$400K awarded to expand programs for those with Down syndrome

People in the Down syndrome community are celebrating a piece of the state budget.

Rep. John Bradford noticed no money was allocated to helping Down syndrome families or organizations, so he pushed to change that.

GiGi’s Playhouse in Raleigh learned Tuesday it will receive $400,000 in state funding to expand programs that help infants and adults with Down syndrome.

The money will go toward expanding programs that promote literacy and job training.

“Our goal of GiGi’s Playhouse is really to change the perception of Down syndrome. They just want to be a part of society and so, if we can be a part of that and help them get to that point, that would be tremendous,” said GiGi’s Playhouse President Jeanhee Hoffman.

After just a year in operation, GiGi’s Playhouse said they’ve seen major changes in people who participate, including a 54-year-old man who has begun to read for the first time in his life.