Edited by Camila Cernawsky Nakandakari
TAMPA – There are about 3,400 people living with Down syndrome in the Tampa Bay Area, and GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa is fulfilling the dreams of many people in the Down syndrome community.
With over 45 locations around the U.S., GiGi’s Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that was created to be a place where people with Down syndrome could develop their skills and where their families could celebrate their child in a safe space. The organization provides individuals of all ages a place where they can feel safe to explore their abilities through different programs offered. Their main goal is to change the way people view Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance to everyone.
“We teach adults with Down syndrome and also teens with Down syndrome independent living skills,” said Alisha Harper, site coordinator. “We teach skills that they need to go out into the work field.”
In 2016, a group of committed parents formed a startup to open the Tampa Bay Area’s GiGi’s Playhouse. After seeing the need for a new location in the community, the national nonprofit organization approved the opening of the Tampa affiliate. It first opened its doors on Aug. 18, 2018.
The Tampa Playhouse is located at 3611 West Hillsborough Ave. Within the first 30 days after opening, the Playhouse got an attendance of more than 700 individuals, including the participants, their families, volunteers, and other community partners. The location provides services for individuals living in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
GiGi’s Playhouse also offers free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs designed explicitly to individuals with Down syndrome. The goal of the classes is to increase the participant’s self-confidence, create skills, knowledge, personal wellness and quality of life.
“We keep the [classes] small, so we can really focus our attention on a one-on-one for them,” said Harper.
To avoid any barrier to receiving the support and services, all of the programs at GiGi’s Playhouse are offered at no cost to families. The program’s teachers are trained volunteers.
“I felt very close to everyone, and I felt like I would be a good fit to teach baking,” said Chef Anne White.
During the baking class, participants are able to have hands-on experience in baking snickerdoodle cookies, peach mulberry, and brownies. Chef White felt drawn to the center’s warm community. Her sister had Down syndrome.
“They have wonderful skills, so I came to join them,” said White. “What inspired me was their enthusiasm at our chef’s meeting.”
GiGi’s Playhouse in Tampa is one of the three locations in Florida. The Playhouse is sustained by volunteers, community partners, donors and fundraising events. There are several ways to volunteer, including working directly with GiGi’s participants, helping with events or helping with administrative task.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or to learn more about the programs offered, visit gigisplayhouse.org/tampa/ or contact GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa at 813-544-8000 and tampa@gigisplayhouse.org.
Anchor: George Rivera
Director: Jailyn Montero
Technical Director: Emmanuel Maduneme
Graphics: Steve Mutimer
Prompter: Garnet Sommett
Floor Manager: Marquetta Wilson
Camera Operator: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Reporter: Cheyenne Pagan
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Advisor: Catherine Gugerty, Jeanette Abrahamsen
