The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is back!
The challenge is simple, support our Hoffman Estates location and take part in the festivities to show your commitment to the inclusion of those with Down syndrome and all unique abilities! Join us for our 5K run, one mile walk, and a day full of other exciting activities! Registration is...
Farzin’s Blog
Last month, GiGi’s Playhouse hosted its National Gala, which is our biggest fundraising event of the year. As a marketing intern, I had multiple roles for the Gala: ROLE 1: Interviewing Guests I asked guests multiple questions at the Gala.I talked to them while filming and asked why they support...
Our GiGi Professionals in the Community
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we strive to provide not only educational programming, but purposeful programming for individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lifespan. This is where our Career Development Programs come in! The goal of our Career Development Programs is to get our adults independent employment or volunteer opportunities in the...
Daniel’s Story: A leader Making a Difference
Daniel has been a long-time participant at GiGi’s Playhouse, engaging in various programs such as 1:1 tutoring, the Amina Grace Speech and Language program, GiGi's Kitchen, and GiGiFIT. He also spends his free time working at a local fitness club, a milestone he recently celebrated — 13 years on the...
Finding Your Village at GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi's Playhouse we pride ourselves on being a resource of community and support to all our families, but especially new moms. We truly work to ensure that every family feels the love, support, and community that we strive to create. We want to highlight one of the many beautiful...
Beep Beep: Creating Transportation Independence for Individuals with Disabilities.
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we provide FREE programming to individuals with Down syndrome from a prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. It’s such a blessing to see our participants in their various life stages, learning and growing with us each year! As our participants grow and change, so do their needs, and their...
Meet Khushi, Our New Hugs and Mugs Volunteer!
This month, we want to recognize a new volunteer to our playhouse. Khushi started as a volunteer in our Hugs and Mugs Café just this month, working alongside our participants helping them complete their certifications. We asked her what brought her into our playhouse, “I wanted to volunteer at Gigi’s...
Thank you, Kohls Cares!
Kohl's Cares is a philanthropic initiative by Kohl's Department Stores that focuses on supporting children's health and education. Through this program, Kohl's partners with local and national organizations to fund programs that benefit children and families in need. One of the key aspects of Kohl's Cares is its commitment to...
The Impact of Volunteering
GiGi’s Playhouse not only creates a space for our participants but also a sense of community. At the heart of it all, our volunteers! They are the ones who make it all happen, creating meaningful connections with our participants, always providing valuable ideas, and committing their time to the mission...
The Impact of GiGiFIT
Our GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent...
The Most Memorable 21st Birthday Celebration: GiGiFEST!
The sun was shining, and we saw nothing but smiling faces this past Sunday at GiGiFEST, our 21st Annual Birthday Celebration! Every year, we welcome our families, friends, supporters, and the entire community out to our playhouse in Hoffman Estates. Our birthday celebration showcases to the community all that we...
Down Syndrome Awareness Month — Providing the Runway for Acceptance!
We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality. Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis...