Yorktown’s Mandaras find a ‘second family’ at GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and highlight the importance of inclusion, understanding and community. For one Yorktown family, that community can be found at GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester.

GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester, which operates without government funding and relies on donations, provides programming and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. For Annamaria “Anna” Mandara and her daughter, Gianna, the organization has become a regular part of their lives.

Mandara first became involved when Gianna was 5 years old, after a friend told her a new GiGi’s location was opening in Westchester. At the time, Mandara was looking for a supportive community that understood her family’s needs.

“What I found at GiGi’s went so far beyond my expectations. It quickly became a second family to us,” Mandara said. “GiGi’s Playhouse is so much more than just a facility where you meet people in similar situations; it is a vibrant, compassionate community where you can laugh, cry, celebrate milestones, victories and build lifelong friendships and forge unbreakable bonds.  It has given us a true sense of belonging and hope.”

Mandara and Gianna try to attend GiGi’s Playhouse at least once a week, and sometimes more often when Gianna has tutoring, which is offered at no cost. They also participate in life skills classes and activities such as crafts, yoga and cooking.

“Gianna really enjoys it all, she makes friends, dances, and we just had a Bingo fundraiser which she loved,” Mandara said.

GiGi’s Playhouse also hosts community events to raise awareness and bring people together. Most recently, GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester was welcomed by the Putnam County Feast of San Gennaro & Carnival, where Thomas Pomposello, Cody Pomposello, Anthony Spinnicchia and Sue Fantana provided the organization with a space to connect with the public and treated its members like “family.” They also made a generous donation, showing the power of community contributions to help keep the Playhouse’s programs available.

For Mandara, Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of people with Down syndrome while encouraging inclusion.

“We aren't just here to share facts or statistics; we are here to celebrate human potential,” she said. “Awareness sparks understanding, but real acceptance comes from our everyday interactions in classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods.”

The Yorktown Town Board marked the month with a proclamation, as it does each year, on Tuesday affirming its support for individuals with Down syndrome and promoting inclusion, acceptance and understanding throughout the community.