BECOME A PART OF OUR GROWING COMMUNITY:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer. GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, fun and free. Since the first Playhouse opened in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse programs have always been free for our families. Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission act as volunteers in GiGi’s Playhouse programs, events, administrative offices, and on our Board of Members. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, let us know!
We love having jr. high and high school students volunteer here at the Playhouse. What an impact they make! Parents and guardians, please encourage your child to correspond with us independently. Here at GiGi’s Playhouse we not only promote the ‘Best of All’ for our participants, but also for our volunteers. We look forward to hearing from your child and getting them involved!
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Programs
Program Leader: The Program Leader and Assistant play an integral role within GiGi’s Playhouse Programs – to facilitate skill development activities and connect with families. It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and/or training in developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art or a related field.
Program Assistant: Program Assistants assist the Program Leader in delivering a purposeful program. Duties may include helping greet families, arriving early to set-up, capturing video and/or photographs during the program, participating in the activities and more. Program Assistant volunteers need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation).
Host Family: The Host Family attends the assigned program each session to ensure that no family must attend on their own and works in conjunction with the Program Leader.
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome with reading or math skills! The time commitment is 1 hour per week for a ten-week session. We match you with a student based on your availability as well as the student’s, and you can work directly with the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week.
Administrative/General
Clean Team: Come in at least once a month to help keep the Playhouse clean as well as to organize and decorate. This is a great opportunity for youth groups, businesses, etc.
IT: Help with our technology needs. Contact us for more information on our current projects.
Facilities: Help with general Playhouse maintenance, repairs, etc.
Fundraising: Research and meet with individuals/organizations who would like to sponsor or donate to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland.
Events
Committee member: Participate in event planning meetings with focus on specific areas of accountability. This could be a team member that helps to plan and organize the details, such as: researching and securing rentals, entertainment, locations, and food or beverage donations for the event.
Chairperson: Oversee the committee and event, some experience with event/people management preferred.
Fundraisers/Sponsorships: Help secure donations for the events by reaching out to organizations in the community, asking for sponsorship and donations.
Marketing/PR: Write Press releases, follow up with media, create flyers, brochures etc.
Day of Volunteers: Helping with registration and various other jobs needed on the day of an event.
Current Committee Opportunities
Events: Coordinate all event logistics and planning for GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland while working in various sub-committees by event.
Marketing: Help with social media planning, website and newsletter editing, content development, graphic design, blog writing, and media/PR by maintaining local media contacts and writing press releases.
Outreach: Increase awareness about Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse in the community.