Unveiling the Heart of Learning: A Tutor’s Testimony at GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi's Playhouse, the spirit of one-on-one tutoring has always been free, but the bonds formed with participants are truly priceless! Han, a first-time math tutor in our Fall 2023 session, shares his inspiring journey and the profound connection he forged with Amanda. “On the first day I visited GiGi’s...
Discovering Joy and Purpose: Abbey Horan’s Volunteer Journey with GiGi’s Playhouse
In a bustling world where the pace of life often overwhelms, finding moments of genuine connection and purpose can feel like discovering hidden treasures. Such is the story of Abbey Horan, a new resident of the area, whose journey into the heart of GiGi's Playhouse is as inspiring as it...
February Career Programs
David Arias is a shining star at Hugs & Mugs- literally. His smile can light up any room he walks into, and will instantly win you over with his warm grin. David’s friendly personality and hard work ethic make him the most incredible team member at Hugs & Mugs. David...
Embracing Community: Stories of Connection and Growth at GiGi’s Playhouse
In a world often characterized by hustle and bustle, finding a community where you feel truly welcomed and embraced can be a rare and treasured experience. For Zoey, Jess, and Raha, their journeys at GiGi's Playhouse have not only provided them with a sense of belonging but have also ignited...
Meet Harry Fisher
Meet Harry Fisher. Harry first started coming to GiGi’s Playhouse in 2016 where he joined GiGiU, a comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome comprised of a 15-week instructional program. The skills gained at GiGi U will resonate with graduates throughout their careers. Program leaders quickly...
Dancing Into Wellness: Meet Our Enthusiastic Instructors, Sabrina and Rachel!
Are you ready to groove and get fit? Well, Sabrina and Rachel certainly are! These dedicated volunteers have generously committed their Wednesday evenings to spearhead our exciting new program—Adult Dance! Let's get to know the dynamic duo bringing the rhythm to GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates. Sabrina, a seasoned veteran of...
Unveiling the Heart of Learning: A Tutor’s Testimony at GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi's Playhouse, the spirit of one-on-one tutoring has always been free, but the bonds formed with participants are truly priceless! Han, a first-time math tutor in our Fall 2023 session, shares his inspiring journey and the profound connection he forged with Amanda. “On the first day I visited GiGi’s...
Demystifying Becoming A Math or Literacy Tutor
WE NEED YOU Our Spring 2024 Math & Literacy tutoring sessions will kick off in January and we are expecting a high number of applications from our families. Our tutor applications for the Spring 2024 session are OPEN until January 7th, 2024! The Spring session runs from January 22nd -...
Meet Mitchell
If you’ve been to Hugs & Mugs in the last few years, chances are you’ve met Mitchell. Mitchell has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse since the very beginning, aka almost 20 years! Like all of our interns, Mitchell made his way through the career programs, starting off in GiGi Prep,...
They Threw Rocks At My Daughter And Called Her “Retard”
Nicole Stachiw and her mother, Diana. A Mother's StoryWhen I was pregnant with Nicole, I did not know that I was going to have a child born with Down syndrome. After she was born, the doctor came into my room and said, “You have a Mongoloid.” I said, “What? A...
Welcome Jackie!
We are so excited to welcome Jackie to the Hoffman Estates playhouse as a summer intern focusing on Social Media. If you see Jackie around the playhouse and in programs give her a warm welcome! "Hello! I am a student studying Digital Marketing at DePaul University in Chicago and am...
Carolyn making great strides in Speech!
"Carolyn has made great strides in speech. I have been seeing her for a few months. We’re working on expanding sentence length – to do this, it really works to engage Carolyn in tasks that challenge her cognitively, as her receptive language is very strong. Carolyn loves a good challenge!...