What’s That Heart on Your Hand?
“Hey… what’s that heart on your hand?” I was in my own world, waiting my turn in a Sunday afternoon line at Woodman’s, contemplating my evening dinner menu. Roasted pork loin and acorn squash had just won out in my head as I registered the inquisitive little voice asking the...
Changes
September 12, 2018 Dear GiGi’s Families, I am writing to let you know that I have resigned from my position of Executive Director as of September 21st. Although I have loved my time serving GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford, I have accepted a position with Wesley Willows as their Chief Advancement Officer....
Volunteers at GiGi’s Make A Difference
GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford is one of my favorite places to volunteer. Everyone who works and volunteers at GiGi’s is extremely friendly. The facility is really nice and organized. The best part though, is the people at GiGi’s. They are a joy and there is never a dull moment with them....
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...
Meet 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...
An 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...
Prenatal 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...
GiGi 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...
2017 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...
Believing 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...
potty 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. http://www.reifpsychservices.com/potty-training-down-syndrome/
Everyone’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,...