled to announce that GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee is teaming up with the NEW North Shore Library to create a sensory cart for their quiet room, and we need YOU to help make it happen! By donating sensory items, youāre opening doors to accessibility, comfort, and belonging for everyone in our community.
āØ How you can help:
ā¢ Drop off new sensory items at GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee
ā¢ Or order directly from our Sensory Wish List: https://ow.ly/BPol50Yolyr
Please donate by Saturday, March 7th! Every contribution will be presented as a heartfelt gift from our community at the Grand Opening on March 14th.
Letās come together to show what kindness, acceptance, and true community support look like. Thank you for making a difference!
03/04/2026
Why We Dash
This isnāt just a 5K.
It funds FREE programs at GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee.
GiGiFIT. Tutoring. Career skills. Social programs.
March is packed with awesome programs at GiGiās Playhouse Milwaukee, plus some brand new additions, events and incentives! We canāt wait to see you this spring. Head to our website calendar to RSVP and get all the info. Got questions? Reach out and letās make this month unforgettable!
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GiGiās 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 childās diagnosis, and they need renewed hope and genuine acceptance from day one.
At GiGiās 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 ā 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 āBest of Allā 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.
