network with other families
Two Turning ONE
ONE of a Kind Birthday Today, there is so much to celebrate! One year ago, we had an absolute blessing that two baby boys were born on this day, and no they are not twins! Both boys come from different families, both diagnosed with Down syndrome, and were even born at the same hospital! We…
Read MoreGolf “FORE” Steven Wittkowski
This year GiGi’s Playhouse was honored to be a part of the Steven Wittkowski Golf Classic. We were able to set up our booth at the first hole and were educating all the golfer’s about GiGi’s as well as see if they were able to aim their golf ball onto our banner to win some…
Read MoreThe Power of Purposeful Programs!
“GiGi’s to me means two things… 1. Community and 2. Hope. It’s a community for us as parents, to learn from, rejoice with, and even cry with if need be. They understand all the joy and challenges that come with raising our beautiful children! It’s also a community for our children, both with Down syndrome…
Read MoreCommunity moves together for ACCEPTANCE!
The sun and smiles were shining on June 5th, 2021 when our community came together to celebrate our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. This was the first time in over a year that GiGi’s had seen some of our participants and their families. From tossing the football with the retired football players of Chicago to hot shot…
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…
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 MoreMarch 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 MoreGiving Tuesday Events!
GiGi’s Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. GiGi’s Playhouse offers 1:1, group and career development programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more; all of which are FREE of charge. All programs are based on best practices for learning styles specific to Down syndrome…
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…
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