January Volunteer & Program Spotlight

This year we plan to feature one of our programs and one of our volunteers each month on the blog. We hope this helps you understand the background and focus of our various programs, as well as give you an opportunity to get to know the amazing volunteers who help make GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit possible!

January Program Highlight: GiGiFIT Adult

GiGiFIT Adult- Rachel leading the participants.

GiGiFIT Adult launched at our Playhouse this past summer with a small pilot. We were able to roll out this program through a grant we received from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The full program launched with our Fall session. And now we are excited for our next session to begin at the end of this month!

GiGiFIT Adult meets Monday and Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks. GiGiFIT Adult combines physical therapy with a strong fitness focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome.

Chris, Luke & Riley excited about GiGiFIT Adult

The GiGiFIT programs – now developed for all ages – are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.  We have seen a huge change in our adults who participated in the Summer & Fall 2019 sessions. Our adults are making healthier food choices on their own, drinking more water and excited about physical fitness.

Rachel Eckert, the program lead, shared how she loves to see our participants supporting one another during their workouts. She loves this program and has enjoyed getting to know the participants! You can read more of Rachel’s story in this blog post: The Personal Impact of Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit

January Volunteer Spotlight: Kayla Pentecost

Kayla & Riley working together on the exercise balls at GiGiFIT Adult

Kayla Pentecost is this month’s Volunteer Spotlight. Kayla got involved with our Playhouse in November 2019. Once she attended Volunteer Orientation, Kayla jumped right in volunteering at multiple programs. She has volunteered at Open Play, GiGiFIT Adult, Art Explosion and helped with administrative tasks – all in the last couple months! Kayla is always willing to jump in where help is needed. We are excited to announce that Kayla will be leading GiGiFIT You & I this Winter! Her positive attitude around the Playhouse is amazing.

Kayla shared with us the reason what she loves most about GiGi’s Playhouse:

“I really love how GiGi’s is a community. Everyone is always so friendly there. Every time I visit GiGi’s I am instantly put in a better mood. I wanted to find a place to volunteer and dedicate my time that would benefit others. GiGi’s has been the perfect place!”

We are so thankful for her continued support at our programs and her excitement about GiGi’s Playhouse! Thank you Kayla!

Now do you want to jump in?

And as always, if you’d like to join the exciting momentum we’ve built over the past year, we are always in need of volunteers!  Simply register here and we will get in touch!