February 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! February we are focusing on one of our early learners program, LMNOP!

February Program Spotlight: LMNOP

Do you know what LMNOP stands for? Some may think it’s just the alphabet, but each letter has a specific meaning to our early learners program.

L stands for language: At this program we focus on basic sign language that will allow your child to communicate with you long before they say their first word. We also will focus on other language elements that will help your child communicate with you!

M stands for music:  We focus on singing different songs and we also will add sign language along with it! Even though your child will have so much fun during the program, they will not even realize all the educational and therapeutic elements built in!

N, O & P stand for – N’ our peeps! We love having this program for your child to get to know others in their same age range. We have seen the relationships not only develop between the kids, but also their caregivers. It is a great opportunity to develop those relationships and start creating life long friendships!

LMNOP meets on the first & third Saturday each month at 10am. This program is recommended for birth through 3 years of age. Grab your little one, bring your signing voices and get ready to make some awesome friends!

February Volunteer Spotlight: Kelli Robinson

Kelli & her family!

This month’s volunteer spotlight is Kelli Robinson. Kelli co-leads our LMNOP program. Kelli has a background in special early childhood and she has the sweetest singing voice, which makes her a perfect lead for this program! Kelli’s knowledge and expertise makes LMNOP so valuable to our participants and an enriching experience for all who attend. Kelli also has attended a number of our fundraising events! At our annual Rock N Roll for Charity event, Kelli sings with one of the bands! We asked Kelli why she loves to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and she shared:

Kelli’s daughter playing with her friend Lucy

“I love connecting with GiGi’s families. There is something magical about the way music draws in the kiddos and gives us a platform to enhance language and skills with the babies and toddlers. I also love that I can bring my daughter with me! I love that I can model what it looks like to volunteer and to help others. The relationships she has developed with the participants is so special.”

Kelli is a mother of four and still finds time to volunteer at GiGi’s! We are so thankful for you Kelli!

Now do you want to jump in?

And as always, if you’d like to join us in changing the way the world views Down syndrome, we are always in need of volunteers!  Simply register here and we will get in touch!