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National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
In honor of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, read about Nathaniel’s Best of All! Nathanial is a dedicated and enthusiastic participant in the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. Each week, he arrives with his mother ready to learn and engage, demonstrating a strong commitment to his growth. Recently, Nathanial has been preparing for an upcoming dentist visit which previously caused him significant…
Read MoreWalk, Run, Belong: Supporting Families Like KC’s
For the past 10 years, GiGi’s Playhouse has been a second home for the Dallmeyer family. Their son KC and his twin sister Catherine first entered our doors at just 6 weeks old, during a time filled with uncertainty, exhaustion, and overwhelming emotions following KC’s surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome. Colleen, KC’s mom, said: “We…
Read MoreGiGi’s and Midwestern University-Purposeful Partnership
The Hoffman Estates Playhouse has just partnered with Midwestern University. We are pleased to have an SLP graduate student, Rachael, who will be receiving her clinical practicum with us from March-May before she starts her career as a speech-language pathologist. She has a strong interest in AAC, expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language, and play-based therapy, so…
Read MoreGiGi’s 5K-Dash for Down Syndrome
The annual GiGi’s 5K is more than just a race — it is a celebration of inclusion, community, and the incredible strength of coming together for a shared purpose. This fun and inclusive event invites people of all ages and abilities to participate in a 5K fun run, 1-mile walk, and Kids Dash for Down…
Read MoreGiGi Professionals In The Community
This past week, Hugs & Mugs had the incredible opportunity to attend an inclusive craft fair at District 214. It was a day filled with connection, creativity, and community. We were proud to set up our booth and showcase a variety of merchandise from our store. From handmade items to customer favorites, it was exciting to share what we’ve been working on…
Read MoreBest Of All: Malti’s Story
At GiGi’s Playhouse, every milestone matters—and today, we are thrilled to celebrate a very special one. In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, we’re recognizing Malti, who is celebrating his one-year anniversary as a participant at the Playhouse! Like so many of our participants, his journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when…
Read MoreBest Of All Moment: Karen & Robbie
Math Is Everywhere: A Best of All Moment with Karen & Robbie At GiGi’s Playhouse, Best of All moments are the little victories that show big growth—and for math tutor Karen and participant Robbie, those moments have been adding up since 2017. Karen began tutoring Robbie with a simple, practical goal: make math meaningful. They…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Pam & Shelly!
This week we want to highlight and celebrate two of our amazing volunteers: Pam and Shelly! Pam and Shelly lead our GiGiFIT adult class on Tuesday afternoons, and you can always tell they are here when you hear the excited cheers and laughter from our participants coming from the gym. A little about Pam: Pam…
Read MoreMaking Moves On The Dance Floor!
This week’s Best Of All Moment comes from one of our adult participants, Madeline! This past week, Madeline competed in her first Ballroom Dancing competition and received the “Top Student” award for all of her hard work over the past few months. Madeline is proud to say that she competes in five different dances: Cha…
Read MoreZac’s Big Step Toward Independence
At GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates, we celebrate every milestone—big or small—because we know each step represents growth, confidence, and opportunity. Recently, Zac achieved an exciting milestone on his journey toward independence, and we couldn’t be prouder. For the very first time, Zac took an Uber all on his own to attend his Career Program at…
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