Meet Elizabeth Jeub and Agustina Borowy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Jeub and Agustina Borowy.

Elizabeth and Agustina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Our story began with a high school student in Raleigh, North Carolina named Lauren Bohlander. Our favorite part about this is that Lauren does not have a family member or close friend with Down syndrome. Through her volunteer involvement at the GiGi’s Playhouse in Raleigh the past few years, she had such a positive and fulfilling experience. She not only encouraged both of her parents to also become regular volunteers there but when her family began to plan to return to the Denver area she wanted to bring the life-changing programs that GiGi’s offers back to the Front Range. That is the amazing power GiGi’s Playhouse is having on communities all over the United States!

The rest of our startup team connected with Lauren back in October 2018 and we completed the initial application process with GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. In January of 2019, we received the exciting news that they had approved our application and we began the startup process shortly thereafter. Our team began formalizing our roles and working to build and increase awareness for GiGi’s Playhouse Denver as well as to start our fundraising efforts. In early August we officially entered phase two of the startup process to continue our work and progress toward bringing GiGi’s Playhouse to Denver.

Has it been a smooth road?
As with any startup, we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us. We have been fortunate to have a team that is dedicated, smart, resourceful, professional and an awful lot of fun to work with. We have had challenges, but we’ve all faced them together and we’ve been able to support and encourage one another during trying times. GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. has an incredible network that we’ve been supported and guided by the entire way.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only network of physical, brick and mortar Down syndrome achievement centers in the world. GiGi’s offers programs that serve families prenatally and continue on all through adulthood. In collaboration with therapists and professionals in the field, GiGi’s Playhouse has developed over 50 different purposeful programs that serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families. From these offerings, we can choose to run the programs at our Denver playhouse that fit the needs of our local families. A small sampling of programs includes 1:1 literacy, math and handwriting tutoring, GiGiFIT infant through adult, Daddy and Me, Drama Troupe, Super Sibs, SciTech Kid, Storytelling, Kindergarten Prep, GiGi University, career development programs as well as internships.

All of our programs are offered at no cost to families. They are 100% FREE and always will be. Therefore, volunteer relationships are a unique aspect of GiGi’s Playhouse as well. Because our programs run on an ongoing basis, we develop long-lasting relationships with our volunteers who are vital to the success of every Playhouse. These volunteers often become ambassadors not only for the Playhouse but for Down syndrome and disability in their families, schools and broader communities just like Lauren and her parents have become after their connection with the GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Denver is the capital of one of the fastest-growing states in the country which makes it a desirable place to live because it offers so much. It has attracted a variety of cultures and created a city of many colors and voices which makes it a wonderful place to celebrate inclusiveness and acceptance. There is plenty to explore in the city and their surroundings and of course sunshine! With all of its recent growth traffic and distance are becoming more challenging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/denver/
• Email: Denver@gigisplayhouse.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigis_denver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiGisPlayhouseDenver/
• Other: https://gigisplayhouse.org/denver/believe-in-our-build/

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