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March Happenings!
Come join us for some fun this month at the Hoffman Playhouse! Click on the program title for more information and to RSVP! Events! Volunteer Orientation: Tuesday, March 10 from 6-7 pm Parent U Webinar: Thursday, March 19 from 7-8 pm March Birthday Dance: Friday, March 20 from 7-10 pm World Down Syndrome Day: Saturday,…
Read MoreOur Lovely Ladies in LMNOP!
One of our favorite FREE purposeful programs at GiGi’s is LMNOP, which stands for language, music, ‘n our peeps!! LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children (ages 0-3) through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Moreover, it is a…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month: Beth!
A true volunteer’s efforts are incredible and worth so much, but who better to find out more about our volunteer of the month than our GiGi Professional intern, Kiera? She sat down with Beth to interview her and find out more of her story. Here’s how it went… Kiera: What brought you to GiGi’s? Beth:…
Read MoreHard Work Always Pays Off!
Being good at something right away is rare; practice makes progress and that’s all we can ever aspire to. One participant, Samir, has been working really hard to make that progress pay off! Samir has been busy in speech sessions for the last few months working on slowing his speech and making sure his words…
Read MoreRemembering Nadia
Nadia was a beautiful soul whose life was taken too soon. Family and friends gathered in Hugs & Mugs to celebrate her life. We shared memories and stories of how kind, funny, and thoughtful she was and how her smile could light up any room. Nadia always went out of her way for others. She…
Read MoreLet’s Keep the Momentum Going!
What a great week it’s been! On Thursday, we started the Summer session of GiGiFIT Infant and worked really hard to make it as fun and purposeful as ever. Our particiants never cease to amaze us when it comes to what they can accomplish in such a short amount of time. We can make…
Read MoreWhy We Run for James!
James was diagnosed with Down syndrome the day after he was born. It was a shocking and scary diagnosis to receive, especially as new parents, and we weren’t sure how to be parents to this complex little baby. After the initial shock, we hit the ground running and began doing research. I had some experience…
Read MoreSupport Comes From Everywhere!
The Huntley Fire Department was the first fire department to make at team page for this year’s GiGi’s Playhouse 5K! Some of these amazing firefighters were not even aware of what GiGi’s Playhouse was, so it was great to visit the station with some of our adult interns to show them what we are all…
Read MoreWhy We Run and Why You Should Too!!
Nearly four years ago, I received a prenatal diagnosis at 22 weeks that my son Cody would have Down syndrome. To say I was devasted was an understatement. I was scared and angry and did not want to be a mom of a child with special needs. I felt like my life was over as…
Read MoreLots of Love in a Small Town
My name is Hurain, and I am very lucky to have a brother with Down syndrome named Amad. He is incredibly special to me and has introduced me to a side of myself I might’ve never met. I am also lucky to work for GiGi’s Playhouse and be a part of this family. I am…
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