Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser
Join us for the upcoming GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 5k! Social media users, this event is designed just for you. This peer-to-peer fundraiser, which literally means involving direct contact or exchange between individuals of a similar rank or position, allows donors to create their own page, share their GiGi's story, and...
It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
“Meet Landon! His grandma, Penny, is our Playhouse founder, so he has been coming here since the day GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford opened 14 years ago. He loves Teen Tastic and literacy tutoring with Miss Kyra. He also loves GiGi’s Kitchen with his papa! Some of Landon’s favorite things are Buddy...
Volunteer Survey
One of the many important puzzle pieces to the Playhouse is our volunteers. They lead and assist our programs, help out at events, and dedicate their hours to us. Another important puzzle piece is always looking for improvements - improving our processes, programs, how we work with participants, community partners,...
It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Kendall! She is 12 years old and has been coming to the Playhouse for 8 years. Her mom, Amy, helped run our LMNOP program, which was one of her favorite programs when she was younger. She participated in Kids’ Club and is moving up to Teen Tastics now! Her dad,...
Happy New Year!
As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on the incredible year it has been— filled with unforgettable experiences, cherished memories, and exciting new opportunities. As 2025 nears, many of us begin setting new goals and resolutions. Our GiGi U participants are no exception, and here’s what they are determined to...
It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Israel! He is 7 years old and has been coming to the Playhouse since he was 4! He loved LMNOP and then moved up to Kid's Club this past summer. He also loves literacy tutoring with Miss Jill. His sister, Gloriana, is his biggest role model. They love playing...
Beef-a-Roo’s Round Up
THIS is the power of community! If you think that everyone who supports your mission has to do A LOT to make a big difference, you are wrong! When a bunch of people start pulling in the same direction, even in a small way, they can change the world for...
It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Katie! Katie is 28 years old and loves GiGi U, Portal Theatre, and Friday Friends! She always stays on task, is hardworking and focused, and has such a calm personality. Katie's favorite food is spaghetti and she loves Disney villains. She also loves singing and country music. Her biggest...
It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Camden! Camden is 8 years old and is in 3rd grade. His mom, Kristy, was the previous program lead from LMNOP until he aged out, then shifted to Kids Club for the summer. Camden always has fun attending those programs and hanging out with his friends at the Playhouse. He loves camping and...
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — PROVIDING THE RUNWAY FOR ACCEPTANCE!
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...
Perks Family Equine Center – Hope and Healing with Horses
GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford had the amazing opportunity to take a trip to the new Perks Family Equine Center! Among the variety of activities that Lockwood Park offers, the equine-assisted learning and therapy that they can provide at the new facility is going to be a game changer from an intervention...
It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey…
Meet Sam! He is 48 years old and has been a Playhouse participant for many years, attending GiGi U, GiGi's Kitchen, and Friday Friends. Sam spreads positivity throughout the entire Playhouse. He loves to help out with cleaning and his favorite things are steak and lobster, dancing, swimming, and hanging...