Cheryl and Quincy: The Power of Community

Written by Ellie McNeil – GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Outreach Intern

Cheryl knew from the start that being a part of the Down syndrome community was very important and exciting. After finding out about her daughter’s, Quincy, diagnosis of Down syndrome, she researched all the different programs, specialists, and other facts about the diagnosis. Her family was ready to welcome Quincy into the world and a very loving community.

Cheryl and a few friends started the Chicago Down Syndrome Playgroup (before GiGi’s started) and would meet once a month in someone’s basement. The group grew and grew, so they had to expand to a church basement. Starting this group cultivated friendships and connections between the families where they were able to share their experiences with each other. When their kids grew up and a few years passed, they stopped meeting and went to GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates instead. Cheryl and her husband even ran a kids play group for a period of time. Cheryl now serves on the board of directors at the Chicago Playhouse location as the Secretary. Her dedication to sustaining and improving the Playhouse is very inspiring and is excited to see how it will grow! Through the years at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, programs have evolved as well as resources for families.

Quincy has benefited from GiGi’s free programs immensely. Throughout her many years at GiGi’s, she has grown socially, educationally, and professionally. Quincy has participated in a few internship programs offered by OT (occupational therapy) students to help improve her independence. Taking what skills she has learned at the Playhouse, Quincy recently graduated from the P.A.C.E. program at National Louis University.

Furthermore, Cheryl commented on how much fun Quincy had during her years here at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. She has found her crowd, her best friends, and that has been such an impactful thing in her life. Since then, Quincy has found other friends through the Special Olympics, dance, camps, and theater. She has many talents and passions, and GiGi’s has helped her explore those interests. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Quincy and her mom started a walking group, so her friends can regularly get together. That has been a blast and a great way to stay connected with her friends outside of the Playhouse programs.

Cheryl and Quincy’s story is a wonderful example of how the GiGi’s Playhouse community has made such an impact on their lives. Cheryl shared, “GiGi’s Playhouse has given our daughter and our family support, opportunity, and belonging beyond what we could have imagined. It’s become the fulcrum for the many ways in which our daughter develops and maintains life skills and friendships.”