Why Your Support Matters: Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month Together
Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month with GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield October is a month of awareness, advocacy, and celebration for individuals with Down syndrome, and there’s no better way to honor this important time than by highlighting our incredible community. As we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month, let’s dive into how...
Top 3 Inspiring Fall Volunteer Opportunities to Embrace This Season
This fall, dedicating time to volunteering for Down Syndrome Awareness Month can be both impactful and fulfilling. By committing your time and energy, you play a crucial role in advocating for a world where everyone is valued and accepted. We are lucky to have a busy fall shouting the worth...
#BestofAll and Exciting August Programs
July was another fabulous month at the Playhouse as we watched participants come and give their #BestofAll during programming! Please keep in mind as you read below, our summer programming and summer schedule will be wrapping up mid-August as we prep for back to school. Sign-ups for our enrollment-based programs...
Meet Dawn – A New Face at GiGi’s
Every GiGi's Playhouse is filled with an incredible team of volunteers each bringing their unique skills and passion to continue equipping all the GiGi's participants to ACHIEVE! Today, let's meet Dawn! “Let’s jump up and down to warm up!” “Now follow me through the obstacle course!” Hmm, you might be...
#Bestofall June and Upcoming July Programs
June was a great month as we watched participants come and give their Best of All during programming! We can't wait to see what July brings us, be sure to read to the bottom to not only help celebrate our friends but see what exciting things are happening at GiGi’s...
Dancing with Joy: An interview with Katie, our Dance program lead
Katie Showing the Dance Class a Tik Tok Dance before they learn it Why did you decide to volunteer at GiGi's Playhouse? I was part of the Scout Buddies program and integrated wellness at Lake Forest High school and absolutely loved it. I knew a few people who volunteered at...
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...
What 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,...
NEW 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...
Thiago 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...
Meet 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...
Why 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...