An Intern’s Experience
When I first started interning at GiGi’s Playhouse, I was excited because I wanted to experience a new environment and population. I had known that GiGi’s playhouse was a place to empower families and the community, but I have experienced so much more than just that. I am currently interning at GiGi’s Playhouse in Rockford,…
Read MoreMeet Nancy!
Meeting Nancy! Chief Belief Officer & GiGi’s Mom Hello friends, My name is Nancy Gianni and welcome to my blog! OK I know I started a blog back in 2008 but this time I am sticking to it! I have no choice! It’s my own fault, I built this amazing organization with the help of…
Read MoreAn Intern’s Perspective
I have been an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford since January of 2018. I have worked with students in the GiGi U program, tutored students in literacy, coordinated events, and I am conducting my own handwriting event. GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford has given me many opportunities that I would not have been able to have elsewhere.…
Read MorePrenatal Screenings: Your Key to Medical Preparedness – by Jenny Silverstone
Technological advancements like diagnostic ultrasounds, genetic testing, and prenatal screenings have taken a lot of the mystery out of pregnancy, but there is still a lot we don’t know about congenital disorders and birth defects. In fact, a full 70% of them happen for an unknown reason, and 20% are due to genetics. But this…
Read MoreGiGi U 2018!
The next semester of GiGi U starts January 9th, and I cannot wait! We have so many exciting things happening!! The first thing that will be happening is our internship program. This program is for participants who have graduated from GiGi U and are taking the next steps in being a part of the workforce. …
Read More2017 Reflections
What a wonderful year it has been at GiGi’s Playhouse! There are so many great moments that happen on a daily basis that I had to take a moment and look back through all the photos which chronicle life here at the Playhouse. As I began looking through them, I was reminded of how blessed…
Read MoreBelieving in Down syndrome
I found this blog by David Aldridge to very encouraging and filled with hope. I think you will too! James’ dad writes to moms of unborn babies who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome Written by R. David Aldridge If you just found out that not only are you pregnant, but that it is very likely…
Read Morepotty training for our little ones with down syndrome
We have many families that are starting the potty training process and we thought this might be a helpful piece of information. Click on the link below. Potty training and Down syndrome
Read MoreEveryone’s Shoes Can Be Filled
I’ve been part of Rockford, Illinois’ GiGi’s Playhouse board before it was even a board. Six years ago we were a group of parents, grandparents, and community members sitting around a table who all had one thing in common–a desire to help a loved one with Down syndrome. Looking back, it seems much longer than…
Read MoreGiGi U is making an impact
Our GiGi U program has been running strong for one year. Erin Hickman, our GiGi U Coordinator, has been working hard to insure that our students are growing and getting ready for the “real” world. Enjoy a writing from one of our GiGi U students, Dylan. “My name is Dylan Miller. I have been in…
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