Volunteers of the Month – Mary & Alyssa

Somewhere between laughter echoing across the Playhouse and the quiet, proud moments of witnessing a participant accomplish something new, you’ll often find Mary and Alyssa – side by side, moving in rhythm like they’ve been doing this forever. There’s something special about the way they show up: steady, joyful, and completely present. Not just as volunteers, but as a mother and daughter choosing, again and again, to share their time, their hearts, and a little bit of magic with everyone around them. For that reason, we are honored to recognize Mary (the mom!) and Alyssa (the daughter!) as our Volunteers of the Month!

.

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Mary currently works for an attorney firm, but has her degree in early childhood education. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, playing with her grandkids, golfing, and spending time outside when the weather is nice!

Alyssa is an occupational therapist and works in the school setting. She enjoys playing sand volleyball, hanging out with her 11-month-old son, Owen, and trying out new coffee shops in the Cleveland area.

How did you first hear about GiGi’s Playhouse?

We first heard about GiGi’s through a Google search. My mom and I both wanted to find a place to volunteer our tie that matched our love for working alongside kids of all abilities.

.

What inspired you to start volunteering, and how long have you been involved?

We have been involved in GiGi’s for four years. Mary wanted to find something to fill her free time, especially in the winter months, that was rewarding and enjoyable. She was hoping that she would find the perfect spot that involved working with kids. Alyssa took the opportunity to be able to spend more quality time with her mom in a new and fun way!

What do you enjoy about volunteering as a mom and daughter duo?

We enjoy getting to spend one-on-one time together. It is fun to see each other thrive in a role that otherwise we wouldn’t get to experience.

What’s one skill or talent you bring to the Playhouse that others might not know about?

We both have backgrounds in childhood education that aid in the teaching and learning we get to do alongside the kids at GiGiFIT. Alyssa specifically has a background as an Occupational Therapist, which helps her to adapt the skills in the GiGiFIT program to that of the participants.

Which programs or events have you volunteered with or been involved with?

We have volunteered with GiGiFIT Preschool and GiGiFIT Kids. We have also volunteered at the Brews & Beats fundraiser and the Drama Troupe program.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at GiGi’s?

Mary loves that it gives her the opportunity to work with kids again and build relationships with all of the wonderful families that attend each week. Alyssa loves that she gets to use her educational background in a fun and rewarding way, as well as watch the participants make amazing growth and progress throughout each session.

What makes GiGi’s Playhouse special to you?

GGi’s Playhouse has given us the opportunity to bond as mother and daughter, while also fulfilling one of our passions which is spending time with kids!

Do you have a favorite memory or moment at the Playhouse you’d like to share?

Our favorite moments at GiGi’s Playhouse are when we see a participant do something they have never done before for the first time, whether it’s using their words or conquering a new skill.

What is one thing you’ve learned from your time as a volunteer?

Mary loves that she has been able to watch other volunteers approach each session in a way that she may not have thought of before and learn from them. Through this, she has learned that there are so many different ways to make GiGiFIT successful for each individual. Alyssa has learned that each kid has unique abilities that can be shown or demonstrated in different ways that may not always be the same as the participant next to them. She has learned it is about finding the right way to allow each kid to shine that counts.

How has volunteering at GiGi’s impacted your life outside the Playhouse?

Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse has made us more aware and accepting of people’s differences. It has given us a new appreciation for differing abilities and allowed us to recognize that we can learn so much from others, even if they may look different than us.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting as a volunteer?

Jump on in and don’t be scared. GiGi’s is the most accepting and rewarding place to be and if you make the most of it, you are guaranteed to have so much fun!

What would you say to a new family who is curious about GiGi’s Playhouse?

GiGi’s Playhouse has such amazing programs and support for families. The staff, participants, and families at each program are truly so warm and welcoming. It is totally worth taking advantage of all of the wonderful things they have to offer, even if you can only attend once a month.

If you had to describe GiGi’s in three words, what would they be?

Welcoming. Accepting. Fun.

What keeps you coming back week after week, month after month, and year after year?

We truly love the people we volunteer with, the participants we get to work with, and the families we get to bond with. They make GiGi’s feel like a second home!

Mary and Alyssa, thank you for the energy, care, and connection you bring into the Playhouse. The impact you’ve made, and continue to make, on participants, families, and fellow volunteers is felt far beyond each session. We are so grateful to have you as part of our GiGi’s family!