Build-Out

GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago couldn’t function without our volunteers. Every day, our volunteers help people with Down syndrome achieve their unlimited potential and help spread positive awareness of Down syndrome throughout their networks, families and communities. Without our volunteers we wouldn’t have a board of managers, literacy or math programs (both our coordinators and tutors are…

We use the month of October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, to raise awareness and money for GiGi’s throughout the community.  Last year, we had an outpouring of support from our community.  We also had amazing support from our volunteers, friends and family.  One of the family members who touched our hearts was an 11 year…

Here at GiGi’s countless stories are being created each and every day. We asked playhouse families to share their stories with us as part of a recent contest. We asked families to answer the question, “How has GiGi’s Playhouse affected your life?”. We loved reading the stories and thank all of the families who participated.…

GiGi’s Playhouse has over 150 dedicated volunteers from all over the city. Our volunteers are a diverse group of teachers, students, nurses, parents, and advocates. Countless hours are put in by our volunteers through: literacy tutors, math tutors, program leads, board members, and through special events. Last night, we were able to come together and…

Life Skills 101 and Social Skills 101    GiGi’s is excited to offer two new classes this winter session:  Life Skills and Social Skills. Life Skills will be on Wednesday from 4-5pm.  Social Skills will be on Monday from 4-5pm.  Both classes will be led by Rush University Occupational Therapist students, who are supervised by…

Anyone driving by GiGi’s Chicago Playhouse notices the beautiful pictures on the windows.  These photos are our greatest awareness-raising tool. We can’t tell you how many people have come in, called or remarked about how eye-catching the windows are. (And if you’ve never sat in the Playhouse and watched people look at them as they walk…

Steve and Sharyl Hanna are part of GiGi’s Chicago’s original families. Their grandaughter, Jade, has been featured on our windows, our calendar and our email blasts. From the beginning of the Playhouse, Steve and Sharyl have been a core part of our volunteer force, passing out candy at our annual Trick-or-Treating events, helping at our drama shows,…