Posts Tagged ‘Down Syndrome’
Volunteer Highlight: Grace V.
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are fortunate to have incredible interns who bring passion, dedication, and fresh perspectives to our programs. Today, we’re excited to spotlight Grace, a college intern from Aurora University who is studying to become a social worker. Grace has quickly become an important part of our Playhouse community. She helps lead several…
Read MoreCelebrating Partnership Through Inclusion: Hugs & Mugs at AIG in Chicago
Hugs & Mugs recently had the incredible opportunity to bring our mission to the AIG offices in Downtown Chicago for a special Customer Appreciation Event celebrating their partners at Marsh. It was an unforgettable day filled with connection, creativity, and community! Before the event, our talented interns worked diligently to create more than 200 custom…
Read MoreParticipant Spotlight: Somer Shares the GiGi’s Playhouse Mission with Her Community
At GiGi’s Playhouse, our participants inspire us every day—not only through their accomplishments within our Playhouse, but by becoming ambassadors for acceptance and inclusion in their own communities. Recently, our participant Somer did just that by speaking to the Women’s Group at Saint Gregory of Nyssa, where she is a proud member. The Women’s Group…
Read MoreWhere Awareness Takes Flight: A Special World Down Syndrome Day Celebration!
We want to highlight a truly special World Down Syndrome Day celebration that brought joy, awareness, and unforgettable moments to one of the busiest places in the world! A group of our talented GiGi’s Playhouse dancers had the incredible opportunity to showcase their skills at O’Hare Airport in partnership with United Airlines. As part of…
Read MoreCelebrating Our Volunteers! National Volunteer Week 2026!
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are able to offer all of our purposeful programs completely FREE thanks in large part to the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise day in and day out. Quite simply, the impact we make would not be possible without them. On any given day at the Playhouse, you…
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 MoreVolunteer Highlight: Debbie-A Decade of Dedication!
At GiGi’s Playhouse, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Their time, energy, and compassion help create the welcoming community our families know and love. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight one of our longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers — Debbie! Debbie has been a part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family for more…
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