The Impact of Career Programming at GiGi’s Playhouse – Emma’s Experience

Emma has been a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates since 2017, participating in programs like Speech Therapy, Math tutoring, GiGiFIT Teen, Literacy Tutoring, GiGi Prep, GiGiU, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, GiGiFIT Adult, Games with Friends, and Fantastic Friends. Most recently, Emma has been working as an intern in Hugs & Mugs, preparing for her future.

Hugs & Mugs is the last step in our Career Development programs, preparing the interns for independent employment or volunteer opportunities by working on skills that are needed for those opportunities. During each shift, the interns in Hugs spend at least 30 minutes working 1:1 with a volunteer or staff member on one of eight certifications. The certifications are Work Readiness, Professionalism, Counting Money, Point of Sale, Shipping, Inventory, Product Development, and Product Presentation. These certifications work on a variety things from appropriate behaviors at work, how to independently work the register and give change to a customer, customer service skills, to shipping the inventory we sell in the store and online to customers all over the country.

Emma first started in Hugs & Mugs in January 2020. From day one, Emma has been a smiling face in the store, always bringing a positive attitude and eagerness to learn to each shift that she works. This past week, Emma passed her final certification, making her eligible for employment and volunteer opportunities in the community! Emma is currently in the process of applying for Judson Universities RISE program. RISE stands for Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation, and Employment. It is a unique opportunity for post- secondary education for a person with an intellectual disability to get the full college experience. When Emma was in the process of applying for this amazing program, she used the skills and experience gained through her years at Hugs & Mugs as a part of her resume and application. We wish Emma the best of luck, and can’t wait to see her grow in her journey to independence!