Welcome to the Family!!!
Are you a new parent? Are you expecting a child with Down syndrome? Congratulations! We are so happy you are here and we want to welcome you to our family with open arms and a big warm hug. We are so glad you found us and would love for you...
World Down Syndrome Day Carnival
World Down Syndrome Day is right the corner!!! We celebrate this day, March 21st..3/21... to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome that creates Down syndrome. How awesome is that?!?!?! Our annual carnival brings together families, friends, volunteers, and community members and it is a true celebration. There are...
We LOVE and Appreciate Our Volunteers!!!
Music in Motion with Volunteer Extraordinaire Miss Angie GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free. Since the first Playhouse opened in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse programs have ALWAYS...
Program Highlight: “Open Play 3 & Under”
Every program that we offer our participants, whether they are infants or adults, is educational and therapeutic in nature. With our littlest ones, we strive to provide them with the support they need to achieve important milestones for development. Our Open Play: 3 & Under program not only allows our...
“What If?”
What if...you just accept. What if...you don’t question. What if...you simply open your heart to the possibility. What if...you ignore the negative. What if...you believe the positive will certainly outweigh the negative. What if...you follow your heart. What if...in the process, your heart is opened. What if...you just give this...
Why GiGi’s?
Did you know that GiGi’s Playhouse serves over 25,000 families (just like mine!) and offers over 232,000 program hours annually!?! Allow me to tell you why it’s hugely important to support GiGi’s Playhouse, and why as a parent, I will always make it a priority regardless of our financial situation....
Why Do We Have a Gala Every Year?
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it is the least funded. To ensure lasting acceptance, we must continue showing the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, friends and valued members of their communities. All our...
A Few Words From Our Founder
Ten years ago we held our first ever “friendraiser” benefiting the future GiGi’s Playhouse Oak Forest (now Tinley Park). It took our team just 17 months to move from conception to grand opening. The entire journey was beautiful. The love and support we received at every fundraiser gave us the...
Meet Our Volunteer Josie!
Josie LaPapa is a Sophomore at the University of Illinois, studying Speech Pathology and Disabilities Studies. Josie is our current book club leader and has volunteered with our book club since high school. She lead book club from her dorm room last semester! This summer, Josie was able to lead...
Did You Know We Offer Literacy Tutoring?
Each individual learns to read and develop literacy skills at a different pace. The GiGi's Literacy Program builds a foundation in whole word recognition, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and improved articulation through one-on-one literacy tutoring adapted to fit the learning style of individuals with Down syndrome. The ability to read opens...
Matt is an Inspiration!!!
Why does Matt love going to GiGi's? A couple years ago he participated in GiGi Prep. This program worked on life skills, math, reading etc. It also concentrated on healthy life styles that included healthy eating, learning about food groups and exercise programs. This program was a huge benefit to...
