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Beyond Limits: Gigi's Playhouse Empowers Individuals with Down Syndrome

• Skip Clark

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Speaker 1:

Hello there everybody. My name is Skip Clark and welcome back to the Inner Harbor cast. And today we're shining the light on an organization that's making a real difference right here in our community Gigi's Playhouse. And if you're not familiar with Gigi's, it's all about changing the way the world views Down syndrome, and if you know me, you know I have a son. He's 24, down syndrome. It takes advantage of a lot of these great programs that they have to offer Supporting families free programs, education, unconditional acceptance.

Speaker 1:

Joining me is Alyssa Johnston, who is the executive director and who helps lead the mission here locally. We're going to talk about the heart behind Gigi's, the impact that it has on so many families and how you can get involved in some of their amazing events. So we're going to dive right into this. And first of all, hi, alyssa, how are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm doing well, it's so good to see you. And now we finally meet. My son spends a lot of time at Gigi's Playhouse. Yeah, he was just there yesterday. Oh, okay, you remember, I do, you do. So. He usually tells me about what he did. Was it science?

Speaker 2:

Yes, yesterday's science group, I believe they made bouncy balls.

Speaker 1:

Oh, he didn't tell me that, of course, I had to work a show last night, so that's probably why let's talk about, for those that may not be familiar with, what Gigi's Playhouse is all about, what makes it unique compared to other organizations.

Speaker 2:

That it is mostly volunteer run, which I think really just speaks to the heartbeat of Gigi's and the community that's been built there, that we have so many amazing people that volunteer their time to help with the playhouse, tutoring events, classes, really anything that's going on there.

Speaker 1:

And how did you personally get involved? Because now you've only been there a few months.

Speaker 2:

Yes, only a few months. I had heard about it maybe early spring that they were looking to expand in the Syracuse area with who they have on staff there, um, and just what they're really doing with the community. So I actually like did some research about it and was like, well, this place sounds incredible, um, and ended up meeting the board president and then went in and met with one of the staff members there and just completely fell in love with it and here you are and you have nobody in your family that is in downs or anything like that.

Speaker 1:

So coming in from the outside and just knowing what they're all about was like I need to do this.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I mean walking in there for the first time and just feeling the community. And there was a class going on and I was like this is just incredible and I want to be a part of it.

Speaker 1:

I love it and Gigi's, of course. You know, we know it's built around the idea of changing the way the world sees Down syndrome. What does that mean in practice and how do you see it happening right here in central New York?

Speaker 2:

right here in central New York. Well, I think it starts with I mean even some of the classes and the math and literacy tutoring and really helping people gain the confidence and learn new skills so that they can go out into their communities and feel like they are a part of their community, being confident in wherever they are in their community. And then for myself and the volunteers, I think it's just educating people about Down syndrome, that Gigi's exists that.

Speaker 2:

Gigi's is here. We accept everybody through the doors at Gigi's, so whether somebody has Down syndrome or not, they're still welcome to come participate in our classes. It's just a really special place that I want the world to know about tell her where exactly is gg's now?

Speaker 1:

I know, of course you go there every day, but for those listening, where is gg's playhouse?

Speaker 2:

so we are located within driver's village um. We are on the second level in driver's village um. Go up the escalator and you'll see gigi's playhouse, double set of glass doors with some windows. We have long-term plans to maybe move to something a little bit more street facing, but for right now we're in Gigi, we're in driver's village and they've been incredibly generous with us.

Speaker 1:

Yes, I know I've been there for a lot of events, events, and I see how it all goes down. It's pretty good. What kinds of programs and services does Gigi's offer?

Speaker 2:

for those individuals with Down syndrome and their families. So we have math and literacy tutoring. We also have one-on-one speech therapy that we receive a grant so we actually contract with speech therapists and people can sign up and come in and receive those sessions for free. We also have kitchen classes for teens and adults. We have fitness classes for teens and adults. We have fitness classes for teens and adults. We have a new program starting in a couple of weeks called Elemental P, which is language music and our peeps. And that's for zero to three.

Speaker 1:

That's brand new. Yes, brand spanking new.

