Community center designed for people with Down Syndrome opens 60th location in Southern California

"I'm ecstatic to welcome GiGi's Playhouse – Simi Valley as our 60th Playhouse," said Gianni.Photo byNathan AndersononUnsplash

GiGi's Playhouse is marking a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 60th location in Simi Valley, CA, on Saturday, August 17. This new Playhouse, 21 years in the making, celebrates the nonprofit's remarkable expansion since its founding in 2003. The grand opening event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Founder and Chief Belief Officer Nancy Gianni and her daughter GiGi, the inspiration behind the organization.

Nancy Gianni, who launched the first GiGi's Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, IL, was motivated by a personal mission to change perceptions of Down syndrome following her daughter GiGi's diagnosis. "I'm ecstatic to welcome GiGi's Playhouse – Simi Valley as our 60th Playhouse," said Gianni. "21 years ago, I opened the first GiGi's Playhouse. I was a scared mom on a mission to change the world. 59 locations later, we're still growing and providing free programming to the world!"

The Simi Valley location embodies GiGi's Playhouse's commitment to celebrating Down syndrome and offering free programming, support, and community to individuals and families. Founded on a model of volunteer support and funded by grants and donations, GiGi's Playhouse operates without government assistance.

The journey to opening the Simi Valley Playhouse began in 2020 when two local mothers initiated a grassroots effort to bring a GiGi's Playhouse to their community. Their dedication, supported by a team of twelve mothers, led to four years of fundraising and community engagement, culminating in this grand opening.