1) How are you connected to GiGi’s Playhouse? I was introduced by my sister Linda Shute who was on the first Board. My nephew Matt attends GiGi’s. 2) What free programs do you volunteer for? I lead the adult cooking club, I volunteer for special events, and I participate in Truck or Treat. I have…

1) How are you connected to GiGi’s Playhouse? I’m connected to GiGi’s because I have a wonderful son with Down syndrome. 2) What free program do you volunteer for? I volunteer to teach young adults how to decorate cakes in simple steps. 3) What was your favorite part about volunteering? My favorite part about volunteering…

  Let me tell you why the Brown Family loves GiGi’s Playhouse! Last Friday, Eric & Jamie attended Fantastic Friends. With their friends, they socialized, had dinner, played fun games, and laughed!!! Activities like Fantastic Friends are a free resource to families in the area. -Colleen Brown

Christian will be starting kindergarten this fall! He’s finally using his voice & trying to say so many new words & phrases! It’s been incredible to hear him speak. Just this morning he said, “Alec-play balloon with me right now!!!!!!” This is a boy who confidently only said 5 words: Mom, Dad, Awick, Bah, No…

I walked with Tim to McDonald’s on the first day of GiGi Prep (he forgot his lunch.)  He walked up to the cash register and proudly said, “I would like a number 2 with a tea.”  The employee told him it would cost $8.20 so Tim took the money out of his wallet and placed…

  Tim at home is always goofy, care free and likes to dance. Having Tim complete GiGi Prep allowed him to open up and become more confident which rarely we see in public. The Tim you see today is the new Tim, making GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park HIS Playhouse! -Nancy, Tim’s Mom

  For me, GiGi’s has been the best thing I didn’t even know I needed. I started volunteering at GiGi’s 5 years ago. From the first time I stepped foot in the door, I was completely in love. In the beginning, I stuck close to my babies at 2 and Under, and this program is…

Cooking Club is a great get-together for providing social skills among friends, learning about different cookware and how to use the appropriate utensils. Our participants build teamwork as they prep, cut-up and prepare easy meals, all while trying out different foods. The volunteers who run the program are beyond amazing. -Donna, Bridget’s Mom

With the first GiGi Prep ending, I began to reflect on all of the changes I have seen in Abby. Prior to beginning GiGi Prep she would clean up after a meal, but if I offered to do it she would gladly accept. Now, she actually gets upset with me if I don’t allow her…

Our son Ryan is enrolled in the new GiGi Prep. One night as we were eating, out of the blue Ryan pointed out which foods were protein, vegetables, etc! My husband and I were so impressed that we were kicking each other under the table. Our family is grateful for all that GiGi’s does and…