Speaker 2:

And we're really excited about that for the really little ones zero to three, and we're really excited about that for the really little ones zero to three and their families. And I think what's most important in that one is not only is it for these little guys to come in and start learning, it's a place for their families to connect. So while these classes are going on, these parents can meet other parents and be together.

Speaker 1:

I know that feeling yes, yes, and it's a whole community. It is Within itself.

Speaker 2:

It is within itself.

Speaker 1:

It is within itself, can you? Is there a story or a moment? I know you've only been there a few months, but you did a little research as well to get where you are today. Is there a story or a moment that really captures the impact of GGs on a child, adult or a family that you can think of?

Speaker 2:

So it was actually pre GGs. Before I started GGs, there was somebody that I was working with at another organization and we were just kind of saying, like different things, that we are and like I, you know, I am strong, I'm confident words like that and I asked him well, what's yours? And he said I am GGs, playhouse and Ihouse. And I was like, what do you mean by that? Like you know, it's just not the word I would have initially even thought of to describe it.

Speaker 2:

He goes well, I'm accepting, I am a community, I want people to be accepted, I want people to feel community. And it just like stopped me in my tracks when I first heard that, because I was like that is just so cool, that like that's how, that's how, that's how.

Speaker 1:

That's how they accept it and that's how you see it.

Speaker 2:

Yes, but also that he goes out and she was able to share that with me and, honestly, I hadn't heard of Gigi's before that and it made me go and actually look it up and be like, wow, they're doing something really special.

Speaker 1:

You're in a good place for a reason.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's, it's incredible.

Speaker 1:

And they use the words educate, inspire and believe. They use that phrase. How do those three words show up in everyday programming for you?

Speaker 2:

Well, there's an education component of all of our programs, but outside of that, it's educating our community and educating the people that we come across day after day about how much potential the people that we have the pleasure of serving at Gigi's Playhouse are capable of and they are inspiring other people and that we need to all believe in them and that the potential that they have you know, all this costs money it does everything costs money.

Speaker 1:

There's got to be fundraising. Maybe there's special funding. Uh, I know the ggs here in syracuse is only one playhouse out of many, I believe we're at 66 now okay, and the main one is chicago back in the day, and, of course, syracuse came on board. But all that being said, events. You have to have events because you need to raise that much needed money. Let's talk about the events. What do you have coming up?

Speaker 2:

So at the end of September, September 29th, we have our annual golf tournament. We still have a couple spots left if people are interested in signing up for that. That's probably one of our largest fundraisers that we have. So that is held at Beaver Meadows and we are looking for teams. We're always looking for sponsorships, raffle items, things like that.

Speaker 1:

So if anybody that's listening to this, if they want to give back, here's a great opportunity.

Speaker 2:

Yep, they can find our information on our website, all of our social media pages. They can reach my information's available. They can reach out to me directly. I'm happy to have a meeting or a phone call and explain all things. Ggs.

Speaker 1:

That's why we have phones Make the call, get involved. And talking about being involved, very volunteer driven is Gigi's. How does one volunteer?

Speaker 2:

so you can go right to our website and you can there's information on there to sign up and submit a form that just pretty much tells us you're interested. And then we reach out to you, we bring you in for a tour, we show you the playhouse, we give you a little bit of the story, the backstory, and then we let you know all of the ways in which you can volunteer, and we have people that volunteer on a regular basis to lead classes, but we also have volunteers that come in just for special events and kind of give us those extra set of hands.

Speaker 1:

What about individuals? Maybe you get a teacher, maybe you have a phys ed teacher, maybe you got somebody that's a trainer, maybe you've got somebody that's an arts and crafts instructor. You're welcome, obviously, you would welcome those people to get involved and help with the young men and women anywhere, from practically at birth all the way. I know my son, like I mentioned in the beginning, being 24 and taking part in the science class.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so I mean any any background and if you, even if you come in and you don't really know what it is, but you're like that seems really cool. I want to be a part of that. We have curriculums for every class and we're happy to sit down and to show you everything that it takes to really lead that class and to be a part of that program.

