Stories of Impact

GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland

ONE-OF-A-KIND DOWN SYNDROME ACHIEVEMENT CENTER CREATES THERAPEUTIC AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

All it takes is one look at the vibrant signage displayed on their building to know good things are happening inside GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. Over the past four years, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland has provided a welcoming environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families offering free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for all ages. 

Since the opening of its inaugural Chicago location in October 2013, GiGi’s Playhouse has been unwavering in its mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome and sending a global message of acceptance for all. As the only network of achievement centers for Down syndrome, its unique approach caught the attention of local west side parents who eventually founded the board that brought these important services to families across greater Cleveland. After a rigorous 18 month onboarding process, along with immense support and collaboration from the City of Lakewood, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland opened its doors in January 2016. Located in the heart of Lakewood, they are currently one of 48 centers across the U.S. with more than two hundred inquiries in the works to establish new GiGi’s Playhouse locations around the world.

To ensure that cost will never be a barrier to achievement and acceptance, all programs at GiGi’s Playhouse are offered 100% free to families. While each GiGi’s Playhouse benefits from a shared nonprofit structure, in addition to accounting and marketing support provided through the national office, individual locations must self-fund their own start-up cost and subsequent programming. Right from the start GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland has maintained and grown its free services though philanthropic contributions from grateful families, corporate support, grants, and special fundraising events including the annual “Dance-A-Thon” and “Brew Ha-Ha.” In fact, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland was awarded a grant from the Three Arches Foundation towards the continued operational support and expansion of the center’s progressive programs and in recognition of a shared commitment to advancing the health and well-being of people across the community.

At the helm of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland since its inception is the spirited and empathetic site coordinator, Lizz Maxwell. She not only brings many years of alternative education experience and leadership, but is recognized across the community as a tireless advocate for helping others. “Thanks to recent advances in medicine and social attitudes, as well as improved community services like GiGi’s Playhouse, individuals with Down syndrome are leading happy and fulfilling lives.” said Maxwell. Down syndrome continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder with the average lifespan of individuals now at 60 years old verse what was a historical average of 25 years old less than thirty years ago. According to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), children can now grow up to be independent regardless of learning and developmental delays or possible health problems.  According the Maxwell, “It’s no longer a matter of what individuals with Down syndrome can’t do, but rather helping them to identify their strengths and improve opportunities of growth through inclusive opportunities that foster learning with no barriers or limits.”

That’s where GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland is making a difference through a robust mix of innovative programs and services created by professional therapists and teachers who generously donate their time and expertise. On any given day the center is a hub of activity with the majority of the 400+ families currently served attending from local suburbs as well as others who make the drive from Sandusky, Youngstown or as far as Erie, PA. The center not only serves the local community but all of Northeast Ohio and beyond. This includes added conveniences such as weekend hours and the ability to access resources via “mobile satellite tutoring” for those families unable to attend programs during regular hours. One of the most important services offered by GiGi’s Playhouse starts in utero. The joy of pregnancy should be a special time for every family, including those who receive the prenatal diagnosis of carrying a child with Down syndrome. “Babies are celebrated regardless of a diagnosis and that reassures parents,” commented Maxwell.

GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland offers more than 15 programs for all ages – from babies to school-age to teens to adults – and every one includes specific and purposeful measurement strategies. This wide range of tailored programming is important given that each individual with Down syndrome can have varying social and behavioral health needs. In addition, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland has worked hard to identify and develop critical community collaborators including the Lakewood Library, Lakewood City Schools, The Cleveland Sight Center and many other organizations to further efforts that help to better connect with families that may feel isolated or have other needs experienced by those with Down syndrome. “We are truly fortunate to have such incredible community support our Playhouse – our collaborators, therapists, staff, families, volunteers and board are genuinely excited to advocate for our participants to always be accepted and integrated in our community,” said Maxwell.  

GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland is committed to growing and building programs that meet the mental, physical and emotional needs of those they serve across the community. As with raising any child, critical factors that determine their success in life revolve around family support as well as environmental, cultural and social factors. For children with Down syndrome this includes extra assistance that will carry with them into adulthood including necessary social skills, securing employment, finding a place to live and developing relationships – goals that are entirely possible in a supportive, inclusive community. “At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland we’re empowering families with the tools their child needs to succeed from the start and we’re right by their side along the way.” shared Maxwell.

Story Update – Reinventing GiGi’s Playhouse in a Virtual World

When the Coronavirus pandemic forced many states to enact stay-at-home measures, closing schools, therapy and recreation centers across the country, GiGi’s Playhouse jumped into action to move regular programming to a virtual format helping individuals and families who rely on these important services. Since that time, GiGi’s Playhouse has provided a comprehensive weekly calendar of “live” virtual programming for all ages – with over 150 of these programs recorded and available to families for convenient, on-demand viewing at home. GiGi’s Playhouse reached over 300 new families in the first week alone and is thrilled that the highly-popular teen and adult programs continue to enjoy overwhelming attendance with almost 50 virtual participants excitedly reconnecting each week.

To learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland visit gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland

Photos courtesy of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland

Published May 2020