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. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, let us know!
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Programs
Commitment: Varies. Once a week to once a month
Program Leader: The Program Leader plays 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 Volunteers: This person will assist the program lead, and the number of volunteers depends on the size and type of program. Program volunteers just need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation)!
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math skills! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to one session (10 weeks). You will work directly with the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week.
We are actively looking for following to fill gaps in our current programming:
Program Leads:
- GiGiFIT Infant
- GiGiFIT Preschoolers
- GiGiFIT Kids (ages 10-12)
- GiGiFIT Teen
- Kids Club
- Teen Tastic
- Dance
- Music
Program Assistant
- GiGiFIT Infant
- GiGiFIT Preschoolers
- GiGiFIT Kids (ages 6-9 & 10-12)
- GiGiFIT Teen
- GiGiFIT Adult
- Kids Club
- Teen Tastic
- Cooking club
- Dance
- Music
Please email Deerfield@gigisplayhouse.org if you're interested in supporting these needs.
Administrative/General
Commitment: Varied-These can either be 1x week, 1x month or on an as needed basis.
Clean Team: Come in at least once a month on a Saturday afternoon to clean toys, organize and decorate. This is a great opportunity for youth groups, businesses etc.
Computer/Tech/Media: Hook up the copier/printer and come in as needed for computer assistance
Marketing/PR: contacting media for events, help write press releases, create flyers and brochures.
Marketing Communications: Someone who has some knowledge of eNewsletters and graphic design who can help edit our monthly e-mails and social media communications.
Writers: for blog, grant writers etc.
Fundraisers: Research and meet with individuals/organizations who would like to sponsor or donate to GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield.
Events
Commitment: Varied, 1x a week during event planning a few months before event
Committee member:
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.
Decorations: Research and secure rentals needed for the event
Food and Beverage: Research and secure food and beverage donations
Day of Volunteers: Helping with registration and other activities.