One of the most historically significant and beautiful houses in Tinley Park is the historic Fulton House at 16800 Oak Park Ave. I have rarely driven past without giving it an admiring glance, so when I noticed the new colorful sign out in front it piqued my curiosity.
The sign simply says “Gigi’s Playhouse” in bright letters. I had no clue what that meant, but I learned that Gigi’s Playhouse is one of a series of achievement centers for people with Down Syndrome and their families.
There are 15 locations throughout the United States and Mexico, with many more to open soon. The Tinley Park center will surely play an invaluable role in the lives of those with Down syndrome and their families.
As with assisting anyone with a disability, understanding, support and resources are key. At Gigi’s Playhouse, the goal is to improve individuals’ confidence and independence and to help them achieve their greatest potential.
Gigi’s offers more than 25 educational and therapeutic programs based on best practices for Down syndrome that are created by professional therapists and teachers who generously donate their time and expertise. They also provide support, resources and networking to parents and family members so they can thrive as a family.
Gigi’s has created a bright, inviting environment at Fulton House filled with learning activities designed for infants through adults. Most importantly, all of the programs are free. This is another wonderful example of volunteerism making a difference in people’s lives.
Gigi’s welcomes the community to be a part of life at the playhouse. Whether you have a family member with Down syndrome, your time and interest can be helpful. This type of community involvement goes a long way in creating a bridge of understanding between people of all abilities.
This open environment has proved to be successful at Tinley Park’s Garden Gallery and Studio, at 175th Street and Oak Park Avenue, where they serve adults with developmental disabilities. Many members of our community have embraced the gallery and its mission to the benefit of all involved.
To learn more about Gigi’s Playhouse, visit http://[email protected]
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or phone 708-597-7529.With Gigi’s Playhouse, life in the Fulton House continues. When John and Jane Fulton moved westward from New York in 1844 and settled in Bremen Township, they could have never imagined that the house they built would still be a beautiful and useful structure in 2015.
When it was first built, the house marked the northernmost boundary of what was then the town of New Bremen. The Fultons raised 14 children in that house, and members of the family have played many roles in the development of Tinley Park throughout the decades.
When a railroad was being built through Tinley Park in 1852, Mrs. Fulton was said to have opened their home to board and feed the workers for 30 cents a day. Fulton family history also tells of how Indians would come to the homestead and trade the family deer meat for milk.
Much has taken place in that house over its 171 years, and now Gigi’s Playhouse will fill the home with not only a nurturing environment for those with Down syndrome but a place for the community to grow together as well.
Julie Dekker is a freelance columnist.