Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello there everybody .
My name is Skip Clark andwelcome back to the Inner Harbor
cast.
And today we're shining thelight on an organization that's
making a real difference righthere in our community Gigi's
Playhouse.
And if you're not familiar withGigi's, it's all about changing
the way the world views Downsyndrome, and if you know me,
(00:21):
you know I have a son.
He's 24, down syndrome.
It takes advantage of a lot ofthese great programs that they
have to offer Supportingfamilies free programs,
education, unconditionalacceptance.
Joining me is Alyssa Johnston,who is the executive director
and who helps lead the missionhere locally.
We're going to talk about theheart behind Gigi's, the impact
(00:44):
that it has on so many familiesand how you can get involved in
some of their amazing events.
So we're going to dive rightinto this.
And first of all, hi, alyssa,how are you?
I'm good.
How are you?
I'm doing well, it's so good tosee you.
And now we finally meet.
My son spends a lot of time atGigi's Playhouse.
Yeah, he was just thereyesterday.
(01:04):
Oh, okay, you remember, I do,you do.
So.
He usually tells me about whathe did.
Was it science?
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yes, yesterday's science group, I believe they
made bouncy balls.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Oh, he didn't tell me that, of course, I had to work
a show last night, so that'sprobably why let's talk about,
for those that may not befamiliar with, what Gigi's
Playhouse is all about, whatmakes it unique compared to
other organizations.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
That it is mostly volunteer run, which I think
really just speaks to theheartbeat of Gigi's and the
community that's been builtthere, that we have so many
amazing people that volunteertheir time to help with the
playhouse, tutoring events,classes, really anything that's
(01:51):
going on there.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
And how did you personally get involved?
Because now you've only beenthere a few months.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Yes, only a few months.
I had heard about it maybeearly spring that they were
looking to expand in theSyracuse area with who they have
on staff there, um, and justwhat they're really doing with
the community.
So I actually like did someresearch about it and was like,
well, this place soundsincredible, um, and ended up
(02:20):
meeting the board president andthen went in and met with one of
the staff members there andjust completely fell in love
with it and here you are and youhave nobody in your family that
is in downs or anything likethat.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So coming in from the outside and just knowing what
they're all about was like Ineed to do this.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, I mean walking in there for the first time and
just feeling the community.
And there was a class going onand I was like this is just
incredible and I want to be apart of it.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I love it and Gigi's, of course.
You know, we know it's builtaround the idea of changing the
way the world sees Down syndrome.
What does that mean in practiceand how do you see it happening
right here in central New York?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
right here in central New York.
Well, I think it starts with Imean even some of the classes
and the math and literacytutoring and really helping
people gain the confidence andlearn new skills so that they
can go out into theircommunities and feel like they
are a part of their community,being confident in wherever they
are in their community.
And then for myself and thevolunteers, I think it's just
(03:25):
educating people about Downsyndrome, that Gigi's exists
that.
Gigi's is here.
We accept everybody through thedoors at Gigi's, so whether
somebody has Down syndrome ornot, they're still welcome to
come participate in our classes.
It's just a really specialplace that I want the world to
know about tell her whereexactly is gg's now?
Speaker 1 (03:47):
I know, of course you go there every day, but for
those listening, where is gg'splayhouse?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
so we are located within driver's village um.
We are on the second level indriver's village um.
Go up the escalator and you'llsee gigi's playhouse, double set
of glass doors with somewindows.
We have long-term plans tomaybe move to something a little
bit more street facing, but forright now we're in Gigi, we're
(04:13):
in driver's village and they'vebeen incredibly generous with us
.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Yes, I know I've been there for a lot of events,
events, and I see how it allgoes down.
It's pretty good.
What kinds of programs andservices does Gigi's offer?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
for those individuals with Down syndrome and their
families.
So we have math and literacytutoring.
We also have one-on-one speechtherapy that we receive a grant
so we actually contract withspeech therapists and people can
sign up and come in and receivethose sessions for free.
We also have kitchen classesfor teens and adults.
We have fitness classes forteens and adults.
We have fitness classes forteens and adults.
We have a new program startingin a couple of weeks called
(04:51):
Elemental P, which is languagemusic and our peeps.
And that's for zero to three.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
That's brand new.
Yes, brand spanking new.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
And we're really excited about that for the
really little ones zero to three, and we're really excited about
that for the really little oneszero to three and their
families.
