Volunteer of the Month – Paige!

Paige has been such a staple to our Games with Friends Teen crew. She allows each participant to authentically be themselves, while also challenging them to achieve their Best of All when it comes to following directions, strengthening social skills, and having fun. We love how Paige meets each individual where they are, and then always knows how to bring out the positive in each situation. For those reasons and many more, Paige was selected as our volunteer of the month!

Tell us about you!

My name is Paige and I am an Intervention Specialist at a middle school. This will be my 6th year as an Intervention Specialist. I enjoy going to the gym and walking in the nice weather. I also enjoy getting ice cream multiple days a week during the summer!

What got you involved at GiGi’s Playhouse?

I would always drive or walk past GiGi’s, and I was always interested in what it was. I then went to the Lakewood Art Festival with my sisters two years ago, and I looked inside through the windows and signed up for a volunteer orientation. After reading more about GiGi’s, I knew it was a place that aligned with my beliefs and values of supporting individuals with disabilities. 

What programs have you volunteered with?

I have been the Program Lead for Games with Friends Teen for the past two years!

Why did you start volunteering?

I started volunteering because I wanted to be able to give back to a great community. I was thinking about volunteering since I graduated college and I finally wanted to go for it! I had extra time in my schedule and I knew I could build in time to give back.

Why do you enjoy volunteering?

I enjoy volunteering because it gives me time to be with the teens in a fun social setting. I enjoy being able to work with them and not be in “teacher mode” in the way of working on academics. I enjoy being able to work with the teens on their social skills with their peers, which I think is very important. Seeing how much they have grown since they started coming to Games with Friends is one of the best things. 

Why do you love GiGi’s Playhouse?

I enjoy going to GiGi’s because it is one of the most welcoming places I have ever been to. Lizz, Mary, and Libby are great to work with. Whenever you walk in the Playhouse, you can expect to be greeted by a smile and many hugs from the participants. 

What impact has GiGi’s Playhouse had on you? What have you learned?

Kindness. I have never experienced being in such a welcoming and kind environment before from all stakeholders – parents, participants, and volunteers! It is a kind and positive environment that when you leave you take all of that with you giving you positivity for days to come. 

Do you have a favorite memory at the Playhouse? If so, what is it?

One of my favorite memories is one of my first times volunteering and playing Greedy Granny with Vivi and Audrey. They did not tell me the granny would jump out and scare you, and they enjoyed watching me get scared from the game. I also enjoyed the volunteer appreciation night and feeling so appreciated from the parents and participants.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new volunteer?

Volunteer!!! Find a program that you like and go for it. It will bring you so much joy and give you something to look forward to. If I am having a bad day or week, I know when I go to Games With Friends it will be turned around. 

As a volunteer, what is one thing you’d say to a new family who is curious about GiGi’s Playhouse?

I would tell any family to attend an event and not to be scared. The Playhouse is a welcoming and positive community for all families at all levels. Everyone at the Playhouse is there to support you and your family, and there are endless programs to support everyone!

Paige, thank you for being a friend to each participant you engage with. It’s clear that advocating for others is where your passion is. We are so grateful for your time, love, and energy given to our friends and families here at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland!