Volunteer Spotlight – Robria Smith

GiGi’s Playhouse is grateful for Robria Smith! Robria began as an intern for GiGi’s Playhouse in 2022 as a greeter and program assistant. Robria is now the volunteer liaison and helps onboard all volunteers. Robria is kind, patient, and genuinely cares about the success of the Playhouse. Her support and dedication have consistently been present as our Playhouse continues to grow. Thank you Robria for your commitment and friendship!

“We are so grateful that Robria wanted to continue volunteering with GiGi’s after her school requirement was completed.  GiGi’s gets a lot of volunteers who volunteer for one session which is great, but it means a lot, both as a board member and especially as a parent of a child with DS, when someone wants to continue making a difference in our community for a longer term.” – Lory Lewis, Board Vice President.

Take a moment get to know more about her volunteer experience below.

How did you find GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans? I actually signed up for several volunteer organizations through Volunteer Match including GiGi’s, and GiGi’s was the first to reach out to me. At the time, I was in a rush to get started volunteering and they were quickest to help me get onboarded. I am extremely grateful to have been able to get my service learning experience through them and wouldn’t change it for anything! 

What is it about the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse that appeals to you, personally? What appeals to me the most about GiGi’s mission is that their overall goal is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, and that is exactly what volunteering with this organization has done for me. I had no idea what it would be like working with individuals with Down syndrome. When I was going through my onboarding, I was actually nervous and anxious to start. I remember, clear-as-day, I kept thinking to myself, “What if nobody likes me? What if I can’t properly and correctly assist the individuals with Down syndrome? What if i become an outcast?” But when I actually started volunteering, it was AMAZING. Everyone was welcoming, friendly, and helpful. One distinct thing I remember from my very first day at the playhouse, one of the kids hugged me. It was the first program I had been called in to volunteer for. I was a greeter, so I stood by the door with some of the other volunteers and welcomed the participants. This one particular individual walked in and waved at everyone, then saw me and gave me a huge welcoming hug. I was surprised and at the same time, very happy. Of course, she would not have known, but that hug calmed my anxiety that day and in that moment, I knew I would enjoy volunteering here.

What do you love about being at GiGi’s? What keeps you coming back? When I began volunteering for GiGi’s, I had 60 hours of volunteer credit to complete. So I had a lot of open time to commit. Looking back, having to complete 60 hours of service aided in me getting the most out of my volunteer service opportunity. GiGi’s worked extensively to help ensure I reach these hours. I got the opportunity to experience probably ALL of the different events offered. This included GiGiFit, Destination Discovery, movie nights, and more. Some of the kids made me songs, rapped for me, etc. Additionally because of the hours I needed and limited programs, the organization allowed me to also participate in program preparation tasks like creating and organizing the activities for upcoming events, building the information books available at the playhouse, creating the thank-you bookmarks and packaging/mailing thank you letters, etc. If you’re a student, you likely can agree and understand how life can get very chaotic. Because of this, GiGi’s had became my safe place: no drama, a distraction from school work, no chaos, friendly personalities, and memorable experiences. It was like a second home. That feeling is what keeps me coming back. And currently, I act as the volunteer liaison for GiGi’s. 

Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering? My favorite program memory I have from volunteering was the Spring Movie Night where we got to watch Encanto. Not only do I love that movie, but all of the participants’ families came out and set up tables and chairs. There was popcorn and activities for kids to get into. Everyone was interactive, laughing, coloring, dancing, and just having a blast! It was amazing. It is currently my favorite event offered at GiGi’s and I would definitely recommend anyone to attend if given the opportunity!

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse? If someone is considering volunteering at GiGi’s, I say do it. I wouldn’t change my experience here for anything and I’m glad they were the volunteer site who reached out first. One thing I would recommend is participating in multiple areas rather than one specific role, because you’ll get the most out of it. You’ll get to see and experience other events that you may also find interesting. 

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, you can start by submitting your Volunteer Interest Form HERE. See you at the Playhouse!

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