GiGi University is a comprehensive and progressive learning program for adults with Down Syndrome. The program is offered free of charge and focuses on development of confidence, health and wellness, career skills and interests. GiGi University was designed to motivate and train adults with DS to achieve their highest potential. GiGi’s Playhouse is currently accepting applications for the summer session of GiGi U at the Hoffman Estates location. For more information on GiGi U, visit our website at www.gigisplayhouse.org/gigi-u. Take the first step to find success, just like Brian has!

This award honors individuals whose ideas result in profound social change and who execute that change with predominantly private support.  Nancy will be the fourth honoree, following in the footsteps of the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International Darell Hammond, founder of KaBoom!, Jonathan Reckford, and Craig Kielburger from Free the Children.

Dr Kevin Manning, president of Stevenson University says the aim of the program is to salute people who transform society through creativity and innovation and to inspire their students to public service.  This special recognition will be awarded at their May commencement ceremony in Baltimore MD.  Nancy will speak at the ceremony and be awarded her honorary doctorate and an honorarium.  

GiGi’s Playhouse is blessed with an incredible army of volunteers that help us move forward the mission and make a difference in the lives of so many individuals and families every day. This organization is built on the sweat, tears and determination of people who make a choice to give of their time and resources to help make this world a better place for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

When the first GiGi’s Playhouse opened in 2003, Kim Galvan was intrigued by Nancy’s vision and wanted to get involved. As a result, Kim has been a key volunteer at many GiGi’s Playhouse events for the past 10 years.

We asked Kim about her experiences volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse. Here’s what she told us: “I have been volunteering for events for GiGi’s since the opening of the first playhouse. I lost my sister Donna 18 years ago at the age of 13. She had Down syndrome. When I heard about the opening of GiGi’s, my family and I got involved and we have never turned back. I will continue to help in any way that I can. I love the kids and all of the other volunteers that I have worked with. It means so much to me to honor my sister this way.”

The incredible “get it done”, selfless attitude she and so many other volunteers portray as they serve our families is a true inspiration! We’re stronger together and we can’t do this without you! We’re so grateful to have your partnership!

Today we have 16 GiGi’s Playhouse locations in the US and Mexico, and there are 13 more currently in the process of opening!!  Our new locations will be scattered across the US from El Paso to Fargo, New Jersey to Fort Myers and from Phoenix to Milwaukee, extending our reach and our mission exponentially!  Our new startup locations are already reaching over 4,000 new people on Facebook every day, and all plan to open within the next 12 months.  

In addition to this group of 13 committed startups, we have had over 100 more new inquiries from all over the world since Christmas.  Watch out, world, GiGi’s is coming!

With an estimated 23 million people living in the greater New York metropolitan area (including portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania), there is a huge opportunity to expand the reach and the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse to serve hundreds, if not thousands more families.

Our NYC location, located in the heart of Harlem, has been open since 2012 and has seen tremendous success.  Now, two more locations are opening later this year in the greater NYC metro area — Westchester County and Central New Jersey — to help build on that success. These two locations have accelerated faster than any other startups in GiGi’s history!  They are letting nothing stand in their way to maximizing the achievement and potential of the individuals with Down syndrome in their communities.  They will be partnering closely with the NYC location on fundraising opportunities and also events and marketing. This will ensure that they will provide cohesive messaging and outreach to families, donors and the media alike, growing opportunities for all and demonstrating that we are all 

STRONGER TOGETHER!

Countryside School in Barrington Hills is having a 5k to promote health, wellness and goodwill at their school and the proceeds benefit GiGi’s Playhouse!   In fact, 30 of the elementary aged kids came into the Hugs and Mugs store to design mugs and get a tour of the new Achievement Center.  As they pulled up one child was quoted as saying “I can’t believe we are here!  At the real GiGi’s Playhouse!!”   What a gift to have such supportive youths!  There event is tomorrow!  Click here for details! 

Twins, Ashley and Sydney Johnson, from Bartlett high school visited our Hugs and Mugs store for a birthday party and were so touched by the experience that they asked to do a fundraiser at their school to support GiGi’s!!  They brought the mug templates to their school and sold them to 50 of their closest friends who then created fun designs for their own mug.  The twins brought the templates back to Hugs and the interns went to work to produce their mugs!   Thank you girls!!   You made the National Honor society proud!

Come to Hugs and Mugs for a party, to design a mug or water bottle, have a cup of coffee or a snack or just to hang out with the coolest interns ever!  We will be expanding our product line soon so stay tuned!   Check out their Facebook page to see the latest mug of the week!  Or visit  gigisplayhouse.org/hugs-and-mugs

With each step you are helping to educate, inspire, achieve and believe!