Speaker 1:

How do your events not only raise funds but also the awareness and understanding about down syndrome?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so our events, we have information available, all of our events. Um, you'll see, at the upcoming golf tournament we have a sign for every hole. That gives you some different information on down syndrome. You know what it certain things that happen with Down syndrome. You know medical or why it's important to support GGs and to help us with our mission.

Speaker 1:

I love that. Now October is coming. Yes, we all know October is Down syndrome awareness month. Tell me about. What does that mean for GGs and the families that you serve?

Speaker 2:

So we have some events that we are going to be setting up for the playhouse and just to really honor and recognize people with Down syndrome and to make the community aware and to just encourage people to get involved. Our actually in Drivers Village we have this lovely cafe right underneath us oh, I know it well.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I'm learning it, you know, and so I reached out to them and I just had told them that october's down syndrome awareness month. Would they not even anything for us at first, but, you know, would they be willing to just make a cookie that's gluten-free and to put it out on display? And they said, yeah, definitely. So they're actually making it a fundraiser for us as well. Nice.

Speaker 1:

I love it.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so during October, make sure you stop into the Brick House Cafe.

Speaker 1:

The Brick House. That's right. I was going to ask you what the name was and now you mentioned it. I remember it's the Brick House and just giving them a shout out.

Speaker 2:

So you check them out in Driver's Village and support the cause. What do Alyssa, what do you think is some of the big misconceptions about individuals with Down syndrome?

Speaker 1:

That they are not capable of achieving as much as you or I Wrong Wrong.

Speaker 2:

Correct.

Speaker 1:

Because having a son, I mean I go to him for help A lot of things. You know he's a big baseball fan, so am I, but he's on top. I can ask him uh, you know I need, I need some help. What's the average of? And I'll, I'll bring it, he'll, he'll get it for me, he gets it. Or I'll say, zach, I can't log onto my, uh, my app on my phone. Can you help me, dad?

Speaker 2:

Yes app on my phone. Can you help me dad? Yes, you know I'm never underestimate these young men and women. No, definitely not. I was watching a fitness class, like a month or so ago and they were, um, just evaluating where they stood at that moment. You know, their class progress, the just. I mean I was exhausted just watching them, like just how well they were engaging in all of the movements and the reps that they were doing. It was just incredible to see.

Speaker 1:

I have to ask. Before you were there and we had the Down Syndrome Association here locally, we used to do the body walk. The body walk was every year for a whole lot of years. That no longer exists. The body walk was every year for a whole lot of years. That no longer exists. Has Gigi's kind of taken that like maybe we should start this again or let's see what we can do? It was just a great walk. There are always thousands and it was another great way to raise awareness of these individuals.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and that's been a conversation that's come back up recently. In the meantime, we do have the GGs 5K. Oh, yeah, yeah, so people can get involved and participate in that. It's in May at Long Branch Park. We do have a walk, we have a run, lots of GGs and just the growth that I'm hoping that we can accomplish and the new events that we can get out there and engage the community with.

Speaker 1:

What is the most rewarding part for you?

Speaker 2:

Just seeing people excited to show up for class and just participating in the classes and at the same time that's going on having families or caregivers or whoever. It is being able to also form those connections with each other.

Speaker 1:

What's? I have a whole lot of questions, but already I feel I know the answers because of my experience. But for you to tell everybody what's the one thing you wish everyone knew about individuals with Down syndrome I mean you mentioned that never underestimate these people.

Speaker 2:

Don't put your limit, the limitations that you think that somebody has. Don't put that on somebody else. Don't put that on them, because they're capable of so much more, and I've been in this field for over 10 years now, and the amount of things that I've learned about myself that I don't think I would have otherwise learned if it wasn't for working with these incredible people.

Speaker 1:

Where were you before?

Speaker 2:

I was at Archivon and Daga.

Speaker 1:

Oh, okay. Well, now it all goes together. I get it. That's cool. That's cool. How many years were you there? For what? Nine years, probably, a little more, yep.

Speaker 2:

There was a little bit of.

