Join Us in Making an Impact: Board and Committee Opportunities at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago
At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. We do this through free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential. ...
Meet Amanda!
Hello everyone! My name is Amanda and I am an occupational therapy assistant student from Wright College. I'm beyond excited to spend the next eight weeks at GiGi's Playhouse Chicago for my Level 2 fieldwork placement, where I'll serve as a math tutor and lead various groups for adult...
GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Launches a Month of Celebration, Learning, and Fun
It’s that time of year again — notebooks are open, pencils are sharpened, and GiGi’s tutoring and programming is back in full swing! This September we’re celebrating everything that makes our community shine — learning together, showing what we know, and lifting each other up with kindness and encouragement....
Make an Impact by Donating to Our Back-to-School Donation Drive!
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 ...
Strengthening Leadership to Fuel the Mission of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago: Meet Your Governance Committee
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...
Why Baby Dolls That Represent Down Syndrome Make All the Difference for Play That Empowers
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...
Introducing: Family Resource Binder – Supporting Siblings of Individuals with Down Syndrome
Written by: UIC Occupational Therapy student Melissa Wen We’re excited to share a new Family Resource Binder created by UIC occupational therapy student Melissa Wen as part of her capstone project at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! This resource was designed to celebrate and support siblings of individuals with Down syndrome as they...
A Sensory Friendly Fourth of July
Written by: Emily Mangan, GiGi's Playhouse Chicago Intern Summer is flying by and the Fourth of July is right around the corner! As we look forward to watching fireworks, hosting barbeques and attending parades, we understand that the Fourth of July can be overwhelming for everyone, but especially our friends...
Welcome, Emily!
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...
Finding Our Groove: A Tutor’s Experience with Art and Literacy at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago
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,...
Welcome, Melissa!
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...
Celebrating Our 2024 Brew HaHa Award Winners!
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!...
