It is never to late…. a story form Tinley Park
At almost 40 years old, Jeff’s dream is to get a job at McDonald’s. His sister brought him to GiGi’s for literacy tutoring in an attempt to retrieve some dormant skills. From day one, Jeff has come to weekly tutoring with a pen in his pocket and a smile on his face. His Mom–not so much. Jeff’s Mom was very reluctant to let Jeff go, as he has been her constant companion since finishing school at the age of 22. Jeff’s sister insisted and traveled a few hours each Saturday to bring him in. With a little push here and there, Jeff is now writing his name, address, and phone number all by himself. When I send homework with him, it now comes back…with notes from Mom!!! Within the last few weeks, he has really surprised me by starting to read beginner books. His Mom has been teaching him how to sound out words at home, so now we are working as a team to achieve his goal. I’m very excited and proud to say that Jeff will be starting his FIRST JOB next week as a janitor in a local school district…not McDonald’s just yet, but I know that we will see him there one day really soon!!!
Polly–Volunteer Tutor
Do we have a Jeff? The tutoring program is not just for young children, we want everyone to continue to develop their love of reading!
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I am so glad I saw this story about Jeff. Although, I was told about Gigi’s place a couple years back, in my heart I did not think it was a fit for my brother, but for youth, only. Today, I came across this article, and realized my assumptions were wrong. My brother, Brian, is 41. Thanks to Jeff’s story, I know GiGi’s is not just a place for children/youth, but for individuals with Down Syndrome regardless of their age. I look forward to getting Brian in a literacy tutoring program. I know he will be a great student. Also, I although I would love to host a fundraiser for Gigi’s. I am a Independent Scentsy Consultant (selling electric warmers, scented waxes and other fragrant items), and would be glad to donate 100% of my commission (25 cent of every retail dollar sold (before taxes/shipping)) to anyone making a purchase on behalf of Gigi’s. Please let me know if you would like to set up a fundraising party. It is a great way to earn funds and possibly free gifts as well dependent upon total sales. You can preview my website at: https://sdh.scentsy.us/ Thank you, and I hope to meet the Gigi family soon.
We are looking for ways to expand programming for adults and are always open to ideas from the community as to what would be a benefit to them. So please let me know your thoughts.
Also as always looking for ways to further support our mission of positive acceptance. Please let me know how I can help facilitate your fundraising idea.