Sibling Love Leads to GiGi’s

Volunteer Spotlight: Amy

Upon the passing of her parents, Amy and her husband, Steve, uprooted their lives and moved to Madison in order to assume guardianship and caretaking responsibilities for her beloved, adult brother, Christopher, who has Down syndrome. Amy lived in Denver, Colorado for 20 years where she raised a family and developed a fulfilling career in nonprofit management.

Amy and Steve relish the time they spend with Chris, and do everything they can to make his life in Madison fulfilling and inclusive. Amy related that when she began care-taking responsibilities for Chris, “I found myself regularly looking for more diverse and engaging activities, and wasn’t finding much available. It seemed that activities and classes for adults with Down syndrome were limited. In 2016, I heard that GiGi’s was coming to Madison, and I knew we had to check it out. Not only was it free, but it would be offering both educational programs and social activities for all ages. I went to the open house and knew then that not only would Chris become involved, but that I wanted to be active in helping the playhouse thrive.”

Amy began volunteering in 2016 after the Playhouse opened, writing grant proposals to help fund Playhouse start-up expenses for program delivery materials, rent, and staff salaries. She joined the Board of Directors in 2016, and is currently continuing to serve as a grant writer and on the Executive Committee as Secretary of the Board. During her tenure, Amy has raised thousands of dollars each year that allowed GiGi’s Playhouse Madison to fund, hire staff, and offer specialty programs such as the Amina Grace 1-on-1 Speech and Language therapy and the GiGi Prep adult professional development classes.

Early Intervention for youth with Down syndrome is what motivates Amy to volunteer and dedicate her free time to fundraising and oversight of the Playhouse. “When Chris was born in 1977, my parents did not have many resources available to them, and early intervention opportunities were limited. Providing early intervention programs like what is provided at GiGi’s really will make a difference…giving children the boost they need in school, which leads to equal opportunities and life-long independence.”  Amy also said that GiGi’s has been supportive of her family. GiGi’s is a place, “Where families can come together and learn from one another which is essential to providing parents and caregivers the support they need.”

Amy, on behalf of our GiGi’s Playhouse Madison community, THANK YOU for your unwavering dedication and support!

If you have an interest in learning more about a volunteer board position with GiGi’s Playhouse, please email us at madison@gigisplayhouse.org