Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Gigi's Playhouse

Patch talks to Gigi's Playhouse about its unique achievement center for those with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Patch: Tell Patch a little bit about your organization!

Gigi's Playhouse: GiGi’s Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. GiGi’s Playhouse offers more than 30 therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more; all of which are free of charge. Programs are created by professional therapists and teachers who generously donate their time and expertise.

All programs are based on best practices for Down syndrome learning styles, and customized to ensure individual success. GiGi’s Playhouse actually serves infants through adults. GiGi’s Playhouse is headquartered in Hoffman Estates, IL and has 23 locations throughout the United States and Mexico, with more opening soon. GiGi’s Playhouse makes a difference every day. Our unique points of difference empower individuals and their parents to achieve their greatest potential with confidence, independence, and joy. We have a “place.” We will never let location be a barrier to success.

We have “programs.” We will never let curriculum be a boundary to achievement. Most importantly, programs are free. We will never let cost deter our families from participation or impede the achievement of our children and adults.

Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the local community?

Gigi's Playhouse: Our organization provides free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We also provide community outreach and awareness to ensure individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their communities.

Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Gigi's Playhouse: Our organization is continuously looking for new and consistent community partners to support our financial and volunteer needs as well as provide job opportunities for our adults with Down syndrome.

Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Gigi's Playhouse: Our vision is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.

Image via Shutterstock