Inspiring & Empowering
Karen Carlson, GiGi's Playhouse Rockford
For the first time in history, individuals with Down syndrome have legitimate reason to hope for a brighter future. As a local non-profit that is part of the ONLY nationwide network of brick and mortar Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, GiGi's Playhouse Rockford is working to change the way the world views Down syndrome. Offering more than 20 educational, therapeutic-based, career-minded, and social programs, the Playhouse provides FREE lifetime services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The Rockford Playhouse is currently serving 375 individuals across five counties. With zero state and federal funding, all programming is funded through grants, sponsorships, and private or corporate donations and it is carried out by a staff of only three people with a dedicated core of over 200 volunteers.