About Us…
GiGi’s Playhouse is  a model awareness center that has inspired other communities throughout the country.

Here at GiGi's Playhouse we celebrate the lives and showcase the talents and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. This builds the individual's self-esteem and confidence as well as that of the parents.

GiGi’s Playhouse is a not for profit Down syndrome awareness center. With multiple locations, we offer activities, resources, educational programs and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. At GiGi’s Playhouse we celebrate the lives and showcase the talents and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. GiGi’s Playhouse is something different for everyone whether it’s a hug, a party, or an educational experience but most importantly GiGi’s Playhouse is a place to belong. The minute you walk in the door you can’t help but smile and by touched by Down syndrome!

We offer activities for newborns, adults and everything in between! Our activities are all volunteer run and offered at no charge to our families.

Bios of our Volunteers. Read why we do this.

More specifically we:

• Provide encouragement, support and up-to-date resource information to new parents of babies with Down syndrome
• Help pregnant mothers with their Down syndrome diagnosis
• Provide a “place” for support groups, meetings, activities, etc…
• Network with parents and professionals
• Provide free literacy classes and create individualized reading materials
• Offer programming for children and adults with Down syndrome
• Offer extended programming for siblings, family, and the community
• Share research, literature, books, information and resources
• Raise awareness through community events
• Help educate schools, churches and hospitals
• Present at national conferences
• Provide multicultural play groups
• Support all families touched by Down syndrome

One of our newest and most popular programs is the GiGi’s Playhouse FREE literacy program. The program offers free tutoring to individuals with Down syndrome. We create personalized books and flash cards and offer parent/teacher consultations. The success of this program and the instant results you see are incredible. The kids not only learn in a way best suited for them, but also have fun while building their self esteem. Currently, we have over 50 students being tutored at the Hoffman Estates location with a waiting list. Our Plainfield location recently began the same program and is growing quickly.

With the help and support of volunteers, donors, and the community GiGi’s Playhouse opened in October, 2003. Just 18 months later our second location opened in Plainfield, Illinois. There are plans to open more locations across the country in the near future.

GiGi’s Playhouse is based on a series of miracles that continue to happen to this day. Thank you for being a part of our miracle!