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Gigi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center
A TRUE GIFT TO THE STARK/SUMMIT COUNTY COMMUNITY
Non Profit Spotlight By Sarah Smith
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Jonathan and Shirley Mitchell, parents of Jesse, who has Down syndrome
With over 55 locations in the United States, GiGi’s Playhouse’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
In 2017, a group of impassioned parents and individuals formed a start-up team with the goal of opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in the Canton/Akron area. After demonstrating the commitment and need in the community, the Canton location was approved by the national non-profit organization to open an affiliate to serve the community. The team’s dream became a reality when GiGi’s Playhouse Canton opened on April 28, 2019, as the 44th Playhouse to open nationwide and the second one in Ohio.
“GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration,” explained Megan Vance, site manager. “Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted. Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement. No matter the age, individuals with Down syndrome will be offered the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills. Families will experience support and learn that they are not alone and are part of an amazing community that appreciates the joys and highlights the positive.”
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only international network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, GiGi’s Playhouse changes lives by providing 100% free, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for individuals of all ages. From prenatal diagnosis to adulthood, GiGi’s makes a lifetime commitment to families. GiGi’s helps maximize opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. The organization also helps advance a vital social impact goal by showing the world what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities.
“When my daughter Monroe was born in 2015 with Down syndrome, I was given a book that had a copyright date in the 80s and an email address for an organization that no longer existed. I really was looking for a ‘place’ and people in front of me to help me navigate what I needed to do with this little girl,” said Christina Ziga-Budd, past president of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. “I came across GiGi’s Playhouse and knew we needed this in our area. Once our team was established and GiGi’s Canton became a reality, it really impacted me how our communities need resources and opportunities like what GiGi’s provides. It is so much more than our programming; it is connections, relationships, and a physical place that makes it special. The relationships I have built from GiGi’s Playhouse Canton are lifelong connections that make our family better. I am an educator that naturally advocates for kids, but I never thought I would love it as much as I do now that I have GiGi’s Playhouse in my community.”
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton has 10 board members, serves nearly 200 families, and has had nearly 400 volunteers walk through the doors. The best way to support GiGi’s is through volunteering, following the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and by donating by making a one-time donation, becoming a 321 Champion and donating $21 monthly, and by viewing the wish list at www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton.
“My daughter, Maleah, loves coming to GiGi’s Playhouse for Leaps and Bounds, Kids Club, one-on-one math tutoring, and all of the other fun parties and activities they have for the entire family,” Stacy Jackson, board president, exclaimed. “She is accepted, loved, and celebrated at GiGi’s. I am humbled by the incredible volunteers who give their time and talents to help my daughter and the other participants at GiGi’s.”
Each year, GiGi’s Playhouse grants esteemed awards and certificates that recognize achievements within the network of Playhouses across North America. The Canton Playhouse’s achievements for 2021 are: 1. Center of Excellence 2. Board Health and Strategy 3. Strong