Speaker 1:

But then you're, you're familiar with the disability side of things and you know you have a big heart, you know what it, you know what you need to do and there's, I think, every night when you go home you probably go. You know, I am so blessed. I am so blessed because you see so many different people, so many disabilities. I know this is the Down Syndrome Awareness Center, but still you have all levels.

Speaker 2:

I mean, it's just incredible to see and to work with people and just to be challenged to think in a way that you wouldn't otherwise really be challenged to think.

Speaker 1:

This is just incredible. It's always incredible If somebody listening right now wants to support Gigi's Playhouse, whether it's your time, donations or just spreading the word again, what is the first big step for them to do?

Speaker 2:

I would say they could go to our website. All information is available on our website. They can also go to our social medias. They can even find us on Facebook and message us right through Facebook. I'll get it right on my phone and can respond to them. And if they feel like they need more information, they can give me a call and I'm happy to go through all of the different ways that they could support Gigi.

Speaker 1:

So the website is.

Speaker 2:

Gigi's Playhouse dot org. Slash Syracuse Easy as that.

Speaker 1:

It's dot org. Slash Syracuse, and quickly, if you want to give out. Do you know the phone number off the top of your head? Two, three, one, five, two, eight, eight play well, that's okay, I get it, though, you know, don't ask me about my phone number, because I wouldn't be able to tell you so that's how it is, no, I know, uh it's.

Speaker 1:

It's just so rewarding and such a good feeling that we have somebody in place that has been you know, you've got some experience doing this. I think they made a great choice back in j and now, look, you're leading the Gigi's playhouse. And uh, what do you? Where do you like? Let's go a few years down the road. Where do you want to see Gigi's?

Speaker 2:

I want to see them in a location that people are driving by that may have never heard of it and be like, oh, what's that place over there that looks really cool, cool and be able to look it up and and find out about it, find out about it, yeah, and to make it as accessible as possible for our community.

Speaker 2:

And it's so much more than a space just for people with down syndrome. It's really a space where we want the community to utilize it and it to be a special place that people can come to and feel safe so doing your social media?

Speaker 1:

that does a lot of that, because you and I and just about everybody in the world we're on social media. But have you thought about, like, maybe billboards or something along the main highways or something like that said, hey, check this out, maybe just Gigi's Playhouse and then the? I know I'm just trying to be creative as we talk here, but things like that. Maybe somebody would give a little bit that you know.

Speaker 2:

Yes, and that's exactly kind of some of the next steps is really just increasing awareness in the community of Gigi's Playhouse. When I first was really starting to get involved with Gigi's, I had a friend say, yeah, it just feels like it's one of those best kept secrets and I was like I feel that a hundred percent, but I don't want it to be a secret, I want it.

Speaker 1:

I think it's always going to be that way, but not Does that make sense? I just we always say that because once you say that, it's like wow, this is awesome. So, and that's what Gigi's Playhouse is all about. And I just want to say a big thank you to Alyssa Johnston for coming in today and sharing the incredible work that's being done at GG's. It's organizations like GG's Playhouse that remind us how powerful community can be, and we're located these radio stations here. We're locally owned too.

Speaker 1:

Everybody in this building came from a corporate side, but now we're all working local and you know you're there doing this at GG's. Make sure you check out their website, follow along on their social media. If you want to give donate, I'm sure there's a donate button right on the website Tax deductible. I'm just saying. Maybe you're looking for a way to maybe help somebody or something. There's a great opportunity and, as always, I want to say thank you for listening to the Inner Harbor cast. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcast from, but never miss an episode. But uh, alyssa, uh, anything else you'd like to add?

Speaker 2:

No, I just thank you for your time.

Speaker 1:

I love this. You know, I love this.

Speaker 2:

I know, but just giving me a platform to share Gigi's playhouse, you know the door is always open.

Speaker 1:

You got all these events coming up, events that we need to take part in. Just reach out, reach out to me, I'll come out as well. You know. I don't know if you were there back in May. No, you weren't. You came out in June, but you know, with the 5K and all that, so it's always a lot of fun. Alyssa Johnston, executive Director. Gigi's Playhouse here in Syracuse.

Speaker 2:

Yes, thank.

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