We Are GiGi’s! We ARE Teen Tastic!
The teens at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago have been hard at work this year and it definitely shows in their new video. This video project started out as a self-reflection and an introduction to the Teen Tastic team. During this process, teens made autobiographical posters that described their likes, dislikes, their...
GiGi’s Chicago: Furnishing our New Playhouse
This past year, GiGi’s Playhouse in Chicago underwent an expansion to help meet the needs of our growing community. Our previous space was small and did not have the proper furnishings needed to implement our free educational and therapeutic programming to individuals with Down syndrome. When it came time to...
Farewell to Our Intern, Jessica
Hello! This is Jessica. As many of you know, I have been the intern here at GiGi’s since January. Unfortunately, Friday, April 28th, was my last day. I have an incredible experience and gained a wealth of valuable experience during my time here, and I wanted to use this space to...
Volunteer 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...
Namaste 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...
What is GiGi’s Playhouse?
Quincy Bane has been coming to GiGi's Playhouse for years. Recently, she had to give a speech on a non-profit for her high school drama class, and she chose to talk about GiGi's! We loved hearing about the different programs Quincy was a part of, and how she has been impacted...
RibFest2017 Volunteers Needed
It's RibFest Time! Volunteer at RibFest. Earn money for GiGi's Playhouse Chicago! We have two shifts on Saturday, June 10th: GATE - 2:30–6:30 pm and/or 6:00–10:00 pm ID LINE - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm BEVERAGE - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm VIP TENT - 2:45–6:45 pm and/or 6:30–10:15 pm KIDS...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jenny Popova
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. Our spotlight this month is on Jenny Popova, an occupational therapist (OT) who runs several programs for GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago....
GenerationG: Be Generous
GenerationG is generosity in action. The heart and soul of GenerationG is all about HELPING PEOPLE. Every single day, people who commit to #GenerationG will take actions to be better: Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind. See No Differences. Have Someone’s Back. Challenge Yourself. GiGi's Chicago sees GenerationG in action everyday We were running low on...
Art Explosion – A new program for teens
Art Explosion is off to an amazing start! The teens at GiGi’s are bursting with creativity and enthusiasm. Spontaneous singing and dancing jams are expected and encouraged by teens, their parents, and volunteers. When Bruce Dempsey, MEd, BFA, a Chicago artist, approached GiGi’s to start an art program, it...
New Windows, New Playhouse
Shalimar Beekman, an award-winning Chicago photographer who specializes in children’s photography, recently took the photos for our new windows. She spent over seven hours photographing twenty-four individuals! Because Shalimar prefers to use natural light when possible, she took the photos in her amazing light-filled loft. We are so grateful to...
#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...
