Posts by Shannon Kerin
My Journey to GiGi’s Playhouse
Serving others has always been a passion of mine. I think that’s how I ended up in the field of Early Childhood Special Education, and most recently, GiGi’s Playhouse. I remember vividly riding my bike at age 10 to a non-profit in my small town that supported childhood cancer. I would tirelessly make copies and…
Read MoreWhat Has 2023 Meant to Us?
The GiGi’s vision has always been to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and community. We are so grateful for the incredible relationships we have built in our community this year. Through the support of a strong and inclusive environment, challenges can be transformed into…
Read MoreNEW Partnership with EDP and GiGi’s Wrapped Truck
With October recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Chicago-based EDP – one of the largest propane marketers in the U.S. – has partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse on an initiative to help change the way the world views Down syndrome. On Friday, October 27, EDP unveiled a custom-wrapped propane delivery truck (“bobtail”) at the GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreThiago the Leader!
The benefits we have received from GiGi´s Playhouse Deerfield are invaluable. I still remember the first time we arrived at the house. We felt really welcomed, that made us feel really embraced and surrounded by amazing people since day one. Thiago was 6 months old when we were invited to the LMNOP class by his…
Read MoreMeet Marjorie
It was 11:45am on Monday July 18, 2022 when my doctor called with the results from my NIPT bloodwork. My former OB had just stopped delivering so I had to switch doctors and I met this lady like once, so she didn’t know me very well at all. Anywho, she called and was sounded super…
Read MoreWhy We Run for Acceptance… Conner’s Space Rangers
“Acceptance is Conners friends at school loving to play with him because of who he is. Yelling his name in excitement as he walks up the sidewalk. Acceptance is his friends asking why he can’t talk/ride a bike/or whatever other question they have and simply saying “Ok” and creating a way to involve him. Acceptance…
Read MoreProgram and Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
Founded in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse Inc.’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. All programs are free and are therapeutic in nature. Each one of our programs is designed to work on specific skill…
Read MoreOur First Ever #GenerationG Award Goes To…
Hello! If you don’t know me, I am the Site Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield and the only employee overseeing our incredible volunteers, programs and participants. Our mission at GiGi’s is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, the kids and adults we work with put so much love into the world and…
Read MoreNonprofits Work Together to Create Heart Safe Space
GiGi’s Playhouse in Deerfield is proud to be working with Big Dreams for Little Hearts on ensuring a heart safe environment for our participants, families and volunteers. Big Dreams for Little Hearts will be donating an AED machine and training to GiGi’s Playhouse on December 30th. GiGi’s niche is supporting individuals with Down syndrome in…
Read MoreWhy I Trek Through Construction Traffic Every Friday – Chereesca’s Gala Speech
My name is Chereesca Bejasa. It’s a big honor to share my story with you tonight. I’m the proud mom of Bodhi, whom many of you know, and if you don’t, then you must not know Jill Rabin. Seriously, Bodhi appears on her Instagram hundreds of times more than my own. If you don’t know…
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