GiGi’s Playhouse
Changing the Way the World
Views Down Syndrome
GiGi’s Playhouse is a network of Down
Syndrome Achievement Centers with the mission
to change the way the world views Down
syndrome through community campaigns,
educational programs, and by empowering individuals
with Down syndrome and their families.
GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa will make a lifetime
commitment to support and empower families
from prenatal diagnosis, birth and through
to adulthood by offering no-cost therapeutic,
educational and career development programs.
Founded by a mother in Illinois 14 years ago,
GiGi’s Playhouse has grown to 33 Playhouses
in the U.S. and Mexico. Tampa will be the 3rd
Florida location.
In early 2016, a group of impassioned parents
and individuals formed a start-up team with the
goal of opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in the Tampa
Bay area. After demonstrating the commitment
and need in the community the Tampa location
was approved by the national non-profit
organization to open and an affiliate to serve
the estimated 3400 individuals with Down syndrome
living in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco
Counties. The Playhouse is expected to open in
early 2018. The location is under renovation in
the Greenhouse Shoppes, located at 3611 West
Hillsborough Ave, Tampa. The 3700sqft center
will bring programs specifically designed for
how individuals with Down syndrome learn.
Hours of operation will compliment families’
busy schedules and school calendars, offering
programs and support based on the needs of the
families.
GiGi’s Playhouse
Tampa will offer one-on-one math th and d lit
literacy
tutoring, handwriting classes, a daily schedule
of signature programs that will unleash
potential; to address cognitive impairment, with
curriculum and materials customized to the
unique learning style of individuals with Down
syndrome.
Therapeutic and fitness based programs will
build self-esteem and strengthen low muscle
tone, advance gross and fine motor skills and
speech impairment while encouraging social
skills. Career and life-skills programs for adults
will empower generations of a trained workforce
and the opportunity to pursue a more independent
lifestyle. A culinary kitchen will give
participants an opportunity to learn life and
workplace skills expanding options for independence
and employment.
As a non-profit achievement and training
center, GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa thrives on the
generosity of donors, sponsorships and grants,
ensuring that no barriers exist to those who
need it most in receiving services. The no-cost
programs are provided through a workforce of
committed volunteers who are trained in the
specialized programs or who bring their expertise
in working with individuals with special
needs.
Visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/tampa or
contact tampa@gigisplayhouse.org to learn
more.
Photos by Allie Serrano, AllieSerrano.com
Costumes and props provided by South Tampa Trading Company
/tampa
/AllieSerrano.com
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