Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Vance.
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a licensed social worker with several years of experience in the non-profit industry, mentoring, program development and the mental health field. I have been a lifelong advocate for the Down syndrome community from the time my brother was born with Down syndrome in 2001. This has heavily influenced my career path and led me to GiGi’s Playhouse where I found my dream job and a position that feels like it was made specifically for me.
In 2017, a group of impassioned parents and individuals formed a start-up team with the goal of opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in the Canton/Akron area. After demonstrating the community’s commitment and need for a Down syndrome achievement center, the Canton location was approved by the national non-profit organization to open an affiliate to serve our area. Our dream became a reality when GiGi’s Playhouse Canton opened on April 28th, 2019 as the 44th Playhouse to open nationwide and the second one in Ohio!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. GiGi’s Playhouse Canton opened in April of 2019, and less than a year later the world shut down indefinitely. In March of 2020, we had to close all the Playhouses across the network resulting in the cancellation of 4,400 hours of free therapeutic and educational programming that week alone. There was a silver lining to those cloudy days though as our organization adapted quickly to launch the virtual platform GiGi’s At Home. As a result, we now have the ability to provide live and on-demand programming for the Down syndrome community worldwide! In fact, GiGi’s At Home allows us to serve families in 80 different countries and offer virtual resources to regions that don’t have a physical Playhouse in their area.
We’ve been impressed with GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only international network of Down syndrome achievement centers with over 50 brick and mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world. Every day, GiGi’s Playhouse changes lives by providing free, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for individuals of all ages. From prenatal diagnosis to career skills, GiGi’s makes a lifetime commitment to families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. The organization also helps advance a vital social impact goal by showing the world what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve as students, coworkers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities.
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton fulfills the dream of the Down syndrome community by providing a location where individuals of all ages with Down syndrome have a place to call their own. A place where they can feel safe, develop friendships and explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. No matter the age, individuals with Down syndrome have the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills. Families in the Canton area have a home away from home now where loved ones with Down syndrome are unconditionally accepted and offered opportunities to become their ‘best of all’. At GiGi’s, the term ‘best of all’ means each participant has the chance to grow with programs at their own pace while interacting with peers in an environment of celebration and achievement. Families experience support, learn that they are not alone, and become part of an amazing community that appreciates the joys and highlights the positives.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
All programs are delivered by a team of trained volunteers and offered at no cost to families so that cost is never a barrier to receive resources, support, and services. GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is a non-profit and is sustained through the support of community partners, generous donors, and fundraising events. We do not receive government funding, and we do not collect insurance information.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/canton/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gigisplayhousecanton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GigisPlayhouseCanton/
