Posts by Brooke Papin

In June, the Hoffman Estates Playhouse started a new Adult Education program, GiGi’s Achievers. The GiGi’s Achievers program empowers adults with Down syndrome with purposeful activities to ensure continued learning and fulfillment of life. This program teaches and promotes communication, self-awareness, independence, health and wellness through community engagement. Each lesson will provide participants with “hands-on”…

Have you heard of LMNOP? Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Through LMNOP, many connections have been made and #BestofAll moments have been shared together. From…

This past month, GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates was filled with laughter, rhythm, and unforgettable melodies as we welcomed the incredible BenAnna Band for a live performance! Families, volunteers, and participants gathered for a morning full of music, movement, and pure joy. If you’ve never experienced the magic of a BenAnna Band show, picture this: guitars…

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, our Hoffman Estates chapter of GiGi’s Playhouse hosted its highly anticipated GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at the NOW Arena Village Green. What a monumental day it was! 🎯 Participation & Reach 💵 Fundraising Impact 🏁 Challenge Highlights ❤️ Why It Matters 🏆Community & Team Spirit Join Us Next Year! Already marking…

GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is Tomorrow! Here Are The Things To Know Before You Go: Tomorrow, June 14thNOW Arena – 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL We are SO close to being the number one playhouse across the GiGi’s Network help us reach our goal! Use this LINK to see the live leaderboards and make a…

Fun with STEM! This past week, we started piloting a new STEM Lab program here at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates! This new and groundbreaking pilot program explores Science, Technology, Engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way. Participants explored the states of matter (solids, liquids, gasses), made hypotheses, and more by combining ingredients to…

On Thursday, May 8th Kendra Scott invited Hugs & Mugs to their Deer Park location for a give back night. From 3-5, Hugs & Mugs was there with Store Manager, Kya, Career Programs Manager, Megan, and Hugs & Mugs graduate and GiGi Ambassador, Kiera! Kendra Scott gave 20% of their entire proceeds back to Hugs…

And that’s a wrap on spring programming! As we near the end of our spring 2025 session for group and 1:1 programs, it is exciting to look back on the last few months and see the incredible growth, connections, and memories that have been made. Whether it was in a tutoring room building upon math…

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we at GiGi’s Playhouse find ourselves filled with gratitude and admiration for the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and love to our mission. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, and without them, GiGi’s Playhouse simply wouldn’t have the incredible impact that it does! Dedication Beyond Measure…

Emma has been a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates since 2017, participating in programs like Speech Therapy, Math tutoring, GiGiFIT Teen, Literacy Tutoring, GiGi Prep, GiGiU, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, GiGiFIT Adult, Games with Friends, and Fantastic Friends. Most recently, Emma has been working as an intern in Hugs & Mugs, preparing for her future.…