friends
Kindness can be found Everywhere
Anne and Jeff were so very excited while they were expecting their first child, Holland Elizabeth. They learned their daughter had Down syndrome and immediately turned to GiGi’s Playhouse for support, but the excitement never faded. Unfortunately at 38 weeks in her mother’s womb, Holland passed away before she could take a breath in the…
Read MoreWhat are you Thankful For?
GiGi U is Thankful It’s that time of year when everyone is asking, “what are you thankful for?” This week, I asked GiGi U participants that very question and their answers truly made me realize how much of a difference we make here at GiGi’s Playhouse! I was pleasantly surprised to hear that most of…
Read MoreThe Life of an Amazing Volunteer!
GiGi’s Playhouse is very fortunate to have the dedicated hard work of some amazing volunteers to keep us going strong! One of these volunteers is Lauren Abry. We had one of our GiGi Professionals, Brian Rogala, interview her in our new GiGi Professional space to find out more about her. Here’s how it went: Brian:…
Read MoreOne Million Voices? It IS possible!
When I think about reaching one million voices, I literally get sick to my stomach thinking, how are we going to make this happen??? It’s impossible! Then I think back to the very first Playhouse and I remember multiple people asking if they could open one. More than one?? I can’t even handle this one,…
Read MoreFriends, Fun & Fitness- Volunteer Spotlight
I had recently returned from living in South Africa for 3 months volunteering at a care centre for children with special needs and was picking up Indian food takeout when I walked by the Hoffman Estates Gigi’s Playhouse. As soon as I got home I looked up the playhouse online to see what exactly…
Read MoreSpeech & Language | School Age Kids
Speech and Language Tips for Playhouse Pals Participants Sometimes finding things to do with your school-age kiddo can be tough. There aren’t always enough hours in the day to research the best ways to help support their speech and language development. Going online, finding a reliable source, creating lists of activities; who…
Read More321 Days of Acceptance | We Are Generation G
March 21st is recognized each year as World Down Syndrome Day. The date (3:21) represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome. On this day, communities all over the world celebrate how we are working together to expand awareness and acceptance for people with Down syndrome. We are Generation G. in three days generation…
Read MoreA Gift of True JOY!!
Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse isn’t just sharing your time, its finding a new meaning to life and being inspired. Learning we aren’t that much difference than each other. Finding courage to believe and spread the message of acceptance for all. It’s becoming generation G everyday! Check out what one of new program leaders and tutor…
Read MoreFall Into Acceptance: Generation G
Generation G is an ongoing journey of global acceptance. Differences do not discriminate. We are all one birth, one accident, one diagnosis or one other defining moment away from being different, or loving someone who may be different. Program achievements at GiGi’s Playhouse are great victories. These achievements do not guarantee lasting acceptance for someone with…
Read MoreWe Love Our Volunteers!
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the 12th annual GiGi’s Playhouse 5K Run/Walk/Dash for Down Syndrome last Sunday, June 14th, 2015. we had almost 2,000 people in attendance, and even with the muddy conditions, we had a fantastic time! The day simply would not have been possible without the hard work…
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