And I think what's mostimportant in that one is not
only is it for these little guysto come in and start learning,
it's a place for their familiesto connect.
So while these classes aregoing on, these parents can meet
other parents and be together.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
I know that feeling yes, yes, and it's a whole
community.
It is Within itself.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It is within itself.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
It is within itself, can you?
Is there a story or a moment?
I know you've only been there afew months, but you did a
little research as well to getwhere you are today.
Is there a story or a momentthat really captures the impact
of GGs on a child, adult or afamily that you can think of?
Speaker 2 (05:43):
So it was actually pre GGs.
Before I started GGs, there wassomebody that I was working
with at another organization andwe were just kind of saying,
like different things, that weare and like I, you know, I am
strong, I'm confident words likethat and I asked him well,
what's yours?
And he said I am GGs, playhouseand Ihouse.
And I was like, what do youmean by that?
(06:04):
Like you know, it's just notthe word I would have initially
even thought of to describe it.
He goes well, I'm accepting, Iam a community, I want people to
be accepted, I want people tofeel community.
And it just like stopped me inmy tracks when I first heard
that, because I was like that isjust so cool, that like that's
how, that's how, that's how.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
That's how they accept it and that's how you see
it.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Yes, but also that he goes out and she was able to
share that with me and, honestly, I hadn't heard of Gigi's
before that and it made me goand actually look it up and be
like, wow, they're doingsomething really special.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
You're in a good place for a reason.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Yeah, it's, it's incredible.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
And they use the words educate, inspire and
believe.
They use that phrase.
How do those three words showup in everyday programming for
you?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Well, there's an education component of all of
our programs, but outside ofthat, it's educating our
community and educating thepeople that we come across day
after day about how muchpotential the people that we
have the pleasure of serving atGigi's Playhouse are capable of
and they are inspiring otherpeople and that we need to all
(07:14):
believe in them and that thepotential that they have you
know, all this costs money itdoes everything costs money.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
There's got to be fundraising.
Maybe there's special funding.
Uh, I know the ggs here insyracuse is only one playhouse
out of many, I believe we're at66 now okay, and the main one is
chicago back in the day, and,of course, syracuse came on
board.
But all that being said, events.
(07:40):
You have to have events becauseyou need to raise that much
needed money.
Let's talk about the events.
What do you have coming up?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
So at the end of September, September 29th, we
have our annual golf tournament.
We still have a couple spotsleft if people are interested in
signing up for that.
That's probably one of ourlargest fundraisers that we have
.
So that is held at BeaverMeadows and we are looking for
teams.
We're always looking forsponsorships, raffle items,
(08:10):
things like that.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So if anybody that's listening to this, if they want
to give back, here's a greatopportunity.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yep, they can find our information on our website,
all of our social media pages.
They can reach my information'savailable.
They can reach out to medirectly.
I'm happy to have a meeting ora phone call and explain all
things.
Ggs.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
That's why we have phones Make the call, get
involved.
And talking about beinginvolved, very volunteer driven
is Gigi's.
How does one volunteer?
Speaker 2 (08:40):
so you can go right to our website and you can
there's information on there tosign up and submit a form that
just pretty much tells us you'reinterested.
And then we reach out to you,we bring you in for a tour, we
show you the playhouse, we giveyou a little bit of the story,
the backstory, and then we letyou know all of the ways in
which you can volunteer, and wehave people that volunteer on a
(09:02):
regular basis to lead classes,but we also have volunteers that
come in just for special eventsand kind of give us those extra
set of hands.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
What about individuals?
Maybe you get a teacher, maybeyou have a phys ed teacher,
maybe you got somebody that's atrainer, maybe you've got
somebody that's an arts andcrafts instructor.
You're welcome, obviously, youwould welcome those people to
get involved and help with theyoung men and women anywhere,
from practically at birth allthe way.
I know my son, like I mentionedin the beginning, being 24 and
(09:32):
taking part in the science class.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Yeah, so I mean any any background and if you, even
if you come in and you don'treally know what it is, but
you're like that seems reallycool.
I want to be a part of that.
We have curriculums for everyclass and we're happy to sit
down and to show you everythingthat it takes to really lead
that class and to be a part ofthat program.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
How do your events not only raise funds but also
the awareness and understandingabout down syndrome?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Yeah, so our events, we have information available,
all of our events.
