Posts by Jennifer Puma

Last week, we kicked off our Open House events with coffee and bagels. As we welcomed families back to the playhouse, they shared highlights of their past, present, and future experiences with GiGi’s Playhouse. Past: Q: What was the highlight of 2024? Present: Q: What was your favorite part of our Open House? Future: Q:…

Written by Isabel and Saba The winter months can bring shorter days, colder weather, and a common case of the “winter blues.” For many people, including individuals with Down syndrome, this season can lead to feeling less energetic, less motivated, and even a bit down. But don’t worry—there’s a powerful tool to combat the winter…

Written by: Saba, Isabel, and GiGi’s Playhouse Interns To celebrate Kwanzaa, a candle is lit each day that represents one of The 7 Principles. The holiday is also celebrated through Karamu (feasts), music, dance, poetry, and narratives. The last day is dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. After talking about…

Hello everyone! My name is Gaby and I am currently in the OTA program at Wright College. I am so excited to immerse myself in the Gigi’s Playhouse experience for the next 8 weeks. I have heard so many wonderful things about Gigi’s in the past and I am so grateful that I now get…

¡Feliz octubre, comunidad de GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! Al dar la bienvenida a este vibrante mes, queremos recordarles que octubre es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Síndrome de Down. ¡Es un momento para celebrar a nuestros increíbles individuos con síndrome de Down y para difundir conciencia sobre sus habilidades y potencial! Estamos emocionados de compartir…

Imagine walking into a room, and everyone’s eyes are on you. For most of us, it’s a fleeting moment, but for individuals with Down syndrome, it can feel like an everyday experience. Because their diagnosis is visible, they often encounter reactions that range from curious glances to uncomfortable stares. But this October, Down Syndrome Awareness…

Hello, my name is Stephanie Vilchez. I am an occupational therapist assistant student from Wilbur Wright College. I have completed a rotation of 10 weeks for my Level II fieldwork, and I would like to talk about some tips and strategies from an OT perspective that I found helpful during my tutoring experience here at…

DePaul University freshmen were busy with the “Discover Chicago” class last week. The course highlights disability culture in Chicago, universal design and inclusive practices, disability allyship, and exposure to the multiple resources available to people with disabilities in Chicago. Professors Molly Bathje and Erica  K. Godfrey guided their class in a day of service bringing…

In a world where every celebration can be an opportunity to make a difference, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Celebration Club stands out as a powerful online fundraising platform. Designed to turn your special events into meaningful contributions, this innovative platform allows you to support the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse while creating unforgettable memories. Introducing the Celebration…