Achievement
GiGi’s At Home Volunteer Spotlight: Alec
Alec was Olivia’s tutor for the past year while he attended medical school! We knew going into the summer he was starting med school rotations and would have to stop tutoring a little early, but he loved tutoring and wanted to attend as long as he could. When the day came that Alec told…
Read MoreBest Of All- Jamie Haugen
“Jamie loves cooking virtually with GiGi’s Playhouse. He enjoys making recipes, and it teaches him how to follow instructions, make delicious food, and he gets to eat the food he prepares. It is helping him feel more confident, helpful, and independent.” -Jennifer Haugen, Jamie’s mom If you are interested in joining GiGi’s At Home, please…
Read MoreWe Did It Because She Did It!!!!!
GiGi’s Playhouse made a major league splash recently when our namesake, GiGi Gianni, sang the National Anthem at the Chicago Cubs game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Our Cubbies won, by the way!) The singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the megaphone to amplify our message of acceptance by showing ability, not disability. This magnification received…
Read MoreFighting the Good Fight | A Note from Nancy
Success does not happen overnight, we make it happen. Back when GiGi began high school, I was excited, petrified and proud. Her schedule included Biology, Global Studies, TV production, Math concepts and Expanded Literacy, I knew she could do it because we prepared… but that’s not how we started. I remember when GiGi was 11…
Read MoreJuly 2022 Newsletter
Hello to the Amazing GiGi’s Playhouse Community! GiGi, Franco and I recently returned from an impromptu trip to our New York City Playhouse where we met with dignitaries from the country of Qatar. They wanted to learn more about our methodologies, model and our global message of acceptance for all. Qatar is one of the…
Read MoreThe Annual NDSC Conference: It’s A Family Affair
New Orleans is a city traditionally known for celebrations and, in the years following Hurricane Katrina, gained a reputation of strength and determination through tremendous challenges. After a two-year in-person hiatus, it was only fitting that New Orleans served as the in-person home of the 2022 National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Conference. Known for a…
Read MoreA Message From Our Founder On Meeting With Qatari Leaders
To The GiGi’s Playhouse Community, Dignitaries from the Middle Eastern country of Qatar recently inquired about visiting GiGi’s Playhouse to learn about our methodologies, model, and global message of acceptance for all. Those Qatari leaders mentioned that the United Nations and the Embassy in Washington, D.C., spoke highly of GiGi’s, and consequently wanted to learn…
Read MoreThe 2022 GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge was a HUGE success!
The national campaign wrapped up Sunday, with a 5K Fun Run, One Mile Inspirational Walk, and a kids Dash for Down Syndrome, in Hoffman Estates. More than 40 in-person GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events were held across the country, raising a grand total of more than $1.5 million. Equally important is the number of people who…
Read MoreA Black Mother’s Journey with a Son with Down Syndrome
A Black Mother’s Journey with a Son with Down Syndrome Meet Meeka Caldwell and her son, Anian. Meeka is a wife, mother, author, and dedicated advocate in the Down syndrome community. Anian is a curious 6 year old who loves people and loves to help others. He is a problem solver, has a great…
Read More5 Back to School Tips Amid COVID-19 Spread
5 Back to School Tips Amid COVID-19 Spread Going back to school amid the COVID-19 spread is on the top of all our minds. For many families—whether children are heading to pre-K or high school—stress levels are high, and parents are struggling with the decision of what is best for their individual situation. No matter your decision regarding virtual or in-person learning, these 5…
Read More