Um, you'll see, at the upcominggolf tournament we have a sign
for every hole.
That gives you some differentinformation on down syndrome.
You know what it certain thingsthat happen with Down syndrome.
You know medical or why it'simportant to support GGs and to
(10:22):
help us with our mission.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
I love that.
Now October is coming.
Yes, we all know October isDown syndrome awareness month.
Tell me about.
What does that mean for GGs andthe families that you serve?
Speaker 2 (10:34):
So we have some events that we are going to be
setting up for the playhouse andjust to really honor and
recognize people with Downsyndrome and to make the
community aware and to justencourage people to get involved
.
Our actually in Drivers Villagewe have this lovely cafe right
(10:55):
underneath us oh, I know it well.
Oh, I'm learning it, you know,and so I reached out to them and
I just had told them thatoctober's down syndrome
awareness month.
Would they not even anythingfor us at first, but, you know,
would they be willing to justmake a cookie that's gluten-free
and to put it out on display?
And they said, yeah, definitely.
(11:15):
So they're actually making it afundraiser for us as well.
Nice.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Yeah, so during October, make sure you stop into
the Brick House Cafe.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
The Brick House.
That's right.
I was going to ask you what thename was and now you mentioned
it.
I remember it's the Brick Houseand just giving them a shout
out.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
So you check them out in Driver's Village and support
the cause.
What do Alyssa, what do youthink is some of the big
misconceptions about individualswith Down syndrome?
Speaker 1 (11:45):
That they are not capable of achieving as much as
you or I Wrong Wrong.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Because having a son, I mean I go to him for help A
lot of things.
You know he's a big baseballfan, so am I, but he's on top.
I can ask him uh, you know Ineed, I need some help.
What's the average of?
And I'll, I'll bring it, he'll,he'll get it for me, he gets it
.
Or I'll say, zach, I can't logonto my, uh, my app on my phone.
(12:08):
Can you help me, dad?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yes app on my phone.
Can you help me dad?
Yes, you know I'm neverunderestimate these young men
and women.
No, definitely not.
I was watching a fitness class,like a month or so ago and they
were, um, just evaluating wherethey stood at that moment.
You know, their class progress,the just.
I mean I was exhausted justwatching them, like just how
well they were engaging in allof the movements and the reps
(12:36):
that they were doing.
It was just incredible to see.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
I have to ask.
Before you were there and wehad the Down Syndrome
Association here locally, weused to do the body walk.
The body walk was every yearfor a whole lot of years.
That no longer exists.
The body walk was every yearfor a whole lot of years.
That no longer exists.
Has Gigi's kind of taken thatlike maybe we should start this
again or let's see what we cando?
It was just a great walk.
(12:59):
There are always thousands andit was another great way to
raise awareness of theseindividuals.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Yeah, and that's been a conversation that's come back
up recently.
In the meantime, we do have theGGs 5K.
Oh, yeah, yeah, so people canget involved and participate in
that.
It's in May at Long Branch Park.
(13:28):
We do have a walk, we have arun, lots of GGs and just the
growth that I'm hoping that wecan accomplish and the new
events that we can get out thereand engage the community with.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
What is the most rewarding part for you?
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Just seeing people excited to show up for class and
just participating in theclasses and at the same time
that's going on having familiesor caregivers or whoever.
It is being able to also formthose connections with each
other.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
What's?
I have a whole lot of questions, but already I feel I know the
answers because of my experience.
But for you to tell everybodywhat's the one thing you wish
everyone knew about individualswith Down syndrome I mean you
mentioned that neverunderestimate these people.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Don't put your limit, the limitations that you think
that somebody has.
Don't put that on somebody else.
Don't put that on them, becausethey're capable of so much more
, and I've been in this fieldfor over 10 years now, and the
amount of things that I'velearned about myself that I
don't think I would haveotherwise learned if it wasn't
for working with theseincredible people.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Where were you before ?
Speaker 2 (14:35):
I was at Archivon and Daga.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Oh, okay.
Well, now it all goes together.
I get it.
That's cool.
That's cool.
How many years were you there?
For what?
Nine years, probably, a littlemore, yep.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
There was a little bit of.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
But then you're, you're familiar with the
disability side of things andyou know you have a big heart,
you know what it, you know whatyou need to do and there's, I
think, every night when you gohome you probably go.
You know, I am so blessed.
I am so blessed because you seeso many different people, so
many disabilities.
I know this is the DownSyndrome Awareness Center, but
still you have all levels.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I mean, it's just incredible to see and to work
with people and just to bechallenged to think in a way
that you wouldn't otherwisereally be challenged to think.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
This is just incredible.
It's always incredible Ifsomebody listening right now
wants to support Gigi'sPlayhouse, whether it's your
time, donations or justspreading the word again, what
is the first big step for themto do?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
I would say they could go to our website.
All information is available onour website.
They can also go to our socialmedias.
They can even find us onFacebook and message us right
through Facebook.
I'll get it right on my phoneand can respond to them.
And if they feel like they needmore information, they can give
me a call and I'm happy to gothrough all of the different
(15:55):
ways that they could supportGigi.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
So the website is.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Gigi's Playhouse dot org.
Slash Syracuse Easy as that.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
It's dot org.
Slash Syracuse, and quickly, ifyou want to give out.
Do you know the phone numberoff the top of your head?
Two, three, one, five, two,eight, eight play well, that's
okay, I get it, though, you know, don't ask me about my phone
number, because I wouldn't beable to tell you so that's how
it is, no, I know, uh it's.
It's just so rewarding and sucha good feeling that we have
(16:25):
somebody in place that has beenyou know, you've got some
experience doing this.
I think they made a greatchoice back in j and now, look,
you're leading the Gigi'splayhouse.
And uh, what do you?
Where do you like?
Let's go a few years down theroad.
Where do you want to see Gigi's?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I want to see them in a location that people are
driving by that may have neverheard of it and be like, oh,
what's that place over therethat looks really cool, cool and
be able to look it up and andfind out about it, find out
about it, yeah, and to make itas accessible as possible for
our community.
And it's so much more than aspace just for people with down
syndrome.
It's really a space where wewant the community to utilize it
(17:04):
and it to be a special placethat people can come to and feel
safe so doing your social media?
Speaker 1 (17:11):
that does a lot of that, because you and I and just
about everybody in the worldwe're on social media.
But have you thought about,like, maybe billboards or
something along the mainhighways or something like that
said, hey, check this out, maybejust Gigi's Playhouse and then
the?
I know I'm just trying to becreative as we talk here, but
things like that.
Maybe somebody would give alittle bit that you know.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yes, and that's exactly kind of some of the next
steps is really just increasingawareness in the community of
Gigi's Playhouse.
When I first was reallystarting to get involved with
Gigi's, I had a friend say, yeah, it just feels like it's one of
those best kept secrets and Iwas like I feel that a hundred
percent, but I don't want it tobe a secret, I want it.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
I think it's always going to be that way, but not
Does that make sense?
I just we always say thatbecause once you say that, it's
like wow, this is awesome.
So, and that's what Gigi'sPlayhouse is all about.
And I just want to say a bigthank you to Alyssa Johnston for
coming in today and sharing theincredible work that's being
done at GG's.
It's organizations like GG'sPlayhouse that remind us how
(18:13):
powerful community can be, andwe're located these radio
stations here.
We're locally owned too.
Everybody in this building camefrom a corporate side, but now
we're all working local and youknow you're there doing this at
GG's.
Make sure you check out theirwebsite, follow along on their
social media.
If you want to give donate, I'msure there's a donate button
(18:34):
right on the website Taxdeductible.
I'm just saying.
Maybe you're looking for a wayto maybe help somebody or
something.
There's a great opportunity and, as always, I want to say thank
you for listening to the InnerHarbor cast.
Make sure you subscribe onYouTube and wherever you get
your podcast from, but nevermiss an episode.
But uh, alyssa, uh, anythingelse you'd like to add?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
No, I just thank you for your time.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
I love this.
You know, I love this.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
I know, but just giving me a platform to share
Gigi's playhouse, you know thedoor is always open.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
You got all these events coming up, events that we
need to take part in.
Just reach out, reach out to me, I'll come out as well.
You know.
I don't know if you were thereback in May.
No, you weren't.
You came out in June, but youknow, with the 5K and all that,
so it's always a lot of fun.
Alyssa Johnston, executiveDirector.
Gigi's Playhouse here inSyracuse.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Yes, thank.
