Las Vegas – GiGi’s Playhouse, the only international network of Down syndrome achievement centers, is expanding to Southern Nevada with the opening of its 59th brick-and-mortar location. Located at 1535 W Warm Springs Road, Suite 100 Henderson 89014, GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas will offer FREE social, educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community beginning March 12.
GiGi’s Playhouse was originally introduced to Las Vegas in 2019 by families and community members looking to strengthen the support for the Down syndrome community. Efforts to build the Las Vegas location were put on hold during the pandemic and resumed in 2021 with the first-ever GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas GiGiFIT Challenge and family meet up.
“As part of the original start-up team, it’s exciting to see all our efforts come to fruition,” said Justine Chevalier, Site Manager of GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas. “The feedback we received when we first introduced GiGi’s Playhouse to families was amazing and we knew bringing the organization here would make a difference for the entire Down syndrome community.”
The programs offered are designed based on research and input from medical professionals, ensuring they are tailored to specifically address the unique challenges associated with both the physical and intellectual aspects of Down syndrome.
Laying the foundation for a comprehensive suite of over 30 innovative programs, GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas will open offering four programs:
- Language Music N, Our Peeps – Ideal for newborns to 3 years old, LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities.
- GiGi’s Dance Kids – Recommended for children 5-12 years old, GiGi’s Dance Kids is a dynamic and inclusive program that combines a socially engaging and thoughtful design to create an upbeat and exciting environment for youth participants. Benefits of the GiGi’s Dance program include emotional expression through movement and creativity, social engagement, and personal development.
- Teen Tastic – Recommended for ages 13-17 years old, Teen Tastic focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking, and problem-solving abilities.
- GiGiFIT Adult – Recommended for ages 18+, GiGiFIT Adult combines physical therapy with a strong fitness focus and goal of success and improved movement. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive allowing participants to build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control empowering participants through the power of exercise to increase independence and confidence in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.
“The way the Las Vegas community has opened up and welcomed us is truly a gift and we are sure that the community will find acceptance for all in GiGi’s Playhouse,” said Nancy Gianni, Founder & Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse. “What sets GiGi’s Playhouse apart is our dual role – not only do we support individuals with Down syndrome, but we also provide the community with an avenue for service. If you believe in a kinder and more accepting world, and believe in helping others, then GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you.”
For more information on GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas and to register for its programs, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/lasvegas/.