adults with Down syndrome
February Career Programs
David Arias is a shining star at Hugs & Mugs- literally. His smile can light up any room he walks into, and will instantly win you over with his warm grin. David’s friendly personality and hard work ethic make him the most incredible team member at Hugs & Mugs. David first started at GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreThe Magnificent Mile Light Festival
GiGi’s Playhouse had the privilege to be a part of the Magnificent Mile Light Festival this year. We got to walk alongside so many foundations and groups. In the cold air, we were able to spread our holiday cheer like wildfire. We passed around hot chocolate with stickers to inform people about GiGi’s as well…
Read MoreTrick or Treat Week
With Halloween around the corner we wanted to celebrate the spooky holiday with a Trick or Treat Week! From Fantastic Friends to LMNOP! We had so many people in our playhouse dressed in costume to celebrate and play games! At Fantastic Friends we had toilet paper mummy roll, spooky music, and pumpkin crafts! Everyone was enjoying…
Read MoreGiGi’s Annual Golf Outing
This week GiGi’s Playhouse hosted their annual Golf Outing, and we could not be more thankful for everyone attending and coordinating this event. Originally, the golf outing was scheduled for August, but due to weather conditions we had to reschedule for October 10th and what a perfect day it was! The day was filled with…
Read MoreGrab a Buddy and take a Walk
American Society of Anesthesiologists invited GiGi’s Playhouse on a Buddy Walk with their staff members. The day was filled with gelato, games, and a perfect day to be outside. The individuals from GiGi’s Playhouse were so incredibly thankful for the chance to spread the word about GiGi’s and play so many games together as friends. The…
Read MoreLots of Love for Hugs and Mugs
Today we were very lucky to get to know more about our very own Ramsin who interns at Hugs and Mugs. He has been interning for over 4 years. Ramsin earned all of his career skills when he graduated from GiGi Prep and GiGi University. At our GiGi Prep and GiGi University, our students learn…
Read MoreGetting to Know Farzin
Our GiGi’s Ambassador Program continues to work on creating their own blog for readers to get to know our participants a little more. Farzin has been a part of GiGi’s for over 10 years. He said he has gained a lot from our tutoring program and working with our very own volunteer Tom. Megan, who…
Read MoreGetting to know Aubrey
If you have attended LMNOP, GiGi Kitchen Adult, or even stepped into GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, you may have seen Aubrey’s smiling face around the playhouse. Aubrey is one of GiGi Ambassadors and she has a heart of gold. She is always willing to give a helping hand and participate in any program at…
Read MoreGiGi University completes an extraordinary year!
Meet the GiGi Prep Graduates! We have had many new families enrolled in our GiGi University Program. Families like Nick Sables who is a GiGi Prep student. Nick completed GiGi Prep December 15th in a in person ceremony at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates with his classmates. He will then begin GiGi University in January. Nick…
Read MoreThose who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it for themselves.
If you meet Tom Shuff you cannot help but smile at his infectious personality. He walks into a room and lifts people up immediately with his encouraging words, especially to the participants at GiGi’s Playhouse. His signature phrase is “Bam Baby” is heard throughout the playhouse when volunteers as 1:1 math and 1:1 literary for…
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