Hello there everybody .
My name is Skip Clark andwelcome back to the Inner Harbor
cast.
And today we're shining thelight on an organization that's
making a real difference righthere in our community Gigi's
Playhouse.
And if you're not familiar withGigi's, it's all about changing
the way the world views Downsyndrome, and if you know me,
(00:21):
you know I have a son.
He's 24, down syndrome.
It takes advantage of a lot ofthese great programs that they
have to offer Supportingfamilies free programs,
education, unconditionalacceptance.
Joining me is Alyssa Johnston,who is the executive director
and who helps lead the missionhere locally.
We're going to talk about theheart behind Gigi's, the impact
(00:44):
that it has on so many familiesand how you can get involved in
some of their amazing events.
So we're going to dive rightinto this.
And first of all, hi, alyssa,how are you?
I'm good.
How are you?
I'm doing well, it's so good tosee you.
And now we finally meet.
My son spends a lot of time atGigi's Playhouse.
Yeah, he was just thereyesterday.
(01:04):
Oh, okay, you remember, I do,you do.
So.
He usually tells me about whathe did.
Was it science?
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yes, yesterday's science group, I believe they
made bouncy balls.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Oh, he didn't tell me that, of course, I had to work
a show last night, so that'sprobably why let's talk about,
for those that may not befamiliar with, what Gigi's
Playhouse is all about, whatmakes it unique compared to
other organizations.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
That it is mostly volunteer run, which I think
really just speaks to theheartbeat of Gigi's and the
community that's been builtthere, that we have so many
amazing people that volunteertheir time to help with the
playhouse, tutoring events,classes, really anything that's
(01:51):
going on there.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
And how did you personally get involved?
Because now you've only beenthere a few months.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Yes, only a few months.
I had heard about it maybeearly spring that they were
looking to expand in theSyracuse area with who they have
on staff there, um, and justwhat they're really doing with
the community.
So I actually like did someresearch about it and was like,
well, this place soundsincredible, um, and ended up
(02:20):
meeting the board president andthen went in and met with one of
the staff members there andjust completely fell in love
with it and here you are and youhave nobody in your family that
is in downs or anything likethat.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
So coming in from the outside and just knowing what
they're all about was like Ineed to do this.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, I mean walking in there for the first time and
just feeling the community.
And there was a class going onand I was like this is just
incredible and I want to be apart of it.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I love it and Gigi's, of course.
You know, we know it's builtaround the idea of changing the
way the world sees Down syndrome.
What does that mean in practiceand how do you see it happening
right here in central New York?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
right here in central New York.
Well, I think it starts with Imean even some of the classes
and the math and literacytutoring and really helping
people gain the confidence andlearn new skills so that they
can go out into theircommunities and feel like they
are a part of their community,being confident in wherever they
are in their community.
And then for myself and thevolunteers, I think it's just
(03:25):
educating people about Downsyndrome, that Gigi's exists
that.
Gigi's is here.
We accept everybody through thedoors at Gigi's, so whether
somebody has Down syndrome ornot, they're still welcome to
come participate in our classes.
It's just a really specialplace that I want the world to
know about tell her whereexactly is gg's now?
Speaker 1 (03:47):
I know, of course you go there every day, but for
those listening, where is gg'splayhouse?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
so we are located within driver's village um.
We are on the second level indriver's village um.
Go up the escalator and you'llsee gigi's playhouse, double set
of glass doors with somewindows.
We have long-term plans tomaybe move to something a little
bit more street facing, but forright now we're in Gigi, we're
(04:13):
in driver's village and they'vebeen incredibly generous with us
.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Yes, I know I've been there for a lot of events,
events, and I see how it allgoes down.
It's pretty good.
What kinds of programs andservices does Gigi's offer?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
for those individuals with Down syndrome and their
families.
So we have math and literacytutoring.
We also have one-on-one speechtherapy that we receive a grant
so we actually contract withspeech therapists and people can
sign up and come in and receivethose sessions for free.
We also have kitchen classesfor teens and adults.
We have fitness classes forteens and adults.
We have fitness classes forteens and adults.
We have a new program startingin a couple of weeks called
(04:51):
Elemental P, which is languagemusic and our peeps.
And that's for zero to three.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
That's brand new.
Yes, brand spanking new.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
And we're really excited about that for the
really little ones zero to three, and we're really excited about
that for the really little oneszero to three and their
families.
