A Few Words From Our Founder
Ten years ago we held our first ever “friendraiser” benefiting the future GiGi’s Playhouse Oak Forest (now Tinley Park). It took our team just 17 months to move from conception to grand opening. The entire journey was beautiful. The love and support we received at every fundraiser gave us the...
Meet Our Volunteer Josie!
Josie LaPapa is a Sophomore at the University of Illinois, studying Speech Pathology and Disabilities Studies. Josie is our current book club leader and has volunteered with our book club since high school. She lead book club from her dorm room last semester! This summer, Josie was able to lead...
Did You Know We Offer Literacy Tutoring?
Each individual learns to read and develop literacy skills at a different pace. The GiGi's Literacy Program builds a foundation in whole word recognition, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and improved articulation through one-on-one literacy tutoring adapted to fit the learning style of individuals with Down syndrome. The ability to read opens...
Matt is an Inspiration!!!
Why does Matt love going to GiGi's? A couple years ago he participated in GiGi Prep. This program worked on life skills, math, reading etc. It also concentrated on healthy life styles that included healthy eating, learning about food groups and exercise programs. This program was a huge benefit to...
Our Adults Can Cook!!!
We hosted our first adult cooking club (ages 18+) in our new location in November of 2018. It has evolved to be so much more and has such a special place in my heart. The program started out slow (on purpose) and we made breakfast several times (their favorite foods.)...
Volunteer Spotlight: Tracey Vicario
Hi! My name is Tracey Vicario and I am one of the leaders of the Fantastic Friends program here at GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park! I have been a part of this program since the end of 2020 during the pandemic. We started with online programs but it has been so...
What is Playhouse Pals?
Playhouse Pals is for children from 3 through 6 years of age with a parent/guardian. Participants will interact with, prepare and try healthy snack items, having fun while learning the importance of good nutrition. What makes this program even better is that is co-lead by one of our own participants,...
Meet Our EPIC Leader Tracey!
“My name is Tracey Ardizzone-Droesch. I started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in 2018, after my daughter, Catherine, went to a Teen-Tastic program with her key club at her high school. She loved it so much and, since we both enjoy volunteering so much, we thought it would be a great...
The Power of the Word “Yet”
Learning about all the different milestones a child needs to hit and at what age they should meet these milestones is eye-opening, exciting, and terrifying all at once. We have always focused on what our son could do, rather than getting hung up on what he couldn’t do, or where...
Meet One of Our LMNOP Leaders…Amara!
Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse has been nothing short of fulfilling. I was searching for opportunities to volunteer in the area, and came across GiGi's online. I have worked with children with special needs in the past, and I desire to assist children with communication deficits as a future career. As...
3 Questions with Volunteer Barb Luby
1) How are you connected to GiGi’s Playhouse? In September 2012, I was contemplating retirement (in June 2013) from a long career teaching Special Education students. I wasn’t sure what activities would fill my new found free time. As fate would have it, I met Diane Husar at the first...
What Will YOU Move For?
We MOVE because we believe that Keith’s future is bright and full of potential. We know that with the support of family, friends and GiGi’s Playhouse, Keith will have a happy, meaningful and productive life. We are grateful to GiGi’s Playhouse and all of the amazing volunteers that provide meaningful...