Meet Teen Tastic Leader Bianca
My name is Bianca. I am a leader of the Teen Tastic program at GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park, and PASSION is what brought me here. I have always had a passion for helping others, especially those with disabilities. But for me, it's more about seeing the ABILITIES, rather than the...
October: Down Syndrome Awareness & Acceptance Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness & Acceptance Month! We are celebrating our friends who are extra awesome! Thank you Diane, our location's Founder, for your message: “Today begins Down Syndrome Awareness & Acceptance Month. I'd like to send a message to all those petrified Mamas out there...those who just received...
Virtual Step To Accept 5K Event (Annual Fundraiser)
This year’s fundraising 5K event looked differently due to the Covid-19 pandemic. GiGi's Playhouses’ 60+ locations across the U.S. and 1 location in Mexico hosted our first ever Virtual Step To Accept 5K Event. Our Playhouse hosts two big fundraisers a year to cover the cost of our program materials...
Important Message About COVID-19
Greetings GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park Community, Based on the latest information and guidance from our national office and public health officials, we have decided to suspend all programming, events and volunteer orientations at GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park until further notice. We are not aware of any individuals connected to the...
Matt and His GiGi Prep Success
My son Matt Shute recently completed his first full session of GiGi Prep. Previously he participated in the shortened summer session and was so excited when he was chosen for the Fall Session. I will be honest, when my husband and I first went to hear about GiGi Prep we decided...
Holly and Her GiGi Prep Success
We are a fairly new family to the GiGi’s Playhouse in Tinley Park after being introduced by some friends who are active at GiGi’s. They mentioned the upcoming GiGi Prep program and it sounded pretty interesting. So I decided to go to the information night being held about the program....
DANCE Program
Join our DANCE Program! You'll be sure to have a great time and learn some new moves! The recommended age for this program is 13 and older. This program is lead by a talented gymnast and a former cheerleader who has all the moves...Abby!!! Abby comes in monthly with a popular...
You Are Welcome Here
I was nervous the first few times I visited GiGi’s Playhouse. Because my husband, Dan and I adopted our three kiddos with Down syndrome, I kind of felt like maybe I didn’t REALLY belong there…that maybe I wouldn’t be welcome there. After all, I didn’t grow these babies in my...
3 Questions with Volunteer Laura Savant
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...
3 Questions with Volunteer Janet Castillo
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?...
Feeling the Love at Fantastic Friends
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
The Positive Impact of Purposeful Programming
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:...