And I think what's mostimportant in that one is not
only is it for these little guysto come in and start learning,
it's a place for their familiesto connect.
So while these classes aregoing on, these parents can meet
other parents and be together.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
I know that feeling yes, yes, and it's a whole
community.
It is Within itself.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It is within itself.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
It is within itself, can you?
Is there a story or a moment?
I know you've only been there afew months, but you did a
little research as well to getwhere you are today.
Is there a story or a momentthat really captures the impact
of GGs on a child, adult or afamily that you can think of?
Speaker 2 (05:43):
So it was actually pre GGs.
Before I started GGs, there wassomebody that I was working
with at another organization andwe were just kind of saying,
like different things, that weare and like I, you know, I am
strong, I'm confident words likethat and I asked him well,
what's yours?
And he said I am GGs, playhouseand Ihouse.
And I was like, what do youmean by that?
(06:04):
Like you know, it's just notthe word I would have initially
even thought of to describe it.
He goes well, I'm accepting, Iam a community, I want people to
be accepted, I want people tofeel community.
And it just like stopped me inmy tracks when I first heard
that, because I was like that isjust so cool, that like that's
how, that's how, that's how.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
That's how they accept it and that's how you see
it.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Yes, but also that he goes out and she was able to
share that with me and, honestly, I hadn't heard of Gigi's
before that and it made me goand actually look it up and be
like, wow, they're doingsomething really special.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
You're in a good place for a reason.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Yeah, it's, it's incredible.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
And they use the words educate, inspire and
believe.
They use that phrase.
How do those three words showup in everyday programming for
you?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Well, there's an education component of all of
our programs, but outside ofthat, it's educating our
community and educating thepeople that we come across day
after day about how muchpotential the people that we
have the pleasure of serving atGigi's Playhouse are capable of
and they are inspiring otherpeople and that we need to all
(07:14):
believe in them and that thepotential that they have you
know, all this costs money itdoes everything costs money.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
There's got to be fundraising.
Maybe there's special funding.
Uh, I know the ggs here insyracuse is only one playhouse
out of many, I believe we're at66 now okay, and the main one is
chicago back in the day, and,of course, syracuse came on
board.
But all that being said, events.
(07:40):
You have to have events becauseyou need to raise that much
needed money.
Let's talk about the events.
What do you have coming up?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
So at the end of September, September 29th, we
have our annual golf tournament.
We still have a couple spotsleft if people are interested in
signing up for that.
That's probably one of ourlargest fundraisers that we have
.
So that is held at BeaverMeadows and we are looking for
teams.
We're always looking forsponsorships, raffle items,
(08:10):
things like that.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So if anybody that's listening to this, if they want
to give back, here's a greatopportunity.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yep, they can find our information on our website,
all of our social media pages.
They can reach my information'savailable.
They can reach out to medirectly.
I'm happy to have a meeting ora phone call and explain all
things.
Ggs.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
That's why we have phones Make the call, get
involved.
And talking about beinginvolved, very volunteer driven
is Gigi's.
How does one volunteer?
Speaker 2 (08:40):
so you can go right to our website and you can
there's information on there tosign up and submit a form that
just pretty much tells us you'reinterested.
And then we reach out to you,we bring you in for a tour, we
show you the playhouse, we giveyou a little bit of the story,
the backstory, and then we letyou know all of the ways in
which you can volunteer, and wehave people that volunteer on a
(09:02):
regular basis to lead classes,but we also have volunteers that
come in just for special eventsand kind of give us those extra
set of hands.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
What about individuals?
Maybe you get a teacher, maybeyou have a phys ed teacher,
maybe you got somebody that's atrainer, maybe you've got
somebody that's an arts andcrafts instructor.
You're welcome, obviously, youwould welcome those people to
get involved and help with theyoung men and women anywhere,
from practically at birth allthe way.
I know my son, like I mentionedin the beginning, being 24 and
(09:32):
taking part in the science class.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Yeah, so I mean any any background and if you, even
if you come in and you don'treally know what it is, but
you're like that seems reallycool.
I want to be a part of that.
We have curriculums for everyclass and we're happy to sit
down and to show you everythingthat it takes to really lead
that class and to be a part ofthat program.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
How do your events not only raise funds but also
the awareness and understandingabout down syndrome?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Yeah, so our events, we have information available,
all of our events.
