Unveiling the Heart of Learning: A Tutor’s Testimony at GiGi’s Playhouse

At GiGi’s Playhouse, the spirit of one-on-one tutoring has always been free, but the bonds formed with participants are truly priceless! Han, a first-time math tutor in our Fall 2023 session, shares his inspiring journey and the profound connection he forged with Amanda.  “On the first day I visited GiGi’s Playhouse I was so nervous,…

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Meet Harry Fisher

Meet Harry Fisher. Harry first started coming to GiGi’s Playhouse in 2016 where he joined GiGiU, a comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome comprised of a 15-week instructional program. The skills gained at GiGi U will resonate with graduates throughout their careers. Program leaders quickly noticed something special about Harry…

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Dancing Into Wellness: Meet Our Enthusiastic Instructors, Sabrina and Rachel!

Are you ready to groove and get fit? Well, Sabrina and Rachel certainly are! These dedicated volunteers have generously committed their Wednesday evenings to spearhead our exciting new program—Adult Dance! Let’s get to know the dynamic duo bringing the rhythm to GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates.  Sabrina, a seasoned veteran of the Playhouse, brings a wealth…

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Demystifying Becoming A Math or Literacy Tutor

WE NEED YOU Our Spring 2024 Math & Literacy tutoring sessions will kick off in January and we are expecting a high number of applications from our families. Our tutor applications for the Spring 2024 session are OPEN until January 7th, 2024! The Spring session runs from January 22nd – May 5th. Tutors and students…

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Meet Mitchell

If you’ve been to Hugs & Mugs in the last few years, chances are you’ve met Mitchell. Mitchell has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse since the very beginning, aka almost 20 years! Like all of our interns, Mitchell made his way through the career programs, starting off in GiGi Prep, then graduating GiGiU. Besides Hugs…

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They Threw Rocks At My Daughter And Called Her “Retard”

A Mother’s Story When I was pregnant with Nicole, I did not know that I was going to have a child born with Down syndrome. After she was born, the doctor came into my room and said, “You have a Mongoloid.” I said, “What? A Mongoloid?” And he said, “Yes.” He did not say “Down…

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Welcome Jackie!

We are so excited to welcome Jackie to the Hoffman Estates playhouse as a summer intern focusing on Social Media. If you see Jackie around the playhouse and in programs give her a warm welcome! “Hello! I am a student studying Digital Marketing at DePaul University in Chicago and am very excited to be a…

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