Three years.

Thirty-six months of exploring the differences and similarities between people.

One thousand ninety-five days of altering the world's perception of a common condition.

Twenty-six thousand, two hundred eighty hours of helping people with Down syndrome function better in their world.

On Jan. 11, GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster conducted its third birthday party, celebrating three years of serving the local Down syndrome community. It was a special milestone for the special place located at 2503 Oregon Pike.

Over those years, GiGi's Playhouse has enhanced the lives of hundreds of participants from Lancaster, York and beyond. Yet in many ways, GiGi's Playhouse is just getting started.

"When we opened three years ago, it was exciting," said Christine Hewitt, GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster's site coordinator, "because there were support groups, but there wasn't anything in the area like it. The main goal is to change the way people view Down syndrome. Everything we do here is designed to help people with Down syndrome do their best. But we also support their families."

More than a playhouse or even a school, GiGi's Playhouse is a Down syndrome achievement center. The Lancaster location serves nearly 380 participants and their families through hands-on programs, tutoring, exercise classes, activities, arts and crafts and life skill-building sessions, all free of charge.

GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster's participants range in age from infants to those 60 years of age. Hewitt is the lone paid employee, but she's supported by a staff of more than 40 volunteers.

"We practice a lot of like skills here," said Hewitt, a resident of Ephrata. "We focus so much on little steps, on the next steps they can do. Here, we celebrate little wins. They're little things we take for granted."

"People often think people with Down syndrome can't do things," continued Hewitt. "The truth is they can. They're just going to need more time or a little help. They're so capable of so much."

GiGi's Playhouse bears the name of GiGi Gianni, who was born with Down syndrome in Chicago more than 20 years ago. Since the first GiGi's Playhouse was founded, 54 other locations have been opened, including the one in Lancaster, the only site in Pennsylvania.

"Since we opened, people have really come out," said Hewitt. "How quickly we've grown is surprising. We've outgrown this building. But what's also surprising is how much of an impact it has had on our participants."

"It's allowed them to become their best selves," added Hewitt. "I've seen so many participants come out of their shells. This is like a home to them. They are safe here. They take a lot of pride in this place."

For more information on GiGi's Playhouse, go to http://www.gigisplayhouse.org/lancaster.