Um, you'll see, at the upcominggolf tournament we have a sign
for every hole.
That gives you some differentinformation on down syndrome.
You know what it certain thingsthat happen with Down syndrome.
You know medical or why it'simportant to support GGs and to
(10:22):
help us with our mission.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
I love that.
Now October is coming.
Yes, we all know October isDown syndrome awareness month.
Tell me about.
What does that mean for GGs andthe families that you serve?
Speaker 2 (10:34):
So we have some events that we are going to be
setting up for the playhouse andjust to really honor and
recognize people with Downsyndrome and to make the
community aware and to justencourage people to get involved
.
Our actually in Drivers Villagewe have this lovely cafe right
(10:55):
underneath us oh, I know it well.
Oh, I'm learning it, you know,and so I reached out to them and
I just had told them thatoctober's down syndrome
awareness month.
Would they not even anythingfor us at first, but, you know,
would they be willing to justmake a cookie that's gluten-free
and to put it out on display?
And they said, yeah, definitely.
(11:15):
So they're actually making it afundraiser for us as well.
Nice.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Yeah, so during October, make sure you stop into
the Brick House Cafe.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
The Brick House.
That's right.
I was going to ask you what thename was and now you mentioned
it.
I remember it's the Brick Houseand just giving them a shout
out.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
So you check them out in Driver's Village and support
the cause.
What do Alyssa, what do youthink is some of the big
misconceptions about individualswith Down syndrome?
Speaker 1 (11:45):
That they are not capable of achieving as much as
you or I Wrong Wrong.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Because having a son, I mean I go to him for help A
lot of things.
You know he's a big baseballfan, so am I, but he's on top.
I can ask him uh, you know Ineed, I need some help.
What's the average of?
And I'll, I'll bring it, he'll,he'll get it for me, he gets it
.
Or I'll say, zach, I can't logonto my, uh, my app on my phone.
(12:08):
Can you help me, dad?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yes app on my phone.
Can you help me dad?
Yes, you know I'm neverunderestimate these young men
and women.
No, definitely not.
I was watching a fitness class,like a month or so ago and they
were, um, just evaluating wherethey stood at that moment.
You know, their class progress,the just.
I mean I was exhausted justwatching them, like just how
well they were engaging in allof the movements and the reps
(12:36):
that they were doing.
It was just incredible to see.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
I have to ask.
Before you were there and wehad the Down Syndrome
Association here locally, weused to do the body walk.
The body walk was every yearfor a whole lot of years.
That no longer exists.
The body walk was every yearfor a whole lot of years.
That no longer exists.
Has Gigi's kind of taken thatlike maybe we should start this
again or let's see what we cando?
It was just a great walk.
(12:59):
There are always thousands andit was another great way to
raise awareness of theseindividuals.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Yeah, and that's been a conversation that's come back
up recently.
In the meantime, we do have theGGs 5K.
Oh, yeah, yeah, so people canget involved and participate in
that.
It's in May at Long Branch Park.
(13:28):
We do have a walk, we have arun, lots of GGs and just the
growth that I'm hoping that wecan accomplish and the new
events that we can get out thereand engage the community with.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
What is the most rewarding part for you?
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Just seeing people excited to show up for class and
just participating in theclasses and at the same time
that's going on having familiesor caregivers or whoever.
It is being able to also formthose connections with each
other.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
What's?
I have a whole lot of questions, but already I feel I know the
answers because of my experience.
But for you to tell everybodywhat's the one thing you wish
everyone knew about individualswith Down syndrome I mean you
mentioned that neverunderestimate these people.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Don't put your limit, the limitations that you think
that somebody has.
Don't put that on somebody else.
Don't put that on them, becausethey're capable of so much more
, and I've been in this fieldfor over 10 years now, and the
amount of things that I'velearned about myself that I
don't think I would haveotherwise learned if it wasn't
for working with theseincredible people.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Where were you before ?
Speaker 2 (14:35):
I was at Archivon and Daga.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Oh, okay.
Well, now it all goes together.
I get it.
That's cool.
That's cool.
How many years were you there?
For what?
Nine years, probably, a littlemore, yep.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
There was a little bit of.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
But then you're, you're familiar with the
disability side of things andyou know you have a big heart,
you know what it, you know whatyou need to do and there's, I
think, every night when you gohome you probably go.
