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A PLACE TO PLAY Jeanhee Choi Hoffman, the force behind the newest GiGi’s Playhouse location
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ay 5, 2015 is one day Jeanhee Choi Hoffman will never forget. It’s the day she toured GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, Ill., along with her mother Sung Sook Choi, sister Yonhee Choi Gordon and brother Sam Choi. Walking around the brightly colored center that Jeanhee describes as “Disney World for Down syndrome families,” she was enchanted by the “truly magical place.” Jeanhee, 45, saw her mom at ease among all the kids and adults who were participating in activities from cooking and karate to one-on-one tutoring. Her mom had experienced all the challenges and considerations of parenting SIBLING SUPPORT Jeanhee’s efforts are inspired by her brother, Sam. a child with Down syndrome. “For the first time in her life, she didn’t have to explain,” Jeanhee says, tearing up as she thinks back to the day. “I’ve never seen Mom so relieved.” Her brother GiGi’s Playhouse was started in the Chicago suburbs in 2003 by a Sam, 41, was timid during the tour until he went into Hugs + Mugs. mom who wanted to create a welcoming place for Down syndrome Seeing the adjoining retail store and coffee shop that’s staffed by kids and adults and their families. The programs for infants all the adults with Down syndrome, Sam told his mom and sister, “I want to way up to the adults are all meant to be educational and therapeutic work here.” Days later, back at her Southern Village home, Jeanhee – and they are free of charge. Around the time Jeanhee began her told her husband all about the visit. “He looks at me and says, ‘When work back in Chapel Hill, her brother Sam enrolled in GiGi Prep, are you opening one here? It’s coming out of your pores.’” Not two and upon completion, GiGi University, in Hoffman Estates. He months later, Jeanhee announced the launch of the Triangle’s own graduated from the 12-week program in November and will start his GiGi’s Playhouse. internship at Hugs + Mugs not long after. Sam’s just one of thousands 44
chapelhillmagazine.com December 2015