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Gigi—s Playhouse opens in Little Rock as a free Down-syndrome achievement center and asks for volunteers
Summary
Katie Sircsa told the committee Gigi—s Playhouse Little Rock is a free Down Syndrome Achievement Center (the 46th in the U.S., and the only one within roughly 600 miles) offering tutoring, therapy volunteers and career-development programs; the group asked legislators to volunteer, donate and promote an Oct. 12 walk/festival at Lake Willistine Park.
Katie Sircsa, representing Gigi—s Playhouse Little Rock, presented the nonprofit—s new Down Syndrome Achievement Center and asked the Senate Children and Youth Committee to support the center—s volunteer and outreach needs. "Gigi—s Playhouse is the only nationwide network of brick and mortar Down Syndrome Achievement Centers," Sircsa said, adding the Little Rock location is number 46 in the network and serves families statewide as the closest center within about 600 miles.
Sircsa described free, non-billable programs ranging from early-childhood "LMNOP" classes and 1-on-1 tutoring to adult life-skills and career-development programs. She said the Playhouse provides volunteer-staffed therapeutic services (occupational, physical and speech therapists who volunteer time) and operates a sensory library, tutoring rooms, a learning kitchen and community drop-in hours. Sircsa said the Playhouse is mostly volunteer-run and funded by donations and small grants rather than state or federal funding because grant deliverables can be difficult for a volunteer-led operation to guarantee.
Self-advocate Dennis Dixon addressed the committee about life with Down syndrome and the value of community supports; he described his own work and life experience and commended the Playhouse for creating opportunities for adults and children alike.
Sircsa asked members to spread the word, volunteer time (tutoring, leading programs), provide administrative help or support the Playhouse—s Oct. 12 awareness walk and festival at Lake Willistine Park. She said the grand opening drew more than 450 attendees and that in the first 30 days the Playhouse served 21 unique families. "We provide free, non billable life changing programs through prenatal diagnosis, all the way through adulthood," Sircsa said.
Committee members praised the effort, asked about funding and geographic reach, and Sircsa described outreach efforts with Arkansas Children—s Hospital and regional partners; the committee offered to help publicize the upcoming walk and volunteer opportunities.
