Illinois Budget Cuts
I attended a legislative meet & greet held at Milestone, Inc. with Senator Stadleman and Rep. Litesa Wallace. This meeting was in held in light of the unbelievable proposed budget cut of $26 million dollars to social services and public health grants to agencies in the state of Illinois. The...
Music, Movement & More
We just ended our second session of Music, Movement & More Class. It has been a wonderful time for each participant. Each child has his or her own developmental pattern of growth. Attending our music class will help to celebrate and explore each stage, fostering joy and creativity and respecting...
Rockford University Intern gives perspective on tutoring
We are fortunate to have interns from Rockford University on a regular basis. They come to GiGi's Rockford excited and willing to learn. Here is Michelle Ladwig's perspective of her time getting ready to have her first Literacy tutoring session with participant, Michael. This is what she wrote: Michelle Ladwig...
Author writes a book in honor of his brother
A Blog by guest writer Benjamin Denen I want to introduce you to the most special and amazing person I have ever met. His name is Josh, and I am immensely proud to be his baby brother. Those of you who have had the privilege of meeting Josh know that...
Local School Makes a Difference
I just received an email from a teacher from Poplar Grove Elementary School. This teacher spear-headed a coin drive in the school in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. She also invited me out to speak to all the classes about Down syndrome and what GiGi's Playhouse provides for the...
Down syndrome Awareness Month
As I sat in my office today, I was scrolling for information on Down syndrome so that I could post something educational about DS. Rather, I was lead to a YouTube video of Heath White. An inspirational man who has a daughter named Paisley. The two have a very special...
The Importance of Swim Lessons
It is very important for all of us to have swim lessons and people with Down syndrome are no different. Please read the following email that I received after announcing our partnership with Catch the Wave Swim Club. Hey Paula, When I was young boy I took swimming lessons at...
Summer Teen Time Begins
What a great time we had at our first Teen Time for summer 2013. We were all greeted by Loves Park Police Office Brian. Brian opened his squad car for us to take a peek at. We even sounded the siren. That sure started the day out right. We made...
GiGi’S Playhouse was Rockin
WOW! GiGi's Playhouse was rockin Sunday night. We had family fun with our friends from Back Country Roads. GiGi's Rockford wanted to kick off Summer in style, how better to start our summer than to have a Rockin Parking Lot Party! We had tasty burgers and hot dogs cooked by our favorite...
Eagle Scout Project Benefits GiGi’s Rockford
Elijah Cummings completed his Eagle Scout project last week. Elijah built a picnic table and two trash can holders. Our new out door area is more complete now thanks to Elijah and his fellow scouts. We love spending time out back at GiGi's whether we are just hanging out or...
3K FUN RUN/WALK BENEFITS GIGI’S – ROCKFORD
On May 18th Belvidere Central Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted their 3K Fun Run/Walk to benefit GiGi's Playhouse-Rockford. It was a beautiful Saturday morning to get up early for a walk or run. We all had a great time with several GiGi families and some of our board members participating. Several of the members of...