Volunteer Spotlight – Wendy Headrick

Wendy Headrick has been a part of GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers from the very beginning.  For Wendy, it all started at a meeting at a local Fort Myers restaurant more than five years ago. She was hooked. After hearing about GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Centers and the amazing work that they do in the Down syndrome community, she knew she needed to be a part of it. For Wendy, this was a very personal commitment. Wendy’s older brother, Barry has Down syndrome. She knew that having a GiGi’s Playhouse in SW Florida would not only benefit the lives of others but of her family too.

Wendy has helped GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers in so many ways. She is most notably known as Barry’s sister and the program lead for Fantastic Friends, a program for adults with Down syndrome ages 18 and older that Wendy has been leading from the very beginning. She incorporates various activities into every Fantastic Friends program, such as music, dancing, learning about different cultures, and teaching them to be more independent through various activities like learning to prepare their own food. Wendy finds creative and encouraging ways to help our adults become even more involved and successful.  One example is the 2018 i have a Voice gala, where Wendy helped facilitate the attendance of many of our adult participants. Wendy has also been an active part of our adult cooking club program. Through her personal journey with her brother and as a special education teacher for 30 years, Wendy has been able to offer insight into how individuals with additional needs learn and how we can better serve them.

Words from Wendy:

I was excited when I first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse Inc. and the programs and services that are offered to families of people with Down Syndrome. One of the first programs implemented was Fantastic Friends.  I’m mostly known as Barry’s sister, I’ve been involved in the area of special needs for a very long time. I saw many needs as he grew up, changes in programs along the way and hope that I have improved lives through my 30 years as a special education teacher. As our people grow and leave the school system, it becomes more challenging to find social activities. Many people participate in whatever their family activities are and I have discovered from Barry, that while he loved his jobs in competitive employment and to be involved in the different stuff our family does…he loves and looks forward to Fantastic Friends. I think it is a time that he can be himself and not always try to fit in with neurotypical peers. We meet once a month and have 13-20 participants. Everyone looks forward to seeing each other and we have all formed many friendships; both friends and volunteers. I totally love my time at Fantastic Friends and have rediscovered my joy of teaching. My Friends just make my heart sing!!

Here is what some of our Fantastic Friends have to say about how much they love Wendy:

“I like the way she works with the group. I like the way she does things. She’s a very nice lady to work with. She always tells us how to do things.” – Kathy

“Wendy is amazing and I love her.” – Kelly

“I love my sister” – Barry

Wendy is nice person, kind and gentle! – Chrissy

Thank you, Wendy, for your tireless support of GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers. We are so happy to have you as a part of our family!