Welcome to the team, Nillam!
We're thrilled to welcome Nillam Raja as our new Program Coordinator at GiGi's Playhouse Chicago! Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Nillam and her family made Chicago their new home in November 2021. With a background in Hospitality and Business Management from Leicester College in the United Kingdom, Nillam brings...
Empowering Teens Through Yoga, Teamwork, and Superhero Capes: A Look into Our Teen Tactic Program!
Written by OT Capstone Student - Zoe Goldman Our dynamic Teen Tactic program tailored for participants ages 13+, runs every other Thursday from 5:30-7:00pm! This program kicks off with a 45-minute yoga session followed by interactive group activities to promote the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and social skills all while...
Make An Impact as a 321 Monthly Donor
At GiGi's Playhouse Chicago, we are dedicated to our mission “to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all” by keeping our programs and services FREE and 99% volunteer run. By becoming a monthly donor, you can help us sustain...
Embracing Differences and Celebrating Abilities Every Day!
Did you know that October is Down Syndrome Acceptance Month? Today and every day is a great time to spread awareness, acceptance, and celebration for people with Down syndrome. 💙💛💙💛 At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, and to achieve this...
Welcome OTA Student, Yesenia!
Written by Yesenia - OTA student from Wilbur Wright College Hello, my name is Yesenia. I am an OTA student at Wilbur Wright College. I am currently completing my Fieldwork placement at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. I am completing a week placement at the Playhouse. I look forward to meeting families...
Welcome OTA Student, Emily!
Written by Emily Joyce - OTA student at Wilbur Wright Community College. Hello! My name is Emily Joyce and I am in my last semester completing my Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at Wilbur Wright Community College in Chicago. I am spending the next 8 weeks at GiGi's Playhouse Chicago completing...
Destination Discovery Recap
Written by Amanda & Sophia - Rush University OT Students We had the BEST time leading Destination Discovery this summer! Throughout the past 3 months, we explored all of our senses through play! We dove into sensory bins, crawled through tunnels, blew bubbles, made art projects with paints and markers,...
We are Growing! Join Our Team at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the Down syndrome community? Do you want to be part of a dedicated team working toward meaningful change? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Position: Program Coordinator Non-Profit: GiGi's Playhouse Location: Chicago At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we're on...
A Visit to the Northcenter Chamber
Written by Outreach interns Ryan and Ellie Ryan, Outreach Intern from GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, visited the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce to learn more about how they support the surrounding business in the neighborhood. Ryan learned that the Chamber does various things to help the Northcenter neighborhood stay new and fun....
Meet Roberta and Christian
Written by Ellie McNeil – GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Outreach Intern Roberta and her son, Christian, began their journey at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago in 2017. Christian was born in London, England with an at birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. They found themselves moving to Chicago in 2017 when he was in...
Meet Elise!
Elise A’Hearn is about to start her second year at Rush University for her doctorate degree for Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists help people to achieve their daily activities and leisure activities to their fullest potential. Elise’s favorite activities are spending time with friends and family, baking, and riding her bike....
📚✏️ Make an Impact by Donating to a 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 Hand sanitizer...