You know, I am so blessed.
I am so blessed because you seeso many different people, so
many disabilities.
I know this is the DownSyndrome Awareness Center, but
still you have all levels.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I mean, it's just incredible to see and to work
with people and just to bechallenged to think in a way
that you wouldn't otherwisereally be challenged to think.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
This is just incredible.
It's always incredible Ifsomebody listening right now
wants to support Gigi'sPlayhouse, whether it's your
time, donations or justspreading the word again, what
is the first big step for themto do?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
I would say they could go to our website.
All information is available onour website.
They can also go to our socialmedias.
They can even find us onFacebook and message us right
through Facebook.
I'll get it right on my phoneand can respond to them.
And if they feel like they needmore information, they can give
me a call and I'm happy to gothrough all of the different
(15:55):
ways that they could supportGigi.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
So the website is.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Gigi's Playhouse dot org.
Slash Syracuse Easy as that.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
It's dot org.
Slash Syracuse, and quickly, ifyou want to give out.
Do you know the phone numberoff the top of your head?
Two, three, one, five, two,eight, eight play well, that's
okay, I get it, though, you know, don't ask me about my phone
number, because I wouldn't beable to tell you so that's how
it is, no, I know, uh it's.
It's just so rewarding and sucha good feeling that we have
(16:25):
somebody in place that has beenyou know, you've got some
experience doing this.
I think they made a greatchoice back in j and now, look,
you're leading the Gigi'splayhouse.
And uh, what do you?
Where do you like?
Let's go a few years down theroad.
Where do you want to see Gigi's?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I want to see them in a location that people are
driving by that may have neverheard of it and be like, oh,
what's that place over therethat looks really cool, cool and
be able to look it up and andfind out about it, find out
about it, yeah, and to make itas accessible as possible for
our community.
And it's so much more than aspace just for people with down
syndrome.
It's really a space where wewant the community to utilize it
(17:04):
and it to be a special placethat people can come to and feel
safe so doing your social media?
Speaker 1 (17:11):
that does a lot of that, because you and I and just
about everybody in the worldwe're on social media.
But have you thought about,like, maybe billboards or
something along the mainhighways or something like that
said, hey, check this out, maybejust Gigi's Playhouse and then
the?
I know I'm just trying to becreative as we talk here, but
things like that.
Maybe somebody would give alittle bit that you know.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yes, and that's exactly kind of some of the next
steps is really just increasingawareness in the community of
Gigi's Playhouse.
When I first was reallystarting to get involved with
Gigi's, I had a friend say, yeah, it just feels like it's one of
those best kept secrets and Iwas like I feel that a hundred
percent, but I don't want it tobe a secret, I want it.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
I think it's always going to be that way, but not
Does that make sense?
I just we always say thatbecause once you say that, it's
like wow, this is awesome.
So, and that's what Gigi'sPlayhouse is all about.
And I just want to say a bigthank you to Alyssa Johnston for
coming in today and sharing theincredible work that's being
done at GG's.
It's organizations like GG'sPlayhouse that remind us how
(18:13):
powerful community can be, andwe're located these radio
stations here.
We're locally owned too.
Everybody in this building camefrom a corporate side, but now
we're all working local and youknow you're there doing this at
GG's.
Make sure you check out theirwebsite, follow along on their
social media.
If you want to give donate, I'msure there's a donate button
(18:34):
right on the website Taxdeductible.
I'm just saying.
Maybe you're looking for a wayto maybe help somebody or
something.
There's a great opportunity and, as always, I want to say thank
you for listening to the InnerHarbor cast.
Make sure you subscribe onYouTube and wherever you get
your podcast from, but nevermiss an episode.
But uh, alyssa, uh, anythingelse you'd like to add?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
No, I just thank you for your time.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
I love this.
You know, I love this.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
I know, but just giving me a platform to share
Gigi's playhouse, you know thedoor is always open.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
You got all these events coming up, events that we
need to take part in.
Just reach out, reach out to me, I'll come out as well.
You know.
I don't know if you were thereback in May.
No, you weren't.
You came out in June, but youknow, with the 5K and all that,
so it's always a lot of fun.
Alyssa Johnston, executiveDirector.
Gigi's Playhouse here inSyracuse.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Yes, thank.
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