GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers opened its 63rd location in Knoxville on Saturday, August 8. The new facility brings free educational, therapeutic, career development, and social programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout East Tennessee.
Founder Nancy Gianni and her daughter GiGi Gianni attended the opening event alongside local families. The launch follows a multi-year effort by Knoxville-area parents who formed a startup team to establish a local facility.
The initiative began after local parent Jessica Hoke moved to Knoxville from another area served by the organization. Hoke connected with other local families through social media and community outreach to coordinate the founding process.
The Knoxville location will provide progressive programming covering speech and language development, literacy, math, health, life skills, and career preparation. All programs offered by the center are provided free of charge to participating families.
In addition to direct participant programming, the facility is designed to offer resources for parents, social connection for siblings, and volunteer opportunities. The center aims to support individuals with Down syndrome through all stages of life, from infancy through adulthood.
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