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Grab a Co-Worker and Come Hang Out With Us!
Company Sponsored Events at the Playhouse Last Thursday, The Nielsen Company came and sponsored an open play for the GiGi’s Chicago Playhouse. The volunteers did face painting and temporary tattoos for our teens. They played indoor beach volleyball because of the rain and lots of other fun games. Pizza was eaten, memories made, and all…
Read MoreA Visitor from Thousand Waves Martial Arts Center
karate at the playhouse The benefits of karate for people with Down syndrome are endless; it focuses on development of balance, coordination, discipline, focus, attention, physical fitness, and confidence. Senpai Sam Boyer introduced the study of Seido karate to individuals with Down syndrome the past several Thursdays in place of their normal teen programs. Seido…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Grace Gibbs
Purposeful Programming: How do we do it? GiGi’s provides purposeful programming for all ages. We have an amazing team of highly qualified and passionate volunteers who lead our programs. This month, we’re going to shine a spotlight on Grace Gibbs, a teacher who runs our Saturday LMNOP program. She is also the Math Tutoring Coordinator and Vice…
Read MoreNamaste at GiGi’s Get Fit
GiGi’s Get Fit is a fun-filled fitness program for teens and young adults that focuses on promoting strength, coordination and endurance through introduction to yoga, interval training and dance amongst others. This session we have been learning about yoga and its role in promoting strength, endurance and flexibility. Some of our favorite moves to work…
Read More#learningtips : learners with Down syndrome
six tips to help learners with down syndrome be their #bestofall. Our friends at gigi’s playhouse quad cities originally shared this post. Children with Down syndrome are capable learners, excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel! Though these students may learn at a slower pace, they are more…
Read MoreThe GiGi’s Impact- A Volunteer’s Story of Connecting Through Down syndrome
We recently received an email from a past volunteer, sharing a recent experience she had! Read her story below: Amy’s Story “My name is Amy and I volunteered with your team a few years ago. I was with reading and math tutoring and with the teen drama performances. I currently work as an occupational therapist…
Read MoreWish List Wednesday (Updated)
***DECEMBER 19TH, 2016 – UPDATE*** ***THANKS TO MANY GENEROUS DONORS WE HAVE RECEIVED THESE WISH LIST ITEMS!!*** We are working on the finishing touches of the playhouse and have put together a list of our current needs. We are so thankful for everyone’s support and we are getting so close! Watch for a program announcement…
Read MoreThe Anniversary Party/Grand Re-opening Is Sunday! Will You Be There?
We hope you can make it as we once again celebrate all that we’ve accomplished (including our expanded Playhouse) and look to a future in which we offer even more programming for even more people. (If you haven’t already, check out Nancy and GiGi Gianni talking about our mission and grand reopening on Fox 32’s…
Read MoreMAYOR EMANUEL JOINS GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE IN PROCLAIMING OCT. DOWN SYNDROME ACCEPTANCE MONTH
HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has issued a proclamation recognizing October as Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, as GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago prepares to celebrate with a grand reopening of its new-and-improved space on Oct. 23. Emanuel presented the resolution on Oct. 5 at City Hall, joined by GiGi’s Playhouse founder Nancy Gianni, her daughter…
Read MoreGrand Reopening/Anniversary Party — Oct 23.
We’ve been teasing you long enough. We’re putting the finishing touches on our remodeled Playhouse, and — city inspectors willing — we’re planning on having a Grand Reopening/Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. Mark your calendars. This will be a great time for our community to come together and get a glimpse of what the future…
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