The Amazing Cookie
Collette Divitto has invented a cookie that she dips in cinammon. Yum! Her friends and family told her they were so good that she should sell them and that is exactly what she has set out to do. Collette was born with Down syndrome and faced multiple obstacles in finding...
GiGi’s Playhouse is Everywhere!
While watching the Purdue vs. Villanova basketball game, what commercial was played? That is correct, a GiGi's Playhouse commercial aired during the game on the Big Ten Network. How amazing is that? Everyone should keep an eye out on their televisions because cable is recognizing that we are here, educating,...
Taking Action and Changing the World Together!
It is amazing to see how our voices are heard when we unite and become one. With 250 team members representing 39 Playhouses and start up groups as well as ambassadors from more than 15 corporate sponsors and partners, GiGi's 2016 conference was a complete hit! Fox Valley had a...
Maria Dellapina: Down Syndrome Awareness Month Hero
Maria Dellapina is an optician and a mother to a daughter with Down syndrome. Maria saw her daughter experience discomfort with her glasses because of the way they did not rest on her nose properly. Maria's company is called, Specs 4 Us, and below is a link to her invention...
Argentina’s First Teacher with Down Syndrome
Noelia Garella is Argentina's first teacher with Down syndrome. She teaches Kindergarten and has exceeded expectations. Below is a link to a video of Noelia and her colleagues, telling her story. Stereotypes are not facts. Stereotypes are your challenges, to prove that you have as much potential as the next...
October is Down Syndrome Acceptance Month
How beautiful it is to see how a united community can bring about change. During the first few days of the month of October, I have seen the media advocating for Down syndrome. It has been amazing to see how united as one our voices are heard and the month...
In Honor of Down Syndrome Acceptance Month
On Oct. 5 at Chicago City Hall, Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a proclamation recognizing October as Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, helping to shift the focus from awareness to acceptance nationwide. He was joined by (left to right) Diane Urhausen, executive director of the National Association for Down Syndrome; Colleen Mueller,...
Waubonsie Football Game, 9/23/2016
Our amazing Dance at GiGi's dancers as they danced to 'Born this Way'. Such a fantastic night. Then we got to join the dance teams from the 3 Naperville Valley HS for the 400 kicks fundraiser part of "Kickin' For GiGi's". Our dancers were then presented with the check! It...
Intern Fun
Last Saturday, September 17th, I experienced the opportunity of representing GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley, at a resource fair. The fair was held at Prairie Children's School and many other organizations were there too. It was exciting being on the other side of the table, informing guardians about what we do...
Born This Way Episode of the Week
Did anybody catch this week's episode of Born This Way? Rachel conquered her fears and joined her friends on a camping trip. This trip was not like any other because White Water Rafting was on the agenda. Every day is an opportunity for new experiences and new is not always...
Are You Ready For Another Intern, Fox Valley?
Hello everyone! My name is Courtney Caliendo and I am one of the new interns here! I attend Aurora University and am a senior, in the social work program! I am thrilled to be here and ready to work hard to help keep the playhouse going strong! I look forward...
Last Day as GiGi’s Fox Valley’s Intern
As I sit here reflecting on my time as GiGi's Playhouse's latest intern I wonder how the summer flew by! I began this journey in early June and will now be heading back to fall classes at Northern Illinois with more motivation than ever before to pursue my masters degree in...