Making an Impact

Did you know that being in our Literacy or Math programs does not look like a school setting? Look at one of our participants learning in our current Spring session of Literacy! WOW, what an amazing day! Olivia is enrolled in the GiGi's Playhouse, Literacy program in Fort Myers this...

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Stories

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and around here we like to call it Acceptance Month! Let us introduce you to some of our incredible friends!     Chris loves his family and GiGi’s! He spends time swimming, doing puzzles, and playing games with his family. At GiGi’s he has...

World Down Syndrome Day Starting New At Golf Clinic & Fun Day

Our SNAG – Starting New At Golf : Golf Clinic & Fun Day March 21, 2021 on World Down Syndrome Day was an awesome way to T-OFF our RIDE & ROLL GIGIFIT Acceptance Challenge! Great to see so many families and friends on the Course!  We can do anything!  Golf was a success! It was a fabulous day...

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet our new Tutor!

Hi Everyone, my name is Evan. I am a freshman majoring in Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. I love clothes, taking pictures, galivanting with my friends, food, volleyball, and Netflix. After tutoring for about a month so far, I’ve come to learn that I am a positive role model for my students...

Best of All: Erin

GiGi’s tutoring program has helped Erin in many ways – When she first started the literacy tutoring program, she could only read a few words and showed little to no interest in learning how to read.  Pam Garrett, who is Erin’s tutor and GiGi’s Programs Coordinator, has had a great...
Kendall (1)

Finding a Home at GiGi’s

At GiGi’s Playhouse we change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. We are so proud to serve families and help individuals find a “home” at GiGi’s Playhouse.  Today we are welcoming playhouse participant Kendall's parents to share what GiGi’s has meant to their family. ...

Explore beautiful works of art all around the world

Have you ever wanted to take a tour of the Louvre in France or see works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne or the beauty and wonder of the Sistine Chapel?  Well, with thee amazing virtual tours, you can see them all from the comfort of home.  With the links...

4th of July Crafts

Happy 4th of July week!  With the current social distancing and more people planning to celebrate the holiday at home, we want to help everyone liven up their home holiday decor on a budget. Below, we have tons of fun ideas for all ages that can be made at home!...

Parker’s Parfait

Parker and his literacy tutor, John, have been working on Parker's reading comprehension during our Summer Literacy Tutoring session. What fun they are having! In one recent session, Parker, our resident foodie, got to make a 4th of July Berry Parfait (it's not only delicious but healthy too)!   Enjoy...

Summer Fun Resources

Hello everyone, During this time of social distancing and gradual re-opening, we want to help provide fun family resources to keep the kids entertained during the summer.  Below are a few of our faves. Enjoy!   National Geographic Kids Ocean Portal.  Explore our oceans and the beautiful creatures that live...

This week with GiGi’s At Home April 13-18

Below is a list of the GiGi's At Home programs taking place this week along with the links to RSVP to each program.   Tuesday, April 14 at 11 am (EST) Dr. Jay from GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates is excited to see you all! To help you prepare for today’s...

Live Animal Cameras

Hi GiGi's Families, By now, everyone is probably in need of a serious brain break (especially parents). We are here to help! Below you will find descriptions and links to some of the most amazing live animal cams around the country. Please check them out. I loved all of them....