When I Chose Hope: Eugene’s Story
When my son, Eugene, was seven months old, I noticed something didn’t feel quite right. He wasn’t able to sit up on his own, and as a new parent, my instincts told me it was time to ask questions. I took him to the doctor, and we were soon referred...
A Year in Review
2025 was a busy year at GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford! As we reflect on all of the wonderful events, fundraisers, and program activities that we experienced, we are reminded that everything we do for individuals with Down syndrome is a direct reflection of the amazing community that we are blessed to...
Welcome home, Brielle!
"Brielle was born on June 1st of this year. Her due date was August 9th. Like her mother, patience just wasn’t one of her strengths, but make no mistake – this tyke is a fighter. Since she arrived 10 weeks early, Brielle presented a myriad of health complexities, including Down syndrome, a duodenal...
And the Winner is…
GiGi's Playhouse Rockford was filled to the brim with gratitude to have received this award at the 2025 annual leadership conference! We are so honored to be recognized for our hard work, and we learned that though sometimes it may be hard, it does, in fact, pay off! We were humbled by the...
It’s the friends we meet along the way which help us appreciate the journey
Meet Michael and Marty! These two brothers have been coming to the Playhouse since the beginning. They have participated in tons of programs over the years, but their current favorites are GiGi U, GiGi’s Kitchen, Friday Friends, Literacy Tutoring, and Amina Grace Speech and Language. Marty has a job at...
Building a Legacy of Love
At our “i have a voice” Gala last weekend, GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford was honored to present the distinguished “Inspire Award” to a couple who has built a legacy of love in our community. The Inspire Award is given to someone who inspires awareness and, through his/her actions, brings about positive...
It’s the friends we meet along the way which help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Briggs! He is 18 months old and has been coming to the Playhouse since he was just 8 months old! His favorite programs are LMNOP and the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. His family participated in our GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge 5k fundraiser last spring in honor of his...
Best of All – GiGiFIT!
Our GiGiFit program leads Laurie and Emma Nelson came to us with some OUTSTANDING best of all stories! They were excited to give shout outs to every participant that has made incredible strides, and so are we! While we wish we could be a part of every program as Playhouse...
Meet Landon!
Meet Landon! He is 15 years old, and his favorite program at GiGi's is Teentastic! He participates in marching band and football at his school. His mom says, "Landon continues to live out his dreams~playing on his high school football team is one of them! Huge thanks to his amazing...
Perks Family Equine Center
A handful of our GiGi U students got the opportunity to participate in a 7-week-long program at Perks Family Equine Center this summer, and it was simply AMAZING! Each week featured a different topic and lesson: Respect, Trust, Leadership, Confidence, Care, Responsibility, and of course, an end-of-session celebration! Working right...
It’s the friends we meet along the way which help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Bailey! Her favorite programs are GiGi U, GiGiFIT, and Friday Friends. Some of Bailey's favorite things are the color pink, Paris, spending time with her mom, and listening to music. Bailey’s dream is to become a Paris fashion designer and visit the Eiffel Tower one day! She is so kind...
Creating Incentives
Henry, one of our Speech Language Pathology interns from NIU, was recently working with Playhouse participant, Elijah. Elijah was having a hard time getting focused...so Henry pulled out a secret weapon that he had gleaned from their last session together. He asked Elijah how much he liked pizza. Elijah didn't answer, but he looked right up at...