adults with Down syndrome
Getting 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…
Read MoreGiGi’s Playhouse hits a hole in one!
The day could not have been more perfect for our 8th Annual GiGi’s Playhouse National golf outing at The Club of Wynstone. GiGi Gianni flawlessly sang the National Anthem while the American Flag flew over the crowd of golfers, participants, families, staff, and volunteers. A new highlight at the event was the Participant Putt-Off Challenge…
Read MoreHealthy Meals and Memories!
Met our awesome GiGi’s Adult Kitchen volunteer Ana! Hi! My name is Ana Higgins and currently I have the privilege of leading the Gigi’s Kitchen adult classes this summer as part of my dietetic internship. To tell you a little bit about myself, I am from Clarendon Hills, Illinois and I acquired my undergraduate degree…
Read MoreMeet our new Volunteer Rachel!
We are excited to introduce our new Destination Discovery leader and math tutor Rachel Wartell! Rachael will be entering her junior year of college at the University Of Illinois. Her major is special education and minoring in communication. In her free time Rachel enjoys going to the beach, making s’mores at a bonfire, and spending…
Read MoreDetermination and Hard Work: GiGi Career Development Spring Session Celebrates!
Last month we celebrated our virtual career training programs, GiGi Unniversity, GiGi Prep, and GiGi Professional, with a virtual completion ceremony. Students celebrated their accomplishments throughout the Spring Session with interns from Aurora University. Our Students from the E.P.I.C program (Empowered, Participation, Independence, and Community) really enjoyed their Speech sessions with Dr. Jay and doing…
Read MoreLucy is my “WHY” and Will Forever Be!
Getting a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome is scary. Most obstetricians do not present this diagnosis in a very positive light; my experience was like they were breaking devastating news to me. My husband and I were left feeling frightened, uneducated, and alone. I started to research support groups and immediately found GiGi’s Playhouse. From…
Read MoreThe Best Part About Volunteering At GiGi’s Playhouse!
GiGi’s Playhouse is powered every day by amazing volunteers. People who have the heart and passion to help change the world, and uplift the lives in their communities. Volunteers like Kelly Micholson, who has been volunteering in our Hugs and Mugs Café this year. Kelly was so excited to share a little bit…
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