April Showers Bring May Flowers and Fundraising!
By this time of year, the cold - then warm - then cold, etc., really takes a toll on us Midwesterners. We need that renewed sense of hope and energy that comes from longer days, warmer temperatures and seeing things bloom. One thing that lifts my mood is planning what...
GiGi’s Tinley Park WDSD Carnival: Celebrating Our Families!
The annual GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park Carnival celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is a favorite of our families for a good reason! Families gather to have FUN and celebrate the joy that our participants bring to our lives, and our connection to each other. There were games, prizes, a DJ...
A Mighty Village
Parent and founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park, Diane Husar, is set to release her second book. A Mighty Village: Reflections on Parenting, Disability, and Building Community will be available for sale on Amazon beginning on 3/21/26, which also happens to be World Down Syndrome Day. Her main goal in...
Coming Soon: 2026 GiGi’s Tinley Park WDSD Carnival!
On March 18th, from 5-7pm, we will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at our 2026 WDSD Tinley Park Carnival! The Carnival will take place at the Devine Center at St. Julie Billiart from 5:00-7:00pm. This Playhouse-family event is our chance to celebrate all our participants with the amazing families we...
Finding Joy in 2026
"It is not joyfulness that makes us grateful, it's gratefulness that makes us joyful." - Brother David Steindl-Rast I love this reminder from Brother David Steindl-Rast's well-known TED Talk. It flips the way we usually think about things. We often wait for something good to happen so we can feel...
Black History Month Spotlight: John Tucker and Deondra Dixon
February is a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals across every community - including the disability and Down syndrome communities. Representation matters, and celebrating leaders and advocates who break barriers helps expand understanding of inclusion, possibility, and belonging. This post spotlights two individuals with Down...
Girl Scout Troop #65747
Did you know that GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park has a Girl Scout troop? Once a month, GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park is the meeting place for Troop #65747. This troop is made up of school-aged participant girls from grades K through 5. The Girl Scouts website celebrates that "Girl Scouts of...
Creating Belonging, Even On the Coldest Days
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people notice a shift not just in the weather, but in their mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Winter can be a beautiful season, but for some, it brings increased stress, low mood, and a sense of isolation. The sun...
#GenerationG Magazine: Representation Matters
Did you know there is a magazine dedicated to celebrating individuals with Down syndrome? #GenerationG is a yearly publication that was the inspired idea of Franco Gianni, "The" GiGi Gianni's brother. Now in its third issue, the mission of this publication is to "spread acceptance, awareness and empowerment for the...
Sharing Family Resources: CARE Down Syndrome
"According to a survey from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the greatest concern among adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers is the limited access to healthcare professionals trained in their unique medical needs. Only an estimated 5% of adults with Down syndrome in the U.S. have access to...
Serenity in 2026!
At this time of year, many people start to create a list of things they intend to change in the new year. Do you make these types of resolutions? Some of the most common resolutions focus on areas like health and wellness, relationships, finances and relationships, though there are many...
The Power of Showing Up
Sometimes the most meaningful impact doesn't come from grand gestures - it comes from simply showing up. Showing up looks different for everyone. It's a family arriving for a program after a long day. A volunteer who gives their time and heart. A donor who believes in our mission and...