Volunteer of the Month – Artie!
At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, we are fortunate to have a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers who help make our programs such a success. One such volunteer is Artie, a high school student at Saint Ignatius who has been with us for over three years. What started as a search for service hours has blossomed into a meaningful commitment and a true passion for making a difference in the lives of our participants.
Artie first came to GiGi’s Playhouse to fulfill his confirmation service hours. He had heard about us through friends and family who have connections to the Down syndrome community, which sparked his interest. But it didn’t take long for Artie to realize that volunteering here was about more than just service—it became a source of joy and fulfillment for him.
Despite being a teen, Artie demonstrates a level of maturity well beyond his years. Whether it’s taking direction from Program Leads or ensuring he’s prepared for every program, Artie approaches his work with professionalism and care. He’s the type of volunteer who always shows up on time, and if there’s ever a reason he may have to miss a program, he takes the initiative to email in advance, a sign of the respect he has for our Playhouse community.
In caring for our community, Artie has been an active volunteer in programs like LMNOP and Teen Tastic, where he helps lead activities and engages with participants. He is a quiet and calm leader, and it’s clear that he genuinely enjoys being part of the Playhouse community. One of his favorite memories is the Teen Tastic kickball game, where everyone—volunteers and participants alike—had an incredible time. It’s moments like these that remind us how impactful our programs are, and how much fun we can all have while fostering growth and learning.
Artie has also shared how his time at GiGi’s has opened his eyes to the importance of supporting individuals with Down syndrome. He recognizes the value in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where participants can thrive. Seeing the smiles on the faces of our participants is something that keeps him coming back, and we’re so grateful to have him as part of our team.
When asked what advice he would give to new volunteers, Artie always encourages them to dive right in and interact with the participants without hesitation. His warm and inclusive nature has made him a role model for others, and his commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse has helped shape an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
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