Cheers to 8 years!

The Chicago location was the fourth playhouse to open their doors back in 2010! Eight years later we have more than doubled our space from the renovation in 2016, we’ve got over 14 programs running strong, 500 families living in our community, and over 400 hours of volunteer service a month! Those are incredible numbers and we can’t wait to celebrate all that we have achieved in these short 8 years. We’ve accomplished so much since that expansion. We were one of 8 playhouses to pilot the Amina Grace Speech and Language program. Our literacy program has been completely revamped. The ever popular LMNOP program is back and led by two Speech and Language Pathologists. Many of our programs continue to grow in participant attendance and our amazing volunteers are always looking for new ways to improve their lesson plans!

The Playhouse after expansion

The Playhouse before the expansion

We’ve got big plans

GiGi’s Playhouse in Chicago has come a long way since 2010; and we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. One of the reasons why we have been so successful is because of our drive to do better. We will continue to strive to meet the needs of those in our communities as best we can. Many of the participants in our teens programs are no longer teens. GiGi U is a program we are working towards bringing to our playhouse so that this population has more meaningful programs and activities that will help them progress to their most independent adult life. We also have a small committee working to revamp our adult program. In the past our adult program was primarily focused on socialization, and while there is purpose in improving these skills, we feel like we could add more to the program; set the bar higher for our adults. We look forward to rolling that program out sometime after the new year.

Thanks to you!

It is no secret that we keep all of our programs completely free to the participants and that they are ran by volunteers. We would not have been able to keep our doors open this long if it hadn’t been for our incredible community and GiGi’s Chicago family! Thank you to the families who stick around the playhouse when a new mom comes in and gives them a little extra support. Thank you to the volunteers who give up their time and resources to help individuals with Down syndrome. So many of our new volunteers don’t really know much about Down syndrome but they are eager to find out. Thank you to them for spreading #GenerationG. We really appreciate those of you who check out our wishlist and drop off items we’ve asked for, or companies that make donations. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who fundraises on our behalf. We are so blessed to be part of such a great community. Please come out to the party on the 21st so we can thank you in person!

Come Celebrate with us!

We hope that you will come to our Anniversary party on October 21st from 11:00am – 2:00pm. If the weather is nice we will be outside, across the street from our playhouse on Lincoln Ave. Stop by for some food, pumpkin decorating, live music, and an opportunity to get to know your GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago family a little better! Check out our calendar for more information. Thanks again and cheers to many many more years as your GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago!