The Ripple Effect: Meet Nancy Sovran

What is the Ripple Effect?

A ripple is a wave or series of waves on the surface of water, caused by dropping an object into the water. Our GiGi’s Playhouse mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome by sending a global message of acceptance for all. The individuals who volunteer at our programming are forever changed by our friends with Down syndrome and they walk out into the world spreading love and acceptance to everyone. That is what GiGi’s Playhouse Ripple Effect is all about.

Meet Nancy Sovran

Nancy at Fantastic Friends with two of our wonderful participants and a volunteer!

Meet one of our volunteers, Nancy Sovran. Nancy is our Program Lead for our Fantastic Friends program. She spends two evenings a month with our adults focusing on the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Nancy got involved with GiGi’s Playhouse when she heard about it from a friend in her community. Once she learned about the concept that all programs are free, the inclusion it provided, and the resources GiGi’s gives families, she knew she had to get involved.

Nancy has a daughter Hope who has special needs, who is also involved with Fantastic Friends. Nancy knew from her experience as a mother to a child with disability, that there were not very many resources or programs for adults in this population, and knew this program could make a difference in their lives.

Once Nancy got involved with GiGi’s she immediately saw the impact the Playhouse has on the community. When asked her most rewarding experiences while leading Fantastic Friends Nancy shared, “One of our friends has started talking and sharing a little bit more each meeting. You can tell he feels safe at the Playhouse and knows he is included.”

Nancy’s daughter Hope and her friend Luke.

Nancy also shared that she looks forward to the first and third Friday each month because she knows she gets to hang out with her crew at Fantastic Friends. When asked how GiGi’s Playhouse has impacted Nancy personally she explained,  “Hands down this is the best way to spend a Friday night! It is so rewarding!” When Nancy isn’t volunteering at Fantastic Friends, she is busy as the Executive Director of Wish Upon a Teen, a non-profit providing resources, time and opportunities to teenagers with severe life-limiting medical conditions.

If you’re considering volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse, Nancy exclaimed, “You will love it so much and you will learn about the important aspect that we strive to help our friends to be the best version of themselves. They rock each time they come to Fantastic Friends.”

Nancy has displayed how the GiGi’s Ripple Effect can impact thousands through just one person being a part of GiGi’s Playhouse. She has seen the impact and value these individuals bring to the table and continues to shout their worth to anyone who will listen. Thank you, Nancy for your belief in GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit and your love for our participants!

Now do you want to jump in?

If you want to become a volunteer and be apart of programs like Fantastic Friends just simply register here!