Meet Our EPIC Leader Tracey!

“My name is Tracey Ardizzone-Droesch.  I started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in 2018, after my daughter, Catherine, went to a Teen-Tastic program with her key club at her high school.  She loved it so much and, since we both enjoy volunteering so much, we thought it would be a great...

The Power of the Word “Yet”

Learning about all the different milestones a child needs to hit and at what age they should meet these milestones is eye-opening, exciting, and terrifying all at once. We have always focused on what our son could do, rather than getting hung up on what he couldn’t do, or where...

Meet One of Our LMNOP Leaders…Amara!

Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse has been nothing short of fulfilling. I was searching for opportunities to volunteer in the area, and came across GiGi's online. I have worked with children with special needs in the past, and I desire to assist children with communication deficits as a future career. As...

3 Questions with Volunteer Barb Luby

1) How are you connected to GiGi’s Playhouse? In September 2012, I was contemplating retirement (in June 2013) from a long career teaching Special Education students.  I wasn’t sure what activities would fill my new found free time.  As fate would have it, I met Diane Husar at the first...

What Will YOU Move For?

We MOVE because we believe that Keith’s future is bright and full of potential. We know that with the support of family, friends and GiGi’s Playhouse, Keith will have a happy, meaningful and productive life. We are grateful to GiGi’s Playhouse and all of the amazing volunteers that provide meaningful...

Are You Ready to MOVE???

We started going to GiGi's when our baby was a year old. For the whole year prior our nurse kept reminding us that GiGi's was there and that we should go and that they were a resource for us. If we knew then what we know now, we would have...

It’s THAT Time of Year Again…5K Time!!!

Calling all team captains!!! Are you ready to create your team? Today is the day!!! All you need to do is register yourself and create a team. If you were a team captain in years past, your team name will already be there for you. Again, the registration site is...

3 Questions with Volunteer Anna Sullivan

1) How are you connected to GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park? I first got involved in GiGi’s over three years ago, when a participant’s mom gave a speech at the high school I attended my sophomore year. I signed up to volunteer the very next day! 2) What free programs do...

3 Questions with Volunteer Abbey MacLeod

1) How are you connected to GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park? I’m a volunteer for programs. I kept on Googling best volunteer opportunities involving children and GiGi’s was always at the top of the search. I read the reviews from the parents and then all the programs you have. I thought...

Yoga Fun with Donna

I have been a Yoga instructor since 2000. I enjoy helping people with Yoga and came to GiGi's to work with children who have Down syndrome. I love the connection I have made with all of the participants...they are dedicated, eager to learn and have the best attitudes! Volunteering with them is a highlight...

The Gift of Speech Support

Nonverbal.   The transmission of messages or signals through a nonverbal platform such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture..... I had heard many people say this before about their child with Down syndrome and I wasn’t sure if Christian would be Nonverbal.  BUT...Christian has turned seven now and he...

The Value of GiGi’s for a New Mom

After receiving my son’s diagnosis at birth, I really didn’t feel like I had a good support system and access to resources. GiGi’s Playhouse invited me and my son into their family when I was ready, and I’m truly blessed to have their support. The staff absolutely adore my son....