New playhouse for individuals with Down syndrome opens

It's 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, at the location at 2887 Jones Franklin Rd., Raleigh. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The afternoon also will include tours of the playhouse, along with a bounce house, music and a performance by Alpha Athletics special needs cheer team.

Launched in 2003 by a mom with a child with Down syndrome, GiGi's now has locations across the country and in Mexico. The program offers more than 30 different therapeutic and educational programs at no charge to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, according to a press release. The goal is to provide individuals with Down syndrome and their families the chance to grow their confidence and skills while advocating a global message of acceptance.

These free programs focus on all aspects of skill development in the areas of education, social skills, speech and language skills, fine and gross motor development, and job training, according to the release.

“Our program participants continue to change the way people view Down syndrome through their amazing self-confidence and skills,” said GiGi’s Playhouse founder Nancy Gianni in the release. Gianni, the mother of GiGi who opened the first playhouse in Illinois in 2003, will be at Saturday's grand opening.