Posts by Grace Glenny

  Make an impact by donating to our back-to-school donation drive! Our first annual Back-to-School Donation Drive is here, and we need your help as we prepare for fall tutoring sessions.    🎁 What We’re Collecting:  Notebooks, pens, and pencils to empower learning  Art and craft supplies to nurture creativity  Hand sanitizer and soap to…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to make a lifetime commitment to changing lives and providing hope through the consistent delivery of FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, using a replicable playhouse model. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of board members works…

  At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe play is a powerful teacher — and that representation matters. Baby dolls that authentically reflect Down syndrome help children build skills and confidence while fostering:  Authentic representation: Children see themselves and their family members reflected in play, promoting self-confidence and belonging.  Awareness and acceptance: Features like almond-shaped eyes,…

  Hi everyone! My name is Emily Mangan and I am an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago this summer. I just finished my junior year of undergrad at Baylor University, and I am happy to be home for the summer. As a Pre-Occupational Therapy student, GiGi’s Playhouse is a great opportunity for me to learn…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe that every tutoring session is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow, not just for our students, but for our tutors as well. Recently, we had the pleasure of watching a special connection form between one of our literacy tutors, Michelle, and her student, Karen. What started as structured…

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, and I’m so excited to be joining GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for the next 14 weeks as part of my doctoral capstone project at UIC, where I’m currently an occupational therapy doctoral student. During my time here, I’ll be leading the Art Explosion and Playhouse Pals programs as part of…

GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is bursting with pride! At this year’s Brew HaHa Fundraising Event, we had the absolute joy of recognizing three incredible individuals (and one amazing family!) whose passion, dedication, and love for our community make the Playhouse a brighter, more magical place every day. Meet our 2024 honorees!         Rising…

How to Play Football Squares:  Grid Setup: Create a 10×10 grid of squares. Assign one team name for the top (columns) and one for the side (rows). Fill the squares 1 to 100, making it easier for people to choose their desired square(s). See an example one you can use HERE. Claim Your Square: Pick…

  Looking for a fun, engaging way to bond with your little ones while building foundational skills? Join GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for our signature LMNOP (Language, Music ‘N Our Peeps) program!    What is LMNOP?  LMNOP is one of GiGi’s Playhouse’s signature programs, designed for children ages 0–3 and their families. This interactive experience helps…

🎶 There was a Playhouse that had a game, and BINGO was its name-o! 🎶  This January, GiGi’s Playhouse is kicking off 2025 with a month-long Bingo challenge filled with fun, connection, and amazing prizes. From January 1 to January 31, we’re inviting everyone in our community to participate, complete their Bingo cards, and celebrate…