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GiGi’s Playhouse not only creates a space for our participants but also a sense of community. At the heart of it all, our volunteers! They are the ones who make it all happen, creating meaningful connections with our participants, always providing valuable ideas, and committing their time to the mission of acceptance for all. Last…

Our GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities…

The sun was shining, and we saw nothing but smiling faces this past Sunday at GiGiFEST, our 21st Annual Birthday Celebration! Every year, we welcome our families, friends, supporters, and the entire community out to our playhouse in Hoffman Estates. Our birthday celebration showcases to the community all that we offer as an organization. FREE…

We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality.  Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their face. Because of…

Here at GiGi’s Playhouse, we strive to create an accepting environment where our participants, families, and supporters can truly feel at home. Our free programs foster an environment of education and success, each program provides a meaningful opportunity to teach our participants independence and confidence. Over the last few months, we have wrapped up our…

Kiera is a long time participant at GiGi’s Playhouse, participating in a variety of programs like GiGiFIT Adult, Fantastic Friends, GiGiU, GiGi Professionals, and GiGi Ambassadors. Kiera first joined us over 8 years ago when she began her Career Development Journey. She started GiGiU with the goal of becoming employed and her goal has now…

This month, we are recognizing Shelly Collins, a dedicated mom and volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse. She spends her Tuesday’s and Thursday’s here at the playhouse, guiding our adults during GiGiFIT. We asked her to share a little bit of the impact volunteering has had. “The Down Syndrome community has always been extremely important to me…

As the summer sun fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, we’re excited to share the highlights from our 11th Annual GiGi’s Playhouse Golf Outing, which took place at the stunning Ivanhoe Club in Mundelein, IL. This year’s event was not just a celebration of golf but a meaningful fundraiser, supporting our free educational…

Sara has been attending GiGi’s Playhouse before she was even born! At GiGi’s, she has been involved in many of our programs. LMNOP, Leaps and Bounds, Kids Dance, GiGiFIT Kids, speech & Language, math, and literacy tutoring. She will also be attending Kitchen Kids in the fall!  Her recent progress has been imminent through her…

The GiGi’s Playhouse Career Development programs are designed to give individuals with Down syndrome the skills needed to gain independent employment. Hugs & Mugs is the last step in the career development journey for our adult participants. In Hugs & Mugs, the interns work on a variety of certifications each shift that they work. Our…