Families will soon return to Gigi's Playhouse — the nonprofit achievement center for those with Down syndrome.

What You Need To Know

  • Gigi's Playhouse will begin to cautiously and safely reopen on Monday

  • The nonprofit achievement center serves those with Down syndrome

  • The center has 300 members in the Greater Rochester area

The Gigi’s Playhouse team hasn’t been able to welcome members in since March 15. Site Coordinator Amy Shulman can’t wait to welcome families back. 

"We are so excited to be opening our doors and getting some life back in the Playhouse," said Shulman.

The five-month shutdown due to COVID-19 meant Gigi's 300 Greater Rochester members, kids teens and adults with down syndrome, had to turn to virtual classes and programs for support and learning. This Monday, Gigi’s is cautiously and conservatively reopening starting with two outdoor fitness classes and one-on-one tutoring. 

"We want our families to feel as comfortable and safe as they always have here at our Playhouse and so we have taken numerous steps and gathered so many supplies. We have been so grateful to have so many donations," Shulman said.

"On a personal level I am most looking forward to the faces and smiles and I wish the hugs but those will come in time. Right now I just want to see those smiles and see the excitement in the energy that they bring back to our Playhouse," she added. 

 All of Gigi’s Playhouse programs are free of charge. It is 100 percent community funded and 99 percent volunteer-run.