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Long Island’s first GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center has arrived in Patchogue.
This is the nonprofit’s 52nd location, with other locations around the globe.
It was brought to the area thanks to efforts by Michael Cirigliano, a board president for the organization, who grew up in Patchogue.
He also has a 9-year-old niece with Down syndrome, so he understood the importance of having a community to turn to when faced with challenges.
“I’ve met so many families from Nassau or Suffolk and finding out that there was a need for support, whether it’s being pregnant with a child and then finding out they are diagnosed with Down syndrome,” he said. “This place will be an emotional support for parents too that find out that diagnosis, to let them know everything will be alright.”
Founded in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse offers free education, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
Its overall mission is to spread the message of acceptance and change the world’s perspective on Down syndrome.
The achievement centers are volunteer-run and all programs are free for families.
Prior to this location, Long Island families who have sought out the organization’s services had to travel to one of their New York City or Westchester centers.
“We wanted somewhere that was kind of near activity because the people that are coming down to our Playhouse, they have to be able to go grab something to eat nearby, but enough space where it’s kind of quiet and tucked away where we have a bit of privacy,” said Cirigliano, who owns an insurance and financial services agency in the area, and is part of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.
The achievement center, located at 100 Austin Street Suite 3, is a 3,375-square-foot space that offers private tutoring rooms, sensory rooms, library, crafts area, and even a station for karaoke and theatre.
GiGi’s Playhouse is not only for individuals with Down syndrome but for parents who can share their experiences with other families and receive other resources.
March 20 will be the official virtual grand opening ceremony, which can be viewed either on the GiGi’s Playhouse website or Facebook page.
For more information on the new Long Island location, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/longisland.
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Top: Inside the new GiGi’s Playhouse on Long Island, photo courtesy of GiGi’s Playhouse LI’